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Riviera Centre, Torquay
11-13 April 2025
One of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world.
Units 3-5, Heathfield Industrial Estate, Heathfield Street, Elland, HX5 9AE
Westgate Brewery, Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1QT
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A gem absolutely not to be missed by fans of Victorian pubs, described by a former editor of the Architectural Review as "a perfect example of a small Victorian Gin Palace at its best". Licensed in 1788 and rebuilt in 1871-2 by architect WH Rawlings, it has kept its original engraved glass, outstanding etched and cut decorative mirrors by Walter Gibbs and Sons of Blackfriars, and polished mahogany. Around the island bar, it seems hard to believe that the pub was once divided into four smaller rooms. Grade II listed and in CAMRA's National Inventory of historic pub interiors.
For gentlemen who feel the need for a haircut before passing through the doors of this Palace, the famous Trumper's is right next door!
Historic Interest
Grade II listed, Historic England ref 1066873. The detail contained in the listing is well worth reading.
Three star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic importance
Listed status: II
This is one of London’s most remarkable pubs. It was built in 1821 but its frontage was reworked in 1871 by architect W.H. Rawlings. In this frontage are three doorways which is a sure sign that it was subdivided internally with various separate spaces clustered round the central servery. Yet the trading area is tiny. The middle doorway led to the public bar (so named in the glazing) and the left-hand one accessed a smaller bar. On the right the entrance led into a small drinking area separated from the public bar by a screen (a scar can be seen where it joined the counter): here there is a glass panel from a doorway marked ‘private bar’. This area gives access to the great glory of the pub – a gorgeous, glittering room at the back lined with etched and cut mirrors which is a showcase of late Victorian pub-fitting. The counter at the front has drop-down panels for servicing the beer engines in former days (you can see the keyholes). Don’t be fooled by the gantry on top of the counter which is modern work (as with nearly all such features).
A national treasure – the Red Lion has one of the most spectacular late-Victorian pub interiors anywhere – small but beautifully formed! It is claimed there’s been a pub on the site since 1788. The present building went up in 1821 and was given a new pub front in 1871 by architect W. H. Rawlings though the fittings may be rather later. The actual trading area of the pub is tiny and surrounds a central serving area. Yet a century ago, small as it is, it would have been divided up into various separate areas – the three outside doorways are proof of that as are the names ‘public bar’ and ‘private bar’ in the door glass. The front part was probably divided up into three while the back area has always been a single space.
What makes the Red Lion so special are the superlative etched and cut mirrors lining two of the walls. They create brilliant, glittering reflections to conjure up a magical atmosphere far removed from the prosaic world of everyday life beyond the pub. The picture is completed by an ornamental ceiling and frieze in both areas. The bar counter at the front has drop-down panels for servicing beer engines in former times – you can see the remains of the keyholes. Don’t be fooled by the gantry fittings sitting on the counter top – like nearly all such features they are modern work (see how fresh the woodwork looks).
This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 4 regular beers.
Red Lion, London
One from Fuller's and one from elsewhere
Changing beers typically include: Fuller's (seasonal)
Sports TV
Lunchtime Meals
Family Friendly
Dog Friendly
Smoking
Wi Fi
Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub
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