Red Lion, Garsington, Oxfordshire

There was still snow on the ground and the steep pavements of Garsington village were iced over.  “Is the Plough re-opened?” I asked the teenage bartender of the Red Lion.  “No, it’s someone’s house now.”  A pity, but it saved me the treacherous 1/4 mile there and back.

The lion reminded me of a fishing lodge with its odd layout separating the two bars and the strange hallway along the car park side toward the loos.  The garden has a splendid view out over the hills and they have one or two ales on despite the limited stock in general.  I think youngsters enjoy the place more than mature adults but they had Doom Bar, well-kept and reasonably priced to go along with the Jeremy Kyle show.