Welcome to The Red Lion Inn at Thorncliffe, Staffordshire.

"A REAL VILLAGE PUB"

Follow the twists and turns of the country roads towards Thorncliffe, just off the Buxton Road outside Leek and you will stumble upon a 200 year old traditional olde world country inn dating back to 1787, nestling in the Staffordshire Moorlands and bordering the Peak Park.

This delightful country inn is run by husband and wife team, Philip and Susan Sutton.

"Home cooked food"

The Red Lion offers superb home cooked food and a wide range of real ales and fine wines.

It is also the perfect location for Weddings, Receptions, Birthday Parties, Anniversaries and Christenings in the superbly appointed private function room.

The new interior of the pub enhances its traditional feel with oak floors and open log fires, offering a great atmosphere which can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

We suggest you work up an appetite before arriving at the Red Lion, as we are known for our large portion sizes .

"A friendly and relaxed atmosphere"

The staff here are very friendly and highly motivated to provide the customer with a prompt and efficient service, which gives the pub a fantastic, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

A little history..

Thorncliffe was first spelled as 'Thorntileg' which is an Old English name meaning a clearing amid thorn trees. The Red Lion Inn carries the date 1787 and was formally known as the 'Reform Inn' until around 1860.

Close to its main town of Leek, Thorncliffe is situated within driving distance of some of the UK's most scenic walks and greatest attractions including 'Alton Towers Theme park'.

One of the main attractions of The Red Lion Inn is its location, nestling close to the borders of the The Peak District National Park and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

The Peak District National Park was established in 1951 and is regularly visited by people from all over the world. They come to find peace, tranquility and adventure, experiencing some of England’s finest climbing, caving, walking and cycling. Learn more about the Peak District National Park here

The Staffordshire Moorlands encompasses three main towns, Cheadle, Leek and Biddulph. Visitor attractions include the National Trust property Biddulph Grange, the theme-park Alton Towers, and the annual Leek Arts Festival.

There are also a variety of outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing at the The Roaches, sailing at Rudyard Lake and cycling at Waterhouses.

Leek has been known for many years as the "Queen of The Moorlands" and has built a reputation as an antiques centre. There are also a whole host of tea rooms, public houses and some cracking little shops too!

To learn more about the area of Leek click the link below and visit the BBC Stoke & Staffordshire pages.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/content/articles/2006/08/07/leek_towns_feature.shtml

Our Garden

Walk through the pub and you will find an idyllic court yard garden which is very popular on hot sunny days, it is packed with many varieties of beautiful flowers and plants.

In one corner of the garden is a small pond with a water feature, filled with Goldfish. The garden has seating for around 50 people - so why not dine al-fresco on those long, hot, sunny Sundays when the pub is open all day.

The Location.

The Red Lion Inn is close to a whole host of local attractions, whether its a family day out, a brisk country walk or a relaxing afternoon viewing the many antiques shops, we guarantee that you will enjoy your time with us.

The Red Lion Inn with close links to:

• The M6 and other major Motorways
• Stoke-on-Trent and the Potteries, Manchester, Sheffield and Derby
• The Peak District National Park
• Alton Towers Theme Park
• Royal Doultons and Wedgewood Museum and Visitor centres
• Tiittesworth Reservoir
• Rudyard Lake (reservoir)
• Buxton
• Buxton Museum & Art Gallery
• Biddulph Grange Gardens

The list is endless.  If you struggle to find things to do whilst you are over in Staffordshire pop into us at The Red Lion Inn and we will gladly advise you of some of the more interesting places to visit.

Readers Picks claim honours.

THREE businesses are celebrating success in first post & Times Readers' CHoice awards.

The Red Lion at Thorncliffe took first place, followed by The Winking Man, Upper Hulme in second spot and Little Luxuries beauty salon, Leek third place. Customers and readers voted for their favourites using coupons in the Post & Times each week and at the individual businesses.

The Red Lion, a 200 year-old free house, has been owned by husband and wife, Phil and Sue Sutton for five years. Sue said: "We are delighted to win the Readers Choice award. It is the first competition we've entered. It's all down to the hard work and dedication of our employees.

"Our head Chef Mark Sandall and his colleagues James Nicol and Richard Gould have a real passion for food and only source the best local produce.  It's this devotion together we their fantastic culinary skills which gives the pub its well-deserved reputation.

"The pub has undergone something of a transformation. We have given it a makeover and new dining room but still retained the original log fires and solid oak flooring. On behalf of Phil and Myself I'd like to thank all the readers of the Post & Times for their support, words of encouragement, and votes during the competition.

December 5th 2007

Reproduced with kind permission of The Leek Post & Times (http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/leek/)

Contact us for more details or alternatively enquire about a booking.

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