Bildeston Red Lion
listed building grade II
last updated Jul 15th, 2024.
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Bildeston Red Lion
also traded as Lion
East, 52.1056,0.90902
Closed:
October 2025 visit shows that this pus has been closed for some years
opened 16th century
High Street, IP7 7EX
grid reference TL 993 492
The pub can be seen on this old OS map from about 1902 (interactive map)
Traditional 16th century pub, offering Ales, Lagers, Wines, Spirits & a large selection of soft drinks. They also have a fully enclosed garden, Pool table & Dart board.
The current building is thought to mainly date from the 18th century.
The pub is historically listed as having been in Wattisham as it was, until August 18th 1882 in a detached portion of that parish, only being incorporated into Bildeston Parish on that date. Interestingly, it was the only building in the detached portion of Wattisham.
Gallery
Crown 0.11 mile
King's Head 0.19 mile
Peacock 1.01 miles
Wheelhouse 1.93 miles
Swan 1.95 miles
Lindsey Rose 2.3 milesHistorical interest
The pub was saved when planning permission to convert it to residential use was refused in January 1998.
Owner/operator: Greene King
Cosy C16th bar on two levels with wooden beer barrel stools. Good value pub food.
Beer: Greene King XX Mild, IPA, AbbotCAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
The working sub-committee of the Bildeston horticultural Association sat down to a most excellent spread, provided by Mr and Mrs Melton, at the Lion Inn, Bildeston. The room was artistically decorated and there were a number of visitors. Ipswich Journal, Sep 1875**
Died suddenly on the 30th October from Bronchitis at the Red Lion, Dorcas, aged 66, wife of Mr W S Melton.Ipswich Journal, November 1880**
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(some old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
(** historic newspaper information from Stuart Ansell)
(*** Last Orders is a free local newsletter - published by Suffolk CAMRA members since 1978)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
