Welcome to the Old Red Lions Mini Web Site!
The Old Red Lion was purchased by us back in 1990, just when things were getting tight and the country was moving into recession. Despite the gloomy economic forecasts, the pub just filled up as soon as we opened the doors. The word had spread all over South Leicestershire and this pub came just at the right time to save Market Harborough, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough people the extra 40 miles round trip which a lot of them were doing as our reputation at The Man at Arms was growing. The leather Chesterfields round the log fires are quickly taken on those cold autumn and winter evenings. The spring sees the lambing season and the fields around the pub are full of them, so needless to say we don't sell much in the way of lamb during this time! The Welland Valley is one of the most beautiful areas of the Midlands and there is nothing like a summer evening stroll along one of the many footpaths and bridleways, finishing off with supper and drinks at The Old Red Lion.
Did you know that over 300 years ago property speculators were alive and well and planning the latest money making venture? This was to be the new road to link the south east with the north west. Later to be known as the A5! Originally built as a stopping off point between Chester and London (did they get that wrong?!) The Old Red Lion was originally a coaching house and the small no smoking area opposite the main bar was infact the archway where the coaches would swing in to offload their weary passengers.
More recently we have compiled some pictures of the pub when it was in the hands of the Vendy family, descendants of whom still farm in the village. The Old Red Lion is a real country pub and we do hope you enjoy your visit.
The Old Red Lion was purchased by us back in 1990, just when things were getting tight and the country was moving into recession. Despite the gloomy economic forecasts, the pub just filled up as soon as we opened the doors. The word had spread all over South Leicestershire and this pub came just at the right time to save Market Harborough, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough people the extra 40 miles round trip which a lot of them were doing as our reputation at The Man at Arms was growing. The leather Chesterfields round the log fires are quickly taken on those cold autumn and winter evenings. The spring sees the lambing season and the fields around the pub are full of them, so needless to say we don't sell much in the way of lamb during this time! The Welland Valley is one of the most beautiful areas of the Midlands and there is nothing like a summer evening stroll along one of the many footpaths and bridleways, finishing off with supper and drinks at The Old Red Lion.
Did you know that over 300 years ago property speculators were alive and well and planning the latest money making venture? This was to be the new road to link the south east with the north west. Later to be known as the A5! Originally built as a stopping off point between Chester and London (did they get that wrong?!) The Old Red Lion was originally a coaching house and the small no smoking area opposite the main bar was infact the archway where the coaches would swing in to offload their weary passengers.
More recently we have compiled some pictures of the pub when it was in the hands of the Vendy family, descendants of whom still farm in the village. The Old Red Lion is a real country pub and we do hope you enjoy your visit.
