About Us
An Introduction
Tucked away in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, The Red Lion is a friendly country pub with a delicious mix of traditional British favourites, authentic Thai cuisine, and our much-loved Sunday roasts.
Step inside and you’ll find a cosy, welcoming atmosphere — perfect for enjoying a freshly poured pint by the fire in winter or a chilled drink in our sunny garden during summer. Our menu brings together the best of both worlds: comforting pub classics alongside fragrant Thai curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes, all freshly prepared with care.
On Sundays, we proudly serve our traditional roast dinners, complete with all the trimmings — crispy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, rich gravy, and your choice of meats. It’s the perfect way to round off the weekend.
Behind the bar, you’ll find a great selection of real ales, fine wines, and local ciders, making The Red Lion a favourite spot for locals, walkers, and visitors alike. Families and dogs are always welcome, too.
Whether you’re here for a pint, a Pad Thai, or the best roast in the village, you’ll always find a warm welcome at The Red Lion.
Our History
The Red Lion did not start as a pub. It was originally a small farmhouse on a copyhold known since about 1700 as Kinchins, after Simeon Kinchin. Copyholders were often absentee landlords with tenants in occupation.
In 1794 The Red Lion was separated from the farm and acquired by William Stephens of Aldermaston, a brewer who also held The Horne (The Railway Inn).
In 1862 the lease of The Red Lion, by then owned by William Jefferys Strange of Aldermaston, brewer, was acquired by William Turner at an annual rent
of œ10, and held until his death in 1897 when it was transferred to his daughter, Eliza Ann Arthur who in turn held it until her death in 1929. In all it was held by father and daughter for 67 years.
This has long been another pub much favoured by walkers, welcomed in winter by a great open log fire.
Our Outdoor Spaces
Nothing beats a proper pub with somewhere special to sit outside — and we’ve got two brilliant spots waiting for you.
Front Courtyard
Right at the front of the pub you’ll find a charming flower-lined courtyard, complete with bistro-style tables, hanging baskets and blooming planters. It’s a sunny, welcoming space with classic country-pub character — perfect for a relaxing drink, morning coffee, light lunch, or just soaking up village life as it happens around you.
Think fresh air, flowers, warm brickwork, and a pint in hand. Bliss.
Garden Seating Under the Stretch Tent
Round the back, our large all-weather stretch-tent garden offers a bright, open, and beautifully sheltered space with solid wooden tables and benches. Fairy lights, rustic barrels, crisp paving and leafy touches set the scene for relaxed afternoons and cosy evenings — rain or shine.
Whether you’re meeting friends, bringing the family, or settling in for a long lazy lunch, you’ll stay comfortable and covered.
British weather? Sorted!
Cyclist-Friendly
Cycling through the lanes? Bike racks are available, so you can roll in, lock up and refuel — the perfect reward after a good ride.
Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and always welcoming.
Outdoor pints, summer evenings, Sunday roast sunshine… you’re going to love it out here.
Directions from the M3
Coming northbound from Southampton / Southbound from London
- Leave the M3 at Junction 6 (Basingstoke).
• Follow signs for the A339 / Ring Road North / A340 Tadley. - Follow the A339 toward Newbury / Aldermaston.
• At the roundabouts around Basingstoke, keep following signs for the A340 Tadley / Aldermaston. - Join the A340 heading north.
• This road takes you through Tadley. Keep going straight. - Pass through Tadley and continue toward Aldermaston.
• Stay on the A340 until you reach the roundabout near Aldermaston. - Turn right (east) for Mortimer.
• Look for signs to Silchester / Mortimer West End. - Follow signs for Mortimer West End.
• You’ll pass through some country lanes. - Arrive at The Red Lion.
• The pub is on Church Road, Mortimer West End (RG7 2HU), on the right-hand side if approaching from Silchester direction.
Directions from the M4
Westbound from London / Eastbound from Bristol
- Leave the M4 at Junction 11 (Reading).
• Take the exit for the A33, Basingstoke. - Head south on the A33.
• Continue straight on the A33 dual carriageway for about 5–6 miles. - Turn right at the Beech Hill / Mortimer junction.
• Look for signs to Beech Hill / Mortimer (this will take you off the A33 at a roundabout or right-hand turn). - Follow the road into Mortimer village.
• Stay on this local road as it winds through Beech Hill and then into Mortimer. - Continue through Mortimer village, heading south.
• Pass through the centre of Mortimer, keeping signs for Mortimer West End / Silchester. - Enter Mortimer West End.
• The road becomes Church Road. - Arrive at The Red Lion pub (RG7 2HU).
• The pub is along Church Road, Mortimer West End, on your left if approaching from Mortimer village.
Opening Hours
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Thursday: 12:00 - 22:00
Friday & Saturday: 12:00 - 23:00
Sunday: 12:00 - 19:00
Food Served
Wed - Fri: 12:00 - 14:30 & 17:30 - 20:30
Sat: 12:00 - 14.30 & 17:30 - 20.30
Sun: 12:00 - 16:00