The Red Lion - Welwyn Hatfield

We booked this establishment back in September, after experiencing a superb meal. Little did we know that the property was to change hands even though a £10 non refundable deposit per person had to be paid in advance and menus chosen. There had been no communication by the new owners explaining the situation therefore, we had no reason to believe anything had changed. On the night I started to get concerned when there was only 1 or 2 persons in the restaurant section. However we all entered were greeted and shown to the table. To begin with, we had to ask if the music coming from a speaker, being directly beside our table could be turned down (unable to converse or hear it was so loud). This took 3 requests. All dining had been previously booked (with the previous owners) therefore we expected to get what we ordered. When the starters arrived, one of our party who ordered soup received a third of a small bowl full. This was returned and a full bowl was received. The prawn and avocado cocktail arrived minus any avocado whatsoever. The main courses xmas dinner turkey or pork loins arrived. Well, eack turkey dinner had a variety of vegetables some had sprouts others didn't. Some had one sort of cabbage others had different. The meat was dry however the roast potatoes were passable. The two having pork loins had the meat on a large pile of mustard mash AS WELL AS roast potatoes. The meat I was advised, was tough and unpleasant and left. The deserts were a joke. Xmas puddings were circular and about 2 wide and half to three quarters of an inch deep. Some of the guests had theoretically black forest cheesecake which was the smallest wedge I have ever seen, about 2 and half inches long by and inch wide and less than an inch deep. There was no sign of any black forest interest at all. I wouldn't advise anyone to eat here in any way, waste of money. On top of which this trip cost us £60 by taxi. This would have been worth it with the previous owners, but not now.

For ounce i found the reviews to be accurate! I only wish I had spent the time to read them before I was subjected to a roast of uncooked veg microwaved roast potatoes cardboard Yorkshire pudding and none existent meat!!! For a good meal avoid this place like the plague or like me you will wish you did !!

I absolutly love this pub. Great Sunday luches and lovely staff . However most recently was very disappointing. The potatoes and veg were not very undercooked The apple pie was not sweetened enough. The meat appeared to be slices?, possibly a breast roast chicken and lamb and not off the bone. We did approach the staff and was told there was a new cook. We were given a small discount. I would like to know the food has improved in order to return as previously it was excellent including the lock down takeaways. Staff were helpful as always.

Been here a few times and never been disappointed with the food or service. Sadly this time they disappointed on both . Went on Saturday for steak night …2 starters not available no sirloin left, no mushrooms …..and change of menu which hasn’t sadly been updated on the website. When the steak came it was over cooked and looked a bit sad on the plate…we didn’t say anything as we waited a long time to eat. Service not up to scratch and seemed to wait ages even though it wasn’t that busy. Such a shame as usually we are very satisfied with everything. Would e come back….maybe but not 100%. Sorry guys

Awful rude staff was 3 minutes late to Oder hot food … said kitchen was closed … we finished last orders at 2.30 … I said said it’s 2.33 … u can’t tell me all is closed … first and last time … get some friendly welcoming staff Red lion …