The Red Lion

The Red Lion, Stockton Heath, Cheshire WA4 6HN

A large pub right in the centre of this prosperous southern suburb of Warrington, which looks as though it dates back to the early part of the 19th century. Originally a Greenall’s tied house, like most others in the area, after a period of pub company ownership it has now been acquired by Thwaites and offers a full range of their beers – Original, Nutty Black, Wainwright, Lancaster Bomber and a seasonal craft ale.

It has recently been extensively refurbished by Thwaites, but retains a multi-roomed layout with a separate vault, a main bar on the lounge side with seating to front and rear, another room on the left and the delightful, cosy, TV-free “Bowling Room” to the rear. I spotted a menu of sandwiches and snacks; I’m not sure if full knife-and-fork meals are also served.

While making more concessions to the modern world than many of the other pubs on this blog, such as showing Sky Sports, it retains a vibrant, pubby atmosphere and many interesting architectural features. The pub still has its own bowling green to the rear. It doesn’t have a car park, but you can park for an hour for free on the public car park round the back.