The Royal Lion, Lyme Regis, Dorset
You can’t miss The Royal Lion in Lyme Regis – it’s right in the middle of town with a big red lion standing on the porch – and there aren’t many of those about! It’s a charming 17th century coaching inn, up to date where it needs to be but on the whole very traditional which is nice to find; it hasn’t been given a totally modern make over and still has all its lovely old features like oak panelling, big thick ceiling beams and open fireplaces.
There are two restaurants at the Royal Lion, both open to non-residents, so this is a nice one to call in to for a pint or something to eat when you’ve been for a wander along the beach or browsing round the shops. The Oak Room restaurant is very sumptuous and elegant but it’s not overpriced fine dining; what you’ll find is a good mix of modern cuisine and classics on the menu – like Cornfed Chicken Supreme with dauphinoise potato & chasseur sauce, Steak, mushroom & Otter Ale suet pudding with new potatoes & pan gravy, and Pan fried fillet of seabass with herb crusted potatoes, confit heritage tomatoes & basil pesto. It’s all beautifully presented and tastes divine.
There’s also what they call The Inn, or the main bar, less formal with old settles and leaded glass windows; in the winter months there’s a roaring log fire to keep it all nice and toasty. The atmosphere and the menu are very relaxed and more what you’d expect in an English pub, so fish and chips, maybe a sandwich at lunchtime and on Sundays, a fantastic roast.
T: 01297 445622 All information correct at the time of writing