The Red Lion at Hellidon

Spent a weekend in Badby and this placed looked perfect for dinner one night. I don't usually write reviews but the food was so dissappointing that I felt I had to. Shared the "duck balls" for a starter. This was simply shredded duck formed into two balls with some hoi sin sauce and a sprig of watercress. The duck was poorly seasoned and the dish was just dull...no texture or imagination in flavour or presentation. Off to a bad start. Then, my partner had steak and mushroom pie which, to be fair, was pretty good. Lovely pastry, good amount of steak and nicely seasoned. I had the slow cooked shoulder of lamb...which was awful. The lamb had been shredded and formed into fat disk of meat which, although looked moist, left my pallet dry and unfulfilled. This was served with boulangere potatoes which tasted greasy. Dessert...cheesecake was ok but tasted like a packet mix had been used. My partner had the rhubarb eton mess. This was basically a few chunks of fruit in a bowl of custard and smashed meringue thrown on top. It had an aroma of onion or garlic so it was sent back and removed from the bill. The pub is lovely and website gives an impression of high quality food. Not sure if the kitchen just had a bad night (head chef was away doing catering elsewhere) or if the standards are variable. I hope if you eat here that you are served better food than we were.

A very pleasant evening thanks to Kate & her colleagues who looked after us with a smile & made sure everything was good. The meals were beautifully cooked & presented & when I happened to mention to Kate that it was my wife’s birthday, she promptly appeared with a small cake with a lit candle in it ! Top marks for that The Red Lion, my wife was delighted. Thank you all at for a lovely evening at the Red Lion, we’ll definitely be back.

Lovely place, lovely staff. Room was clean and brilliant way to serve breakfast was perfect for us!

I have stayed here many times and it never disappoints. Rooms and all areas extremely clean. Staff always polite and friendly. Food always up to a high standard. It is a pleasure to stay here and can be highly recommended.

Very hot. Hard cheap thin pillows. Stale continental breakfast. Very noisy fridge. Flashing red light which was very annoying

Outstanding service during our stay at Red Lion for a family Wedding. The reception the food and service was outstanding, the planning of the occasion with Jane was meticulous to the smallest detail and if the highest standard. . The menu had been thoughtfully planned with the Head Chef, who must be one of the best chefs for miles. All the guests were so impressed and the hospitality all the staff gave us made a truly memorable family occasion .. Highly recommend the Red Lion for a light lunch or dinner you will not be disappointed. Some of the wedding guests stayed overnight. The rooms were both spotless and all had a very comfortable stay .

This is our second visit here, yet again we were not disappointed. Staff, rooms and food all great. Lovely garden area to the front and back to catch the sunshine. Very peaceful. We will visit again.

Visited today to celebrate dad’s birthday - fantastic time , lovely & clean , great atmosphere, lovely food , very nice friendly & professional staff , couldn’t have asked for more …they even brought dad out a little birthday cupcake and sang happy birthday ! will be visiting again soon . - love this place!

Excellent . Arrived for lunch on a sunny Monday in October . Plenty of parking . 3 adults with 2 babies and sat outside looking out over countryside . Made very welcome , menu offered much choice , food excellent , great customer care . Lots of tables inside and beautifully set up . Will be back another time .