The Red Lion & Pineapple isn’t just a place to get cheap booze. It’s a time capsule. It’s a reminder that pubs used to be the center of village life. They had weird names because people wanted to remember them. “Let’s meet at the house with the lion and the pineapple!” That’s memorable. That’s fun.
In an era of boring chain pubs with generic names, this one sticks out. It’s a Wetherspoon, yes. But it’s also a piece of British weirdness. It’s a place where you can bring a friend from abroad and say, “Look, a pineapple. On a pub. Deal with it.”
The verdict
Go. Just go. Order a pint of Doom Bar. Eat some chips. Stare at the pineapple on the sign. Does it look smug? Yes. Does the lion look tired? Absolutely. That’s the whole vibe. The Red Lion & Pineapple is a pub that knows it’s ridiculous and doesn’t care.
It’s cheap. It’s weird. It’s a little grotty. And it’s delightful. Next time you’re in Richmond, skip the fancy wine bars. Go straight for the lion. And the pineapple. And a ketchup sachet that’s probably expired. You’ll love it.
Seriously. Go. Your curiosity will thank you. And if you see a ghost? Tell it the pineapple said hi.
