It has been just over 18 months since George Talbot and his team took over The Red Lion at Brinkley. Located just ten minutes from Newmarket, this late 16th century pub, is a stone’s throw away from the small village of Burrough Green where George grew up. In fact, ironically, The Red Lion was the place where he pulled his first pint!

Open seven days a week, the pub is run just as George feels traditional village pubs should be in that anyone can rock up at any time and know they can get a drink and a bite to eat. The pub is very much part of the local community and George and his new team have been amazed how keen the locals have been to drop by and offer their support.

The drinks list has been carefully selected and whilst you won’t yet find fancy cocktails (there is a small list on the way), you will find a variety of beers, spirits and wines including a sparkling Burnt House Brut, produced locally by a family run vineyard in the heart of Suffolk.

The team of three chefs have created some inspiring dishes with both extensive bar and dining menus. On the all-day menu, you can indulge in anything from Olives to a Sausage Roll, to Mac and Cheese or Pork and Apple Terrine. There is an interesting and varied choice whatever the size of your appetite.

On the dining menu you can expect similar dishes to the bar menu among the nibbles and starters whilst mains range from Fish of the Day and Halloumi and Yellow Courgette Burgers to the unusual sounding Coffee Spiced Flat Iron Steak or a Celeriac and Mushroom Skewers for vegetarians. The combinations really get your taste buds going and the freshness of the ingredients shouts out. Somehow, they have conjured up a non-fussy but exciting menu that is sure to cater for all tastes. Plus, the Kids Menu must be one of the best around with Focaccia Fingers and Smoked Cheese Arancini for starters and classics such as Macaroni Cheese and Breaded Chicken Nuggets for main.

Bar snacks can be enjoyed all day in the cosy bar with the dining menu available at lunch and dinner in both the bar and dining room. Tables are for a maximum of 6 people although there is a separate dining room for larger groups up to 12, which is perfect for special occasions.

Outside there is the choice of a large front or south-facing rear garden for drinks which has stunning views. There are plenty of unreserved tables available on a first come first served basis where food or just drinks can be enjoyed although you will need to be quick to catch the last of the summer’s rays.

Dogs are of course most welcome and Sybil, the pub’s resident black labrador, makes sure everyone is greeted enthusiastically!

For more information, visit the website here: