A Potted History of The Red Lion

CONSTRUCTED back in 1963 ‘Old Joes’ (the original Red Lion) was demolished and the present building built.

In 1965 Ken and Dorothy Witherington commenced serving food, a selection of high quality grills and nothing more than a £1.

The Red Lion at Haigh restaurant was one of the first independent food outlets operating alongside the Duttons chains of restaurants and Bernie Inns. Ken and Dorothy and their son David ran the restaurant through until 1981, the building was divided into two halves, the bar and the bar snacks area and the restaurant area where they

frequently held dinner dances in the extension.

In 1981 Ken and Dorothy retired and since then have spent most of their time in Spain.

The Red Lion at Haigh was taken over in 1981 by Pat and Rob Newgent who carried out some

extensive alterations in 1984 making the whole area open plan to cater for a new generation of

diners offering fast food and pub grub.

Location of The Red Lion at Haigh

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During its time the Red Lion freehold has been held by Magee Marshall, Greenhall Whitley, In Partnership and various other drinks companies and now sits with Punch Taverns.

The present owners David and Edna Oakley arrived in 1993 once again re-modernising the Red Lion and converting it into an A La Carte Restaurant.

“THE RED LION AT HAIGH” Offers a selection of freshly produced local product cooked on the premises ranging from comfort food to classic dishes. On Friday and Saturday nights dishes are cooked in the restaurant on the flambé trolley. Steak Diane, and King Prawn Royale to add that extra atmosphere.

David and Edna have always been very hands on and although not fully employed at the Red Lion spend a large amount of their time ensuring that the quality and service is of the very highest standard. They have always regarded it as a family business, the restaurant used to be managed by their son Lee Oakley who sadly became a victim of cancer in 2002 but not before he brought considerable success.

The family theme carried on and their sons Dean and Nicholas and Nicholas wife Samantha still play important parts in the operation of the Red Lion. David Oakley commented “The style of the restaurant is intended to provide a relaxed high quality dining experience for mature people of all ages.”

“As well as our full A La Carte menu, we cater for a large number of family groups celebrating all types of occasions. Usually creating special menus and printing them as momentos of their unique occasion” “We also do a number of charity functions in aid of Chemotherapy Research at Christie Hospital and have raised some £25,000 over the last 15 years”.

The Red Lion at Haigh continues to offer the very finest freshly prepared dishes which represent amazing value.

A traditional 3-course meal can cost as little as £6.85. A 16oz rump steak with all the trimmings for £11.95. Or choose from their selection of British and European dishes.

The Red Lion commences serving food at 12 noon and takes it last orders at 9pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year giving their customers the opportunity to dine any time from lunchtime through to late in the evening to suit their convenience.