To get the best out of this site you need Javascript enabled. If you cannot enable Javascript, please use the menu at the page bottom to navigate around the site.
Bildeston Red Lion
Bildeston Red Lion
formerly Lion
East, 52.1056,0.90902
Cask Ale is sold here.
High Street, IP7 7EX
grid reference TL 993 492
basic, opened 16th century
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.
Facilities
- Accessible to disabled customers
- Beer garden or other outside drinking area
- Beer served through handpumps
- Bus stop nearby (see transport links for details)
- Dogs welcome
- Evening meals
- Live music
- Lunchtime meals (not just snacks)
- Parking
- Real fire
- Sport TV
- Traditional pub games available
Gallery
Nearest railway station
Other nearby Suffolk pubs
Historical interest
The pub can be seen on this old OS map from about 1902 (interactive map)
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)