THE RETURN OF THE RED LION WITHINGTON
Family-owned brewery, JW Lees are re-opening the doors to the Red Lion, the latest addition to its managed pub division. The reopening of the pub, after months of redevelopment, has created 40 jobs with 20 full time and 20 part time roles joining the existing team.
William Lees-Jones, Managing Director, JW Lees, said; ‘The Red Lion enjoyed being one of the finest pubs in the area before a lack of care and investment started its slow decline. We purchased the pub in February 2020 and following Covid delays have gutted and refurbished the pub, reimaging the Red Lion in all its former glory. Sean Lithgow, General Manager, is a brilliant operator who along with the new team can’t wait to give the people of Withington a warm welcome.”
Sean Lithgow, General Manager, the Red Lion, said; ‘I joined JW Lees as I loved their beers and pubs. I managed the Boot and Shoe in Lancaster before grabbing the chance to open the Red Lion and move to Manchester. It’s a great city and a phenomenal pub, I can’t wait to see it full of customers with that familiar buzz around the bar.”
The Red Lion, located on Wilmslow Road, is a Grade 2 listed building and is known to have been a pub for at least 200 years. The redesign of the pub is sympathetic to its status, with some rooms being carefully restored and others being cleverly designed to feel like a contemporary evolution of the traditional pub. The front of the building with its small bar, low ceilings and wood panels has lots of authentic touches creating the feeling of a relaxed, rural inn. As you move into the large bar at the heart of the pub you can see through into the new conservatory and beyond in to the large gardens.
The bar, at the heart of the building, is packed with ales and lagers brewed by JW Lees as well as quality spirits and a hand-picked wine collection. The pub is laid out with a choice of eating and drinking spaces with plenty of cosy nooks and corners. The menu features famous JW Lees dishes such as the Brewery Tower Burger and legendary Three Cheese and Onion Pie along with seasonal variations. There is also a lunch menu, Sunday Roast, children’s menu and daily specials which will launch in a few weeks.
JW Lees recently unveiled the new build pub The Aviator at Woodford Garden Village and newly refurbished Stanneylands Hotel in Wilmslow.