The Red Lion, Cranford

The Red Lion is an award-winning pub run by Richard Gordon and Sonya Freeman in the village of Cranford near Kettering. Richard and Sonya have more than 50 years of combined experience coupled with a passion for good food and drink.

As well as sourcing local produce such as wine from nearby Lowick, Northamptonshire-raised lamb, and vegetables and eggs from Birdsview Farm in Brigstock, they also recycle and upcycle as much as possible, and use their food waste to make biofuel.

The menu is far-ranging with dishes such as Rolled Belly of Pork with crackling, haggis, bubble and squeak and a Kilo of Fresh Mussels with Béarnaise sauce, chorizo and chips. There is also a selection of ‘Greedy Gordon’s Sexy Baps’, such as rare sirloin with fresh horseradish and dipping gravy served in a home-baked hot brioche roll. The desserts don’t disappoint either, with such offerings as Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cup with Irish cream liqueur and Apple Strudel with custard.

There’s even a cigar shop – something you certainly won’t find at every pub you visit.

Recommended by Philip Seaman, Editor-at-Large

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