THE RED LION ON HILLINGDON HILL

February 2025. Hillingdon Hill.

Only a pub ticker, or a very weird human, could have been excited as I was heading to the Red Lion on Hillingdon Hill.

My photos capture the drama of the 10 minute bus trip from Uxbridge.

Never mind “And did those feet, in ancient times…“,

did BRAPA drop that soft fruit on his pre-Christmas visit ?

The almost Art Deco exterior of Randalls dominates the exit from town,

while St John the Baptist signals the time to leave the Number 427.

NB Why does no-one thank the driver in London ?

Loads of Red Lions in West London, they used to wander wild along the A40 until banned by King Charles I, and many of them Fullers roadhouses.

This one, my first ever tick in Hillingdon, an ancient gem with gorgeous wooden panels, a pub designed back in the 16th century with American tourists in mind.

No sign of ESB, so a second London Pride from those austere hand pumps in an hour.

Trade is mainly from commercial salesman on laptops discussing (well, cursing, mainly) about brands, and I’m asked if I want a receipt for my pint. I don’t.

It’s another good, chewy, pint (NBSS 3.5+) a second straight triumph for West Middlesex CAMRA, and for the afore-mentioned Charles I, who stopped here in 1646 to present the Pub of the Season award.

A bit too quiet, perhaps an hour later the Golden Hour would have brought tradesmen and hotel guests, but I had churches and cobs to attend to.

But I bet I’d have stayed for the “prix fixe menu” if it had been my birthday.

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Published by retiredmartin

Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.

12 thoughts on “THE RED LION ON HILLINGDON HILL”

  1. A receipt for your pint? Does this imply there are people who claim back beer expenditure? As to why Londoners don’t thank the bus driver I always assumed it was because most London buses have a front entrance but a mid or rear exit, so you don’t pass by the driver on leaving the bus.

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      1. It was a monetary tip, and undoubtedly far more than 20p knowing the generosity of Staffordshire folk. As a rural postman six miles south of Eccleshall ten years ago £10 was the usual tip though they ranged from £2 to £60.
        Older residents thereabouts know their bus drivers. Waiting for the bus back from Eccleshall to Stafford last December I commented on it being a few minutes late and then when it approached was told “oh, it’s him, he always takes his time”.

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    2. Rumour has it young Will is organising a “pub survey” of Ecclesall Road and I expect you to do your duty and show up in the Royal Oak with a placard protesting Joules insensitive refurbs.

      I’m slowly coming round to your way of thinking on Joules, by the way.

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      1. Eccleshall’s Royal Oak must be their worst act of vandalism, the historic central staircase of the listed building removed, the resulting fine understood to have been considered in the cost of the plans. Closure last year for another refurbishment indicates that their act of destruction a dozen years earlier was a failure.
        I was reminded yesterday lunchtime that the best of pubs haven’t needed a refurbishment in my lifetime, well except for the lounge on the left being extended into what had been brewery offices.

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      4. Andy,
        I don’t doubt that, but don’t know which pubs they’ve spoilt.
        Their two in Stafford haven’t lost any historic interest and have retained their separate rooms.
        I consider BCA’s concept to be something like a proper pub of several decades ago, which can’t be said of the new Joules.

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