The Red Lion

The story

The Red Lion, Chipping Norton: Award-Winning British Dining in the Cotswolds

The hosts and heritage

The Red Lion in Chipping Norton serves classic British cuisine inside a Grade II listed coaching inn. Originally opened in 1748, the building now sits under the stewardship of Sarah and Lisa, who took over the lease at the close of 2023 after managing the site for nearly two decades. Their steady hand has preserved the original character while earning the kitchen an AA Rosette for culinary excellence. This single rosette reflects their commitment to honest, well-executed cooking rather than theatrical presentation.

The kitchen and the menu

The kitchen builds its menus around fresh seasonal produce and a distinctly British approach to comfort food. Diners frequently order the Hooky Pie served with new potatoes, a dish that highlights local sourcing without unnecessary embellishment. Sunday lunches feature properly risen homemade Yorkshire puddings alongside slow-roasted meats. Even the dessert plate stays grounded in tradition, pairing sticky toffee pudding with homemade salted caramel ice cream. Every plate demonstrates why the establishment secured its rosette.

Oak beams and open fires

Inside, the bar retains its old-world charm through heavy oak beams, high-backed settles, and a deep inglenook fireplace. Guests often settle into the gleaming wood furnishings while sipping real ales or locally distilled Cotswolds gin. The wine list spans crisp European whites to robust New World reds, all chosen to match the relaxed pace of the village. Whether visitors arrive for a quiet evening drink or a full weekend stay, the space feels quietly lived in rather than staged.