The Red Lion

I’ve enjoyed meals and drinks here, and gave this pub 5 Stars for absolutely lovely food, brilliant service and a great location. Yesterday after the Fig Pie Rolling, we went into The Red Lions Beer Garden so our friends’ 2 daughters, who have Autism, could play on The Bouncy Castle. What happened there worried me, though, and I hope things are better next time. There were young children playing without their parents watching. Some only had a slightly older brother or sister keeping an eye on them while their parents were still outside the front of the pub. Children climbed over the side panel and down between the inner and outer panels of the castle. I told the lady who came out to collect empty glasses. She saw what was happening and told them to stop or the castle would be taken down, but once she went inside they started misusing it again. Then a much older group of girls got on, which I don’t think should have been allowed. They spoiled it for the younger children, and none of their parents were there to tell them to get off. When they finally finished, a group of lads went on and were just as bad. The rough play turned into fighting. I saw a few young ones crying after being bumped or caught up in the chaos. It was lucky no child was seriously injured with broken bones. There wasn’t a staff member outside to see what was going on in the beer garden, tell older children to get off, stop fighting or climbing over the side, or ask where the children’s parents were and take them back if their parents weren’t there. There were no signs saying the age group for the Bouncy Castle, that children must be supervised by a parent, or that injuries to children aren’t down to The Red Lion Pub. I don’t mean to spoil anyone’s fun, and I’m not naming anyone. I just hope the next time is better.