Beautiful Food, Real Ales & Wonderful Surroundings.
The Red Lion is a warm and welcoming friendly pub run by Gavin, Nicky and their team. Nestling at the foot of the South Downs in the beautiful village surroundings of Willingdon, you can enjoy delicious freshly prepared food and well-kept beers. The Red Lion is famously mentioned in George Orwell’s novel “Animal Farm”. We also welcome accompanying children and well behaved dogs
We offer a children’s menu with a variety of healthy options, and young guests who finish their meals will receive a complimentary ice cream dessert. Why not visit us to soak up the ambiance with a drink and a meal, relaxing in our bar and restaurant?
When the sun is shining, there is nowhere nicer to wish away your afternoon other than in our south western facing beer garden.
Feeling the chill? Enjoy the cosy village pub atmosphere with our log burner, which keeps the pub warm throughout the winter months
The Red Lion is located off the A22 into Eastbourne. The nearest train stations are Hampden Park (1.3 miles), Polegate (1.8 miles) & Eastbourne (2.5 miles).
Join us to sample our delicious menu, as seen below!
Book your table using the 'Book Now' button, and see our Eat Page for all of our menus.
Join us to experience our carefully curated drinks menu and sample the Hall & Woodhouse famous Badger Beer
It was deep in Dorset’s rolling hills and patchwork fields, in 1777, that local farmer Charles Hall brewed our first beer. A union of the Hall & Woodhouse families soon followed and the story of Badger Beer had begun.
To create the distinctive character of our delicious Badger Beers, Hall & Woodhouse combine hops and malted barley with pure spring water which has been filtered naturally through the Cretaceous chalk downs of Dorset. Our comprehensive range of cask beers, all with distinctive characters, is available throughout the year, although our offering does vary seasonally.
Check our events page for any upcoming themed evenings and seasonal offers. We can cater for your intimate dining events and functions.
See our EventsPlease feel free to book in advance for your visit to ensure you have a table exactly when you wish – using our Book Now button.
Please be advised that the enquiry is not confirmed until you receive a confirmatory email or call from a member of staff. Until this happens the enquiry will not be placed in the diary.
Should you wish to call – please try 01323 502062 and we will be happy to speak to you. At busy times we may be unable to answer, but we endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.
Temptation on my doorstep. No matter what the time of year I am always tempted to pop into the Red Lion. Can always guarantee a warm welcome. Excellent service and good food. No matter how busy the staff are they are always helpful. Just popped in for a drink but its never just a drink. Always tempted by the food on offer whether its a snack or a meal. Today was no exception. A simple drink in their beautiful garden became a drink plus snack..Maybe blinded by the beautuful weathet and it being a local it was simply a delight. The atmosphere was wonderful, the weather perfect, the drink hit the spot and the food as always was brilliant.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g503769-d1869550-r951461405-The_Red_Lion-Willingdon_Eastbourne_East_Sussex_England.html on TripAdvisorAfter a disappointing Sunday lunch booking for my fathers 70th birthday elsewhere locally, we arrived at The Red Lion at 2.15 on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, without a reservation, hoping for a sunny spot in the garden and a roast dinner. The staff were accommodating, charming and exactly everything you could possibly hope for. Despite the fact they were clearly busy, we were offered a perfect table and served the most fabulous Sunday roast. In hindsight, I wish we had just booked The Red Lion in the first place. Wonderful customer service, wonderful garden and wonderful food. Thankyou all for saving the day for us and being totally unaware that you did xx Date of visit: April 2022
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Profile/adisneyfan on TripAdvisorWe had the most amazing family meal for 24 at The Red Lion Willingdon last week. All the food was superb, and the service was exemplary. Everything was served exactly as requested, excellent quality, piping hot and with a smile. The whole back room was put aside for us, well decorated, warm and friendly. I would wholeheartedly happily recommend for any events large or small. One of the very best venues in town for this size event. Thank you to the whole team. Date of visit: January 2023
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Profile/ianlX1482SM on TripAdvisorThe Red Lion is our favourite gastro pub in Eastbourne. The landlord and his staff are very friendly and efficient. Nothing is too much trouble. We were a table of 10 and our food arrived all at the same time and was piping hot. Always beautifully presented and very generous portions. And very tasty. Their roasts are fantastic value with the meats and veg perfectly cooked. And their liver and bacon is tender and tasty. We will definitely go back soon. Date of visit: November 2023
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Profile/Sapphie231069 on TripAdvisorAnother excellent meal at the red lion. Freshly cooked fish and chips and delicious belly of pork, with polite and attentive staff. What more do you need from your local. Date of visit: January 2024
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Profile/B1180YAstever on TripAdvisorBeen several times and consistently excellent food . Love eating here as food is really superb - very friendly and helpful waitress last night - 13th Feb Date of visit: February 2024
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Profile/KTcomments?fid=244eceb7-4fcc-46bf-99c4-13bf9eb8c63e on TripAdvisor