The Red Lion at Preston

The Green
Preston, Hitchin
Hertfordshire SG4 7UD
Managers: Jo and Ray Lambe
Phone 01462 459585

Events at The Red lion

There are nearly 1,000 pubs in Hertfordshire: many are good, a number are very good and a handful are truly outstanding. But to find the best you have to travel north towards Hitchin and venture down narrow hedge-lined 'B' roads before you arrive in the small village of Preston. Here, on the village green sits the award-winning Red Lion. The Red Lion is a 200 year-old Georgian building and, as a free house, is a great real ale pub. Warm and welcoming, the Red Lion offers Young's Bitter, Fullers London Pride and an ever-changing assortment of real ales mostly sourced from micro-breweries from around the country, all kept in excellent condition.

Managed by Ray and Jo Lambe the Pub sits on good-sized grounds laid to lawn at the rear, forming an attractive well-kept beer-garden which is very busy during the Summer months. In the Winter, an open log fire provides a cosy and traditional pub atmosphere. The Red Lion serves excellent home made food every day (except Sunday evenings and Tuesdays) with proper roasts for Sunday lunch using local produce. A comprehensive and varied menu is offered with many of the vegetables coming straight from the pub's own allotment.

The Red Lion is also well known because, in October 1982, it became the first community-owned Public House in Great Britain. Click here to read the story of this venture as well as further information on awards won by The Red Lion and the contribution it makes to village life.