The Red Lion in Martlesham reopens after renovations

The Red Lion in Martlesham has welcomed customers once again following its six-figure refurbishment.

Town heroes Terry Butcher and Russell Osman were in attendance to reopen the pub and restaurant on Friday.

Internally, changes have been made – including the bar being opened up, as well as the removal of some carpets, replacing it with hardwood floor to cater more for dogs.

The Red Lion has opened after its refurbishment (Image: Chef & Brewer)

The restaurant has hard wood floors and all of the bathrooms have been renovated.

There is also new furniture throughout the pub and restaurant, including chairs and tables, and the kitchen has been fully renovated with new equipment throughout.

Externally a lot of work has been done, with the courtyard at the front of the building doubling in size.

Some of the garden area (Image: Chef & Brewer)

The new pergola (Image: Chef & Brewer)

The garden area at the back has also been updated, now able to host more people, increasing from 12 tables to 38.

A patio floor has been laid, all under a covered and heated pergola, with steps leading up to a smoking area, and at the back of the garden, a wildlife section for just insects.

General manager, Ryan Miller, said: "We are very pleased with it all.

Some of the outside changes (Image: Chef & Brewer)

Some of the outside changes (Image: Chef & Brewer)

"We handed the keys over to the buildings on February 19 and reopened on March 22, so for four weeks of work, it is very impressive.

"The biggest thing for me is the garden.

"We've always been busier in the winter due to our log fires inside, of which we now have three, so it's good for us that we have this space outside which can be used summer, winter, autumn or spring. Whatever the weather or occasion, this is here.

The Red Lion in Martlesham (Image: Chef & Brewer)

Some of the changes inside (Image: Chef & Brewer)

"It's all fantastic, my team have been glowing since seeing the refurb, and I am proud of everyone that has delivered this."

A new menu has also gone live, with new dishes for main courses and desserts, as well as 18 new dishes that will be rotated weekly as the specials.

The pub has also got new drinks in from Greene King, which was requested by customers.

Some of the changes inside (Image: Chef & Brewer)