About the Red Lion Coaching Inn
The Red Lion in Ellesmere is a much-loved coaching inn with an amazing history. Originally built in the 16th Century, it would be a welcome break for travellers and their horses. The carts would enter through the main doors (as you would have done!) and would have stopped in the back yard of the pub.
The stable buildings in our beer garden are the original stables that would have been used for the horses. The red lion was a feature on the coat of arms of the local landowners, the Egerton family (Dukes of Bridgwater), and in those days it was best to show loyalty.
Through the years, the pub has been refurbished several times. The upstairs that is now used as accommodation has in the past been a glorious dance floor and hosted special events for the locals. We have a number of customers with fond memories of special occasions like wedding parties, christenings, weekend events and so on.
Now owned by the famous Thwaites brewery and with us, Lois and Simon, as Landlords together with a fantastic team of front of house, kitchen, housekeeping and maintenance staff, we strive to give you the best possible experience and help create fond memories for you to treasure.
Winner of the Thwaites regional and national Pubs in Bloom award in 2017.
We have also just won the regional Thwaites Pub in Bloom 2019 and are in the running for the National once again this year too.
About Ellesmere
Ellesmere has always been an important settlement ever since those clever ancient Britons found that the magnificent glacial Mere was an ideal place for some genuine rest and relaxation. You know the sort of thing – a spot of fishing, gentle boating and gazing at the views and wildlife.
Ellesmere still draws people in today for exactly the same reasons, and we are just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Mere although there’s much more to do today than simply standing and staring at the Mere, spectacular though it is; For a start there are formal gardens and woodland walks with art and sculpture trails to take in and there’s the Motte and Bailey of the castle grounds.
The wildlife and Heron Watch has always been synonymous with Ellesmere so you can get back to nature from the comfort of the indoor viewing area.
Had an amazing welcome from the red lion tram, amazing food, recommend the chicken sizzler but all our food was amazing an added bonus to our llangollen canal boat trip. The mix grill is mind blowing diolch yn fawr
Tracy T
Great hotel room, comfy beds. Friendly staff and amazing food and Portion sizes will not leave you hungry. Ideal location from the mere and surrounding walks. We will happily return in the future.
Daniel
We are leaving here tomorrow after staying for the last four nights and I can not say enough about this lovely place! Rooms are clean and bed is comfortable, breakfast is A1 and of that isn’t enough, evening meals are amazing and huge and the staff are polite, attentive and adorable! Came here 11 years ago and I must say the improvement is clear to see! Already decided to come back in the Summer! Thank you so much!