Re-opened Welwyn pub is mane attraction

LOCATED conveniently between Welwyn and WGC, The Red Lion has always been a popular haunt with regulars as well as travellers passing through looking for a drink and a meal.

Some managers and landlords might be happy to stick with that, riding out the recession before even thinking about an extensive refurbishment.

But not Red Lion general manager James Warrillow.

James has just helped oversee a �500,000 refurbishment to the 18th century watering hole, and this Friday, sees the grand re-opening.

“I’m really proud and excited,” said James. “I think we’ve created a pub that’s accessible to everybody, and that’s a great thing.”

James said The Red Lion caters for all kinds of pubgoer – from those who like a quiet pint, to couples looking for an intimate dinner date or families going out for a weekend meal.

“There’s people who want a pub to be a pub, and there’s people who want a bite to eat and enjoy that gastropub feel,” James said.

“So we’ve kept the bar area and made it warm and inviting, with a really good range of quality beers.”

The menu, meanwhile, has been completely overhauled. “My head chef Ryan is exceptional, and he wants to mix his menu up along with serving the basics,” said James.

“You can get a burger, but it’s put together properly and with care.

“And we’ve got more adventurous things like venison and calves’ livers. It’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable to try something new, and of good quality.”

Quality, in a nutshell, is what James believes to be the secret to any pub surviving through the credit crunch.

“If you do it right and deliver a good product you can still make money,” he explained. “There are people out there who still want to go out and have a great time.”

? The Red Lion is holding a pre-opening party tomorrow night (Thursday). To book a place, visit www.redlionredlion.co.uk