Pub in London SW1
Red Lion
2 Duke of York Street, London, SW1Y 6JPClosest station: Piccadilly Circus, about 5 min walk4.3out of 5 on Google, from 875 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Red Lion
Victorian pub and former gin palace with original features including etched-glass panelling.
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!
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Sports TV: Freeview - rugby and cricket (and sometimes football) - no sound
- Family Friendly
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch: Toasties and pork pies
- Real Ale
- Real Heritage Pub
- WiFi: O2
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking: Pavement
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 6:00 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Fuller's
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7324 1654
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.3out of 5 on Google, from 875 ratings
4 out of 5Justin Gilletton Google, August 2024
Nipped in for a quick drink after work. Feels more spit and sawdust than trendy, which is absolutely fine for what it is. Patrons mostly spilled out the front as it was a lovely evening. Wife and I enjoyed a bottle of wine - was very reasonably priced for the area. Stairs to the toilets are narrow and cramped, and the inside overall felt somewhat confined, but I guess in winter it would feel cozy! Good crowd and atmosphere. Nice place for a drink, and easy on the pocket if you're a regular!
4 out of 5chiangmaicharlieson Google, July 2023
I was desperately looking for a pub for a drink and possibly some food in this area during the 2023 Pride parade, in central London today. Once inside, it's a very small pub but the staff were working hard to serve everybody and I had a delicious pint of London Pride and some snacks - and was made welcome by some other people at a table. Good place to find!
5 out of 5Dai Treeon Google, January 2022
A fine den for drinking! For the name, blame King James. Described in the advertising as "a perfect example of a late Victorian gin palace" true, engraved glass and all. This place is brilliant, Sherlock will solve the most villainous plots in this pub. A fine place for a drink any day.
2 out of 5Roderick Powrieon Google, June 2024
Wednesday 17.30. No Pride. Wow. Prices have increased. Service appallingly slow. Closed back half of bar. Staff have mastered the art of not looking at the customers. Many grumpy customers
5 out of 5Simon Thompsonon Google, June 2024
A hidden historic gem in central London it's very busy and full of suits most of the year but if you get in you will want to stay and soak up that unique London pub atmosphere enjoy a pint of London pride cheers Simon
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.