PUB OF THE WEEK

The Red Lion, Grenoside

THE sign-board for the frontage of the Old Red Lion is, rather idiosyncratically, painted on a light blue background. The centuriesold building is almost at the summit of one of Sheffield’s many hills, and it’s a favourite stopping-off place for walkers. And for folk with dogs as well – and, believe me, there are a lot of folk with dogs of all shapes and sizes hereabouts. The animals not only get their own bowls, but there’s an ever-open bag of treats on one of the bars.

It’s known locally as “the top red” (it doesn’t want to be confused with another hostelry of the same name, not that far away), and it is a traditional British pub down to its very roots. Stone-built, mostly flagged and well-worn floors, and some seats that were once, very probably, church pews.

As with a lot of pubs where the interiors were an arrangement of smaller and larger bars, the Lion has, at some point, been opened out – but here, sympathetically – and there are two main areas, each with a snug to one side. A single bar serves everyone.

There was a very cheery and warm greeting from the young staff on a particularly chill day, and that – and a rather nice live fire in the corner – brightened everything up considerably. There’s definitely nothing neglected or scruffy about the Top Red. Someone has a keen sense of good service, and keeping customers happy. Unusually for these days, there’s a daily afternoon tea served from noon until five, the Sunday roasts are (apparently) legendary, and there’s even a breakfast for the weekend mornings.

The beers come from the reliable Theakston, Bradfield and Marston stables, so there’s more than a little choice, and they are beautifully poured. Quiz nights are Thursdays and Sundays. Outside, there’s a large seating area, which has some great views over the valley, and, come spring and summer, this is going to be the place that everyone will want to sit.

RATINGS

Welcome ............... 5/5 Atmosphere ......... 5/5 Drinks choice ...... 5/5 Prices ...................... 5/5

Old Red Lion, 210 Main Street, Grenoside, Sheffield S35 8PR 0114 2468307