Pendoylan, Vale Of Glamorgan.
01446 760690 / www.theredlionatpendoylan.co.uk
Comfortably sitting alongside the likes of The Bush at St Hilary, Llanerch Vineyard, and Arboreal in Cowbridge the Red Lion is another triumphant reinvention having been given a new lease of life and tenderly restored by their current owners.
The Red Lion has always been a favourite haunt and a regular stop for Sunday lunches and weekend jaunts; regardless of its various guises over the years. This amiable country gastro-pub was unveiled last October and it has been gently gathering a loyal clientele. Chef Andy Aston from the renowned Little Arms in Staffordshire has been brought in to head up the kitchen to deliver what is becoming a reputable eatery.
The Red Lion prides itself of a fine selection of beers and ales, and the produce is of a similar local quality. We chose crispy belly pork on spicy patatas bravas and wilted spinach, alongside aioli mushroom soup with parmesan. This was followed by roasted breast of Bryn Derw Farm chicken with a warm salad of jersey royals, pancetta and tarrogan butter. Marinated lamb masala with roasted rump and seared cutlet, sag aloo potato, mint raita, salsa and flatbread completed our mains. Chef Andy Aston insisted we sample a selection of desserts, which we did: treacle tart, rhubarb & custard cheesecake, cookies, and a selection of homemade ice cream and salted caramel which was particularly flavoursome. The menu changes seasonally and Andy has a specials menu which is great value. There are some wine evenings and beer festivals planned for the future, so keep an eye out. The Red Lion offers fabulous food in a beautiful location. ANTONIA LEVAY