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Red Lion, Twickenham

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user reviews of the Red Lion, Twickenham

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

absolute disgrace that this is now a supermarket - A pikey Tesco at that as well

i'd have rather one of the other soulless pubs in Twickers had gone, eg. The Albany, Grand Union, Bear etc.
TheGP - 7 Dec 2010 20:14
CLOSED now a Tesco Express.
Expect more of this, as no planning permission is needed to convert a pub to a supermarket.
TW1 - 6 Nov 2010 11:37
Thank God this dump has finally closed. Since Eddy left nearly 40 years ago it has been nothing but a shite hole. I never thought that I would say this but.. Thank you Tesco.
sirpaullee - 29 Aug 2010 16:38
Yep closed down beginning of January. The rumour was Tescos bought it. Either that or it's probably going to be turned into flats. It's definitely not going to be a pub again. The management and all the staff have moved down the road to The Twickenham Tup though and that will eventually be re-furbished to become a proper music venue. At the moment there are covers bands on a Friday and Saturday night and The Jam continues to take place every Sunday.
Becky2790 - 11 Feb 2010 17:37
The live music on Friday was good and certainly pulled the punters in making the place a lively and fun place to be. They had Black Sheep on too, which is always good news.
Matthew_of_Ham - 14 Mar 2009 19:17
Run out of Beer & Lager midway through last Friday evening, this is not the first time this has happened! i hope this was a blip otherwise i'm really fearful for this pub. Music was ok
MadDog62 - 17 Nov 2008 13:26
I�m not sure if this place is still called �The Red Lion�, which is written on the wall outside, or �Filthy�s� which is on the pub signs hanging outside.

Back in the early nineties I used to drink here every afternoon after a Thai Fok lunchtime special next door. The two pool tables are still present, but the dartboard has disappeared along with most of the natural light. It is now primarily a music venue and I�m not sure if it is worth visiting when there is no band on, unless you fancy a game of pool. There is a room with no seating and a big TV at the back that leads to a paved beer garden with some covered and uncovered seating.

I spotted Greene King IPA and some standard lager behind the bar. It took a while to be served as the barman had to finish his chat with one of the regulars, even though I was standing right next to him.

I�m not really into the live music scene or being ignored so I�ll probably never darken this pub�s door again.
Strongers - 21 Oct 2008 11:03
Good music, �3.10 a pint for Fullers London Pride but then you don't pay to get in and hear the music. Other venues you'd put a fiver in for that, so factor it in. I agree about the seating there isn't a lot so jockey for a place. Interesting mixed crowd though and competent bands.
rainlight - 14 Sep 2008 00:34
quality pub..... no more to say

hobo36 - 15 Jul 2008 19:24
Yes it`s rough around the edges, yes it`s normally priced....

Yes it`s a bloody good night out! Watched about six unsigned bands tonight, not a duff one amongst them.

Friendly crowd, admittedly quite a bit younger than myself!! But still, a good night of live music. Stop moaning you miserably gits and enjoy the music and the beer!
minky_monkey - 26 May 2008 01:17
oh and i was that stalker, ill get you next time chubby
drunkenstranger08 - 19 Mar 2008 00:56
HOW MUCH? the most expensive rounds in twickenham. still, nice enough pub. check it out for the celeb lookalikes, have seen jarvis cocker, pete docherty, and if your lucky you get ben kingsley on bass at the jam nite.

drunkenstranger08 - 19 Mar 2008 00:55
went to this pub on a friday, and despite being followed by what appeared to be a stalker, right into the pub, had a pleasant time. although we were bricking it enough to leave after only one pint, we were there long enough to be charged high prices, for what should have been a cheap round. the band on show were moderatly entertaining, despite sound checking after every single song; yes this did become tedious very quickly. friendly bar staff, including jonny depp. not very much seating, so would no recommend for someone who likes a sit, on a friday or saturday.
chubtank - 16 Mar 2008 13:48
Was in here for a quick game of pool and stayed the whole evening much to my surprise. Good live music - course it's a bit rough round the edges but nice to have live music and a boozer. Not sure it'll be my regular but good fun night locally can be had
CharlesS - 5 May 2007 15:09
A much improved pub, the live music seems to work much better in here than it did in the old Hobgoblin.
TheGP - 23 Dec 2006 11:24
This pub is much better now it has been rebranded as Filthy McNasty's at the Red Lion. This pub fills a hole in Twickenham; it regularly has live music and therefore makes it reason to come this far from the station.
mike2004 - 23 Dec 2006 10:04
yes, well, the open mic night is exactly that... *anyone* can do it!!

at least it is not karaoke!!
foney - 24 Nov 2006 20:44
Went along last night for the open mic blues session and we left halfway through because it was completely dominated by some ageing egomaniac writhing away at the fromt of the stage. There were lots of talent there but he was so up himself, that he spoiled it for everybody. Otherwise, great atmosphere, but again pumped ale all finished.
anonymous - 13 Nov 2006 21:38
The pumps have all been renewed,the function room is nearly finished , the garden is next to be refurbished.
We have some great line ups featuring in November,and a very special event on the 9th.
Rik Bucker ( ex Jam) and his new band The Gift are coming to Filthy's.Support from POPE. Tickets now on sale (available at the bar) �10

anonymous - 31 Oct 2006 14:17
yes, last time I was there, they had put a lot more seating around.. and suprising enough, the beer was very drinkable!! - All the 'pulled' ale was out of stock, though... hope it was because of demand!! :D


foney - 30 Oct 2006 16:35
Thanks again to all that were at the Redlion last friday night the 20th of October. Two encores . . what more could a band wish for.
A great crowd who knows what live music is all about.
Thanks to big John and staff.Looking forward to being a regular band at this venue.

cheers

Scratch.
scratch - 25 Oct 2006 16:36
The management are working really hard to refurbish this pub,and accomodate all types of musical taste. They are also addressing the problem of undesirable visitors.Feedback is always welcome and your comments and ideas are all taken on board.
anonymous - 24 Oct 2006 18:42
New Number for Red Lion 020 8891 1141
A_non - 7 Oct 2006 15:52


well, if the management etc is looking in, **please** can you get the phone working!!!

to say nothing about the website, while looking nice, it *still* has the **old** details!!


foney - 29 Sep 2006 20:10
'' UNSAFE PASSAGE '' are gigging here on the 30th September. please jion us here at the Redlion.
scratch - 12 Sep 2006 15:09
Well, if you think people that go to filthys are 'scum' then you haven't seen the sort of people that goto the other pubs in twickenham!!! - I would value my safety in fithys or redlion much more than the george or 'sorting room' !!!

as for 'no stock' whatever... I have known other places to just say 'aint got none!' - kudos to his resourcefulness!!

note also that the redlion was not 'officially' owned by filthys until today - and it is improving every day...

As someone said, 'dont say they cant do it, unless you have first hand experience of it!!' -it is not that simple!!

And as planeboy said, there was a choice - a new set of flats, new factory or worse... anyone could have bought it... just be thankfull there is a good venue for music saved by them...


foney - 1 Sep 2006 18:57
Saw Rhythm Kitchen there last week they were good, can't wait to see Cry Wolf back there the're even better.
anonymous - 26 Aug 2006 20:28
I think calling the young people who currently go to Filthy's 'scum' in comparison to some of the people who have attended the Red Lion in recent history is a bit rich, and totally untrue and out of order. I've found these 'kids' really nice actually and a lot more genuinely into music than a lot of the people who went to the Red Lion, who seem to want endless weekly re-hashes of 'Johnny B Goode' etc, which the writer presumably wants. That's fine but it's OK to like that and still be happy that the kids are getting what they want during the week. I can't stand musical snobs - and especially when their bar is set at 'Mustang Sally', the worst song ever created. Also, the new set-up looks spot on to me as far as music goes, with great new bands during the week and still the rock covers bands on Fri and Sat, as always. So everyone's being catered for in one place. The fact is that the Red Lion was dead most days for a long time, and it was either Filthy's or a demolition squad you got, so be thankful someone has taken it on that will bring even more live music to it. Filthy's have brought a proper seven nights a week live music venue to Twickenham for the first time in living memory so be happy about that, Maroon.
PS Nice to see you at the jam too.

Dave
planeboy - 21 Aug 2006 12:20
WHAT A CRAP PLACE!! Had not been to this place before and never will again. We found it by accident and wanted a drink, so we parked and went in. Ordered drinks but there was no beer, and when we asked for wine the barman said "I'll go and get some" then walked down the road and bought 6 bottles from the local Thresher! Then I saw loads of wine bottles tucked away so the prat had no idea of his stock. Found out there are new people in there. Barmaid did not understand English and had to be shown how to make an OJ & lemonade! A band started up and were quite good. Then I heard the owner told them after they took a break that he did not want them back on which I thought was really rude and must have been embarassing for them. Owner clearly has no idea how to run any kind of business. We left and went elsewhere after an hour, meaning the number of drinkers halved. A scruffy dump with no booze, no atmosphere and no customers.
anonymous - 3 Aug 2006 18:33
The Red Lion is now being managed by Filthy McNasty Too and Big John....business as usual !
A_non - 26 Jul 2006 09:59
'' UNSAFE PASSAGE '' are here on the 30th September.
scratch - 2 Jul 2006 12:16
Had a great gig at the Red Lion. I think most of who were there expressed there gratitude with a resounding chant of more!!! which we were glad to obligh. A great crowd of patrons on the night and we were well looked after by the management. . . cheers for that.
I now know we will be regulars at this venue.
Thanks to all who were there.
scratch - 14 Jun 2006 16:25
Great to be back at the RED LION . . come and see
'' UNSAFE PASSAGE '' this saturday night 10th June,the first band to start up at the Red Lion, under NEW management.
Great people to deal with, and DANS the man to speak to.
Look forward to working at this pub.

scratch - 6 Jun 2006 16:27
Hello to all ,

Thank you to the bands that have contacted us again, welcome back , also the Jam Session will be back at the red lion on Sunday the 18th June due to huge public demand!!!!

Also if Smileys People can contact us or anyone has the number please contact us on 0208 8925074

Regards Linda
GARLYN - 5 Jun 2006 22:04
Please be aware that every effort is being made to have the Red Lion opened again this Saturday ,, 3rd June.

Could the current resident bands please contact us , also the Jam on Sunday , please call us,,
we have no contact details for you!!

Finally could the Francis Francis Angling Club also contact us.

Thank you everyone who has contacted us this week with your very kind support

Kind Regards

Linda and Gary


GARLYN - 31 May 2006 19:50
Hi All ,

Have read with a lot of interest all the comments posted above , just to let you all know my husband and I are the new owners , yes the red lion will be open again , yes we will be a very big music venue , anyone who wants to come and have a chat with us we will be around from Wednesday this week and opening again as soon as possible,,

we very much look forward to meeting you all,
GARLYN - 29 May 2006 18:10
Sounds a bit petty to me!

After all, if there's somewhere new to move to, then move there, don't let something just die because the venue has gone.

EVERYONE should be happy that it has gone somewhere it can evolve and grow.

I'm sure, IF the Red Lion should open again, the new owners will gladly welcome back the Jam and the crowd with it.

But for now, just chill , stop fighting a war over something that is no-one's personal property and remember it's all about the music.
carlgos - 20 May 2006 01:26
haha! Nice one Maroon, whoever you are. (Who could it be?) The Jazz people also put flyers there, you may like to know. Any thoughts on their doing so? Maybe you can explain what is so good about allowing people, some of who would have travelled, to come to the pub, then find it closed and have to go home again? When there's another jam just down the road? What's so good about that? Plenty of people thanked us for doing that, as no doubt they did the jazz people. If you don't like it then please don't come.

I'd have loved the Lion to stay open and the jam to continue as it was, but... it's closed. That day I couldn't change the sad news about the Lion but I COULD make sure nobody had a wasted trip and COULD start a jam at which everyone got to play and we didn't throw jammers offstage early so that we could get our 'famous guests' back up for 15 minute solos.

PS Would the guy who spends his time phoning people asking them not to come to the jam please just carry on... nice to start the jam with a big laugh when I hear about it.

See you all at Filthys on Sunday.

Dave


anonymous - 19 May 2006 11:33
oh dear where are all the oaps who think they are rick parfitt from status quo going to play now? At least we won't have to put up with their fat 50 something groupies dancing badly to "born to be wild" anymore
nicodemus - 16 May 2006 14:22
Maroon, I kinda got the impression the Red Lion was done for! What with the 2 guys that were running it gone and the doors locked everyday!

Is someone gonna re-open it? Who / when?
anonymous - 15 May 2006 20:33
It's great that this pub sticks with live music and of course it works... the place is absolutely packed on Fri and Sat for the live rock bands. The jam on Sunday is great too - some amazing players. A guy from Jamiroqai turned up recently, and I was pushed off do he could get up and play the bass! Fair enough! Hi Derek!

If you're into live music, this place on Fri or sat eve or Sunday teatime, is brilliant, and all free! Cant go wrong.


planeboy - 28 Jan 2006 17:40
luckily the new manager has seen the error of his ways, by taking off the entry fee! - he has realised that a lot of regulars are *only* there when the *great* bands are on... his beer still isnt the greatest, especially when you waste the price of a pint getting in...

but now, all the regulars are coming back, good news spreads.... :)
anonymous - 28 Oct 2005 21:45
This is like a old and traditional pub, it is quite welcoming a long as you don't make too much noise and disturb any one. It more for people who want to chill out after a hard days @ work in their local, rather than getting all dressed up on a fri/sat night to go on a piss up. x
alki - 25 Jul 2005 12:54
Could do with a lick of paint, but it is OK.
mike2004 - 17 May 2005 10:54
Great if you fancy seeing some live music. Also pretty good for a game of pool. Traditional divey place which is no bad thing - could do with a lick of paint but glad to see it hasn't succombed to the generic makeover craze that has befallen so many traditional pubs in recent years. Always stop off for a pint in here on route to Twickenham or Richmond.
Cleversaz - 11 Feb 2005 13:42
Nice pub, shame about the extortionate prices
MrEddie - 19 Jan 2005 15:05
I have used this pub in the past and have always had a good craic.
Unfortunately I recently phoned to find out what band was playing on the 4 september after the double header.I was told by my antipodeane friend one that sings songs!! What an ignoramuss!! I do not think I will be frequenting that estsblishment if the pub cannot invest a little common curtiosy in it's staff. Get a grip...
Denis - 2 Sep 2004 20:57
I quite like this pub - It has a certain traditional vibe that a pub should have.

I would avoid on Rugby days though.
TheGP - 10 Aug 2004 13:09
Cracking wee pub that I've been drinking in for over six years. Not one for a quiet romantic drink but a good boozer for mates and lots of live music. The blues jam rocks and they are a friendly and supportive bunch to the musicians. Excellent bands on during the week. Great Guinness, beer garden and pool tables. Not bad at all!
Carl - 9 Aug 2004 17:13
Cracking pub! Friendly crowd and great music!
Scotty - 13 Jul 2004 13:18
Great live music pub (sadly getting rarer these days), friendly management and usually a good crowd to support the bands too, well worth a visit.
Steve - 24 May 2004 13:44
Darby only comes down rarely, not that often anymore
Alex Cunningham - 27 Oct 2003 13:39
Going to the Blues Jam today. So will report back. And Dave, Blues IS old 12 bar stuff � it's just how you play it!
Kev - 5 Oct 2003 13:09
Used to enjoy "Juice of the Barley" thereduring the summers and on St paddys Day of course. I like any pub that makes an effort to put on live music.
Niall - 29 Aug 2003 16:56
I visit this pub on my way to 'The Stoop' on rugby days. The manager Gerard is a personable chap (who also knows his rugby!). Well kept beers, but the general cleanliness of the pub is pretty poor. Free live music every evening makes for a lively venue.
James - 18 Aug 2003 12:07
Blues jam usd to be good but has gone downhill in past 3 or 4 years. same old 12-bar stuff. dull!

but Darby the drummer is amazing, unreal that you can watch someone this good for free. If he's still there, cos I haven;t been for ages!
Dave - [email protected] - 1 Aug 2003 18:04
Fantasticv pub, friendly staff and a really welcoming atmosphere! I love these guys!
Jude - 19 Jul 2003 13:35
Did this pub use to be called 'The Red House' ???
Mark Lusty - 23 May 2003 14:06
On Sunday there is a very good blues jam from 4:30- 7:30 it gets more rocky as it goes onwards. There is a very good young drummer there called Scott Clark he is amazing.
Joe Petes - 3 Oct 2002 19:51
The sunday jam sessions are fabulous - great bluesy music
Jane - 10 Jul 2002 16:49

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