Sunday Carvery At The Red Lion, Matlock Green, Matlock
The actual birthday of Mummy Bird had arrived, and the week of celebrations had one last hurrah; Sunday Lunch out! Fledge was coming along as a surprise; actually she was driving us all over, but Mummy didn’t know where we were going or that Fledge was coming, so it was a double surprise.
As we were driving along, Mummy kept saying “oh, we’re not going there then”, as we passed familiar venues. When we approached Matlock Green and turned right, Mummy said “oooh, I don’t think I’ve been here (The Red Lion) for about 40 years! The sun was shining, and lazing at the doorway was a beautiful blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier bitch who was doing a magnificent impression of a sun-pig: that’s what we call our lad when he’s stretched out to absorb all the sun’s warmth, anyway!
We headed inside, and I have to say that, on initial impressions, it’s a really smashing venue. The premises are well maintained and clean, and the bar is well stocked – perhaps as well given the volume of folks in the lovely beer garden/terrace! We haven’t been to this pub before, so it would’ve been nice to have been given a bit of guidance when we approached the bar to confirm our reservation and order drinks. As it was, we sat at our table and another member of staff (who had a beautifully exotic accent to her voice, it was mesmerising) informed us that we needed to obtain carvery tokens from the bar – where we’d just been #frustrating. Regular Carvery’s are charged at £13.95 per person, and children’s are £11.50 per little – the prices on the website are well out-of-date, so ignore those!
Anyhow, we got the tokens sorted out and birthday girl and His Nibs went to the carvery counter first. Chef was in charge of carving the various meats (Pork, Gammon, Beef and Turkey) and he welcomed them very warmly before asking what meats they’d like: Mummy had Beef and Turkey, the rest of us had Beef and Gammon. The slices of meat are large in size and you get a couple of them, so you’re certainly not short-changed, portion-wise.
Moving on from the meat area, you then help yourself to Yorkshire Puds (not the biggest we’ve ever had, but still tasty enough), large roasties and stuffing balls. Those of you who love your veggies will not be disappointed at The Red Lion, they were loads to choose from. The carrots were cut lengthways and there was a lovely medley of Broccoli, Peas, Leeks and Cabbage in another dish. Chef had spiced his Red Cabbage nicely to just give it a bit of lift and zhuzh on the palate, and there was still a bit of bite left to this delicious vegetable. Savoy Cabbage was also finely shredded, and provided a nice alternative for those who don’t like its red cousin.
I’d skipped the mashed potato, as I’m not the hugest fan of spuds, but the other Flock members all said it was nicely seasoned and wonderfully smooth. As I’d been making my way along the vegetable area, several members of the team were replenishing empty trays with fresh ones, so there were no worries about missing out on any element of this carvery. You all know how much I love Cauliflower Cheese, so it won’t shock you when I say that two big spoonful’s got plonked on my already heavily laden plate! Unusually, The Red Lion team also serve up a thick, homemade Onion Sauce and its white base was seasoned really nicely to compliment the Onion – this is a real treasure, let me just say.
Just to the side of the carvery counter is a station for all the peripheral sauces: Cranberry, Apple, Horseradish, Mustards and, of course, a big tureen of rich Gravy I decided to let the Onion Sauce take centre stage on my plate, just adding a little gravy in my Yorkshire Pudding.
As we’d been munching away, several team members checked that we were enjoying our meals and took time to have a quick chat whilst they were near us. Whenever a table was vacated, it wasn’t long before empty glasses were taken away and the table thoroughly cleaned and re-laid with cutlery and napkins.
Our total bill for the four of us, including drinks, came to just under £76, which we thought was very fair, given the quality and quantity of the offering here – Hot Wings awarded here. Families are more than welcome at The Red Lion and dogs are welcome in the Tap Room.
The Red Lion opens Sun-Thurs from Noon-11pm and Friday and Saturday Noon-Midnight for the bar, and Tues-Saturday 6-9pm and Sunday Carvery Noon-5pm for food.
To book a table ring 01629 584888 or visit the website www.theredlionmatlock.co.uk for details of full menus, the accommodation (they have a small number of rooms) and facts about ‘Moot Brewery’ which is on-site.
All Prices Correct At The Time Of Publishing
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