Gastropub has one of Oxford’s largest ‘hidden’ gardens

The Red Lion in Gloucester Street in Oxford is the perfect place for some al fresco dining as it has a large garden at the back, with lots of seating, including some cosy booths.

When you see the curved facade of the front of the pub it’s hard to imagine its extensive outdoor seating area close to Gloucester Green.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire bakery named one of Britain’s best

But when the sun comes out, the outdoor space attracts lots of diners.

The Red Lion is the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week.

Tables outside the Red Lion in Oxford (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Now part of the Premium Country Pub Collection, the main focus is on popular pub food and there is plenty of space to dine inside as well as outside.

The traditional breakfast is £10.95 and there are pizzas and burgers on the menu. Sunday roasts are also popular.

Favourite main courses on the menu include: haddock and chips (£19.95); chicken, leek and Davidstow cheddar pie (£20.50); pan roasted lamb rump £26.50); and pan roasted salmon (£21.95).

Staff at The Red Lion in Oxford (Image: Andy Ffrench)

The pub said in a statement: “Dedicated to providing an exceptional standard of service, we always go above and beyond to ensure that your every need is catered for.

“Our carefully selected pub food menu features a wide choice of hand-picked dishes, three course meals, and scrumptious Sunday roasts, which are sure to delight even the toughest food critics.

“Boasting one of the city’s biggest beer gardens, this premium establishment offers the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing pint, a sun-drenched cocktail, or large glass of wine in the sunshine.

“With its lively atmosphere, our spacious patio area is a great spot to indulge, socialise and relax whenever the sunshine breaks through the clouds.”

Food is served at The Red Lion (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Members of the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have researched the pub’s history.

A spokesman said: “The present building was erected in 1904 in place of a previous pub.

“It was completely refurbished in 1984 and the name changed from Red Lion to Oxford Bakery and Brewhouse; the word bakery was removed and it was just Brewhouse from 1990 and then Fuggle & Firkin from 1996 but still brewing.

“It became the Goose in 2000 and then back to Red Lion when acquired by M&B in 2008.”

The pub has a four out of five rating on reviews site Tripadvisor.

One visitor last month – March – gave it a five-star review, saying: “Visited on a sunny afternoon and it was quite busy.

“Nonetheless we were seated and served quickly even though we had not booked.

“Very tasty fish and chips and a perfect Guinness.”

Jill, another diner, who visited in December, also enjoyed her visit.

She wrote: “There was a small line when I ordered at the bar but tables were plentiful. The food came out in a timely manner and the staff was great at checking in. The food was delicious.

“Would love to come back again with friends/loved ones in the future – it was a cosy place and the price was right.”