The Red Lion
Cask ales and British food in half-timbered pub with Tudor oak beams, open fires and beer garden.. Located at 2 Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU, UK
About
The Red Lion: A Historic Pub Experience in the Heart of York
Step back in time at The Red Lion, a charming pub located in the heart of York. This traditional establishment offers a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying cask ales and soaking in the history of the city. With its Tudor oak beams and welcoming open fires, The Red Lion offers a true taste of British pub culture.
What to Expect
The Red Lion boasts a characterful interior with half-timbered features and exposed beams. Imagine relaxing by a crackling open fire on a chilly evening, or enjoying the atmosphere in the beer garden. The pub offers a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. It's the kind of place where you can settle in for a relaxed afternoon or evening.
Dining & Services
The Red Lion welcomes guests for dine-in experiences and offers curbside pickup. Reservations are available, and the pub is wheelchair accessible. Business hours are: Monday through Thursday 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM, and Sunday 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Please note that these are the pub's opening hours and kitchen hours may differ.
Location & Atmosphere
Located in the heart of the city center, The Red Lion is easily accessible. Nearby, you'll find places like Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly and the Art of Protest Gallery. The atmosphere is often lively, particularly with live music adding to the experience. With outdoor seating available, it's a great spot to enjoy the atmosphere.
Why Visit The Red Lion?
With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 1658 reviews, The Red Lion is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. The pub is known for being good for groups, dog-friendly, and welcoming to those looking to watch sports. One reviewer raved, "Absolutely loved this pub! We were just looking for a place to grab a beer, and it turned out to be such a pleasant surprise." Another described the "old wood, creaky floors, low timbered ceilings and coal fireplaces," creating a warm and inviting vibe. If you're looking for a traditional British pub experience with a good selection of drinks and a friendly atmosphere, The Red Lion is well worth a visit. Consider participating in their pub quiz for a bit of fun. Please note that the pub can get busy. "The Red Lion is a great British pub to chitchat, relax, drink and participate in their quiz." Moderate price level.
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The reviews below were last updated on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 12:55.
Absolutely loved this pub! We were just looking for a place to grab a beer, and it turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed a great pint, and by chance, our visit coincided with trivia night, which made for a really fun and lively atmosphere. I’d definitely come back and highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting York!
Fantastic. The vibe is old wood, creaky floors, low timbered ceilings and coal fireplaces. Lots of nice outdoor seating too. A selection of local craft beers and also standard bottled choices. Staff was very friendly and the food service was fast. Dog friendly, too. The food was solid, tasty pub fare, no complaints whatsoever.
The Red Lion is a great British pub to chitchat, relax, drink and participate in their quiz. It is cozy, warm, inviting and laidback. The workers are also just as nice and helpful. However, do not come here for their food. The photos look nice, but are old and the staff making it is new. Our food tasted at best decent, but plating a look is the level of a child. Fortunately the food wasn’t that expensive otherwise I’d be upset due to it not being really worth it.
Oldy worldly. Bit basic. Could do with a spruce up. They keen to chuck you out at half ten. Last orders I believe should be 11? Historic pub tho.
Nice place with nice beer garden to have a drink (friendly staff) 😁🍻
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📍 2 Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU, UK
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2 Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU, UK