In the coming weeks, we will finally feel the welcome return of the feels of sunshine on our faces; the clocks have sprung forward, the days are getting longer, and a warm buzz fills the air – British Summer Time (BST) has arrived. Here at The Red Lion, nestled within the charming market town of Odiham, we’re raising a glass to celebrate the sunshine season and invite you to come and discover the beauty of North Hampshire with our recommended ‘perfect pairings’ for sunny days.
Is there a better way to embrace the beginnings of spring and summer than to pack your overnight bag and escape to the countryside to enjoy relaxed walks, a spot of culture, and be in good company delighting in delicious, unfussy gastro pub food? We may be biased, but we think not; so, embrace the warmer weather and book a stay here at The Red Lion in Odiham. Not only are we an independent pub renowned for great service and excellent quality food and drink, but we are also an inn, with 7 luxuriously cosy rooms perfect to hunker down, go off-grid, and embrace country life.
View and book an overnight package at The Red Lion in Odiham, Hampshire.
Seasonal Dishes and Pub Classics
Our menus will always be seasonal-focused, ensuring we can source the best in-season English ingredients that not only taste better but also enjoy more goodness. According to RSPCA Assured, studies have proven that vegetables such as broccoli and spinach contain different levels of vitamin C depending on the season they are grown in. That’s because, when grown in their natural season, vegetables produce even more of the vitamins and nutrients they’re known for… now if that’s not a reason to eat seasonally and source locally, we don’t know what is! We also update our Drinks Menu across the seasons, so the time has come to bid a fond farewell to our winter cocktails, to make way for lighter, more refreshing options, plus, we’ve introduced some great new English wines.
No and Low-Alcohol choices
We have a great selection of low and no-alcohol drinks for our pub guests, including the refreshing Lucky Saint lager, which has no additives or flavourings added and consists of just 4 ingredients – Pilsner Malt, Hallertau Hops, Spring Water and Classic Lager Yeast. Another favourite is Guinness 0.0%, which features the same dark liquid and creamy head that we all know and love, but without the alcohol. This drink enjoys hints of chocolate and coffee and is smoothly balanced with bitter, sweet and roasted notes. These drinks pair beautifully with our signature crispy battered haddock, and our tasty hand-made pies, each drink offers a light and crisp flavour that cuts through the richness of the dishes without overpowering.
New local wines
Fancy something a little more sophisticated? Opt for a glass of chilled local Penn Croft Village Bacchus, from neighbouring village, Crondall; a crisp, dry white wine with a touch of citrus. Or, Kent’s finest Chapel Down Chardonnay, a smooth and elegant choice paired with our delicious goat’s cheese and caramelised onion tart. Both wines perfectly complement the creaminess of the goat’s cheese, and the sweetness of the caramelised onions, making for a truly delightful pairing. If you prefer an English rosé wine, try Wraxall Early pinot noir rosé, which is hot from the vines of Somerset, and enjoys delicate flavours of wild strawberry, raspberry leaf and redcurrant. This pairs beautifully with a Niçoise, or chicken salad.
Gin & Tonic Magic
No British summer is complete without a perfectly crafted G&T. We pride ourselves on using only the highest-quality, often locally-produced gins, and fresh garnishes to create the ultimate refreshing thirst-quencher, perfect for blue sky days.
Feeling fruity? Why not try a delicious Wild Strawberry Gin Spritz, this recipe below is a generous serving for 1:
50ml Gorilla Wild Strawberry Gin
15ml St. Germain Elderflower Cordial
75ml Prosecco
15ml Soda (just a dash)
10ml Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Sprig of fresh mint, to serve
Using a chilled champagne flute, pour the ingredients in the order noted, and finish with a sprig of fresh mint; a super simple, yet incredible tasting drink, perfect for hosting friends!
Explore the local area
There’s plenty to see and do to keep you entertained on a weekend trip to The Red Lion in Odiham, from tranquil walks along the Basingstoke Canal and day trips to nearby National Trust sites, to visiting historic sites and museums, or hunting for local antique treasures on the high street. The joy is you can do as little or as much as you wish! Read some of our other blogs here.
If you’re feeling a bit blue, or need plans to look forward to, book now and visit us here at The Red Lion as we soak up the joys of spring, and raise a glass to the beginning of British Summer Time.
Book a room, from just £120 per night, and don’t forget to share your Odiham adventures with us on social media, tagging us @RedLionOdiham.