THE RED LION INN at Thorncliffe

Brief history

The village name ‘Thorncliffe’ derives from the old English ‘Thorntileg’ meaning clearing amid thorn trees. The Red Lion Inn carries the date 1787 and was known as the Reform Inn until around 1860 when the name was changed.

About the Red Lion

The Red Lion is privately owned and has been run by the Sutton family for almost eight years. The pub offers superb home-cooked food and a wide range of real ales and fine wines.

Having undergone something of a transformation over the past few years, the new interior enhances the pub’s traditional feel with oak flooring, roaring open fires and comfortable seating. A new dining room has also been added which is ideal for larger family celebrations.

Surrounding Area

Thorncliffe is a small village a few miles from the market town of Leek. As Thorncliffe straddles both the Staffordshire Moorlands and the Peak District National Park, the pub is ideally situated in the heart of the UKs best walking country. The Peak District National Park was established in 1951 and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience the district’s unique mixture of tranquillity and adventure. Undoubtedly this region can boast the finest climbing, caving, walking and cycling in the country.

Climbing at the Roaches, sailing at Rudyard Lake and cycling at Waterhouses are all within a few miles of the pub.

The Staffordshire Moorlands is comprised of three main towns; Leek, Cheadle and Biddulph. Visitor attractions include the National Trust property ‘Biddulph Grange’, Alton Towers theme park and the annual Leek Arts Festival.