Eating out in Suffolk – The Veggie Red Lion
I try to get out as much as possible to put myself in the shoes of my holiday cottage guests so that I can sample the best that Suffolk tourism has to offer. This week I headed back to the ‘Veggie Red Lion’ near Needham Market.
It’s a great old pub serving many local beers, a nice variety of wine and, you’ve guessed it, solely vegetarian food.
It’s actually in Great Bricett, just south of Needham and is the only vegetarian pub in East Anglia.
It’s extremely popular as you can imagine, with vegans and vegetarians, as well as carnivores, who are still welcome as their sign outside confirms. As long as they are well-behaved!
Owner Jan Wise seeks to use as much local, seasonal produce to whip up an extensive range of purely vegetarian dishes. Many of the dishes are available as vegan and gluten-free options. We had a mix of Indian style starters, which were superb and then the African sweet potato stew and the Mushroom Wellington. The stew was amazing, a perfect blend of sweetness and creamy coconut flavours! Getting hungry again now thinking about it.
The interior is classic cosy country pub and has a really relaxed feel. Even dining on a Tuesday evening as we were, it was pretty busy, which considering its rural location, was very encouraging to see. It’s only 11 miles from Woodfarm so it’s a nice easy trip for us and in turn, my guests.
Dogs are allowed at the tables outside and at one table inside.
Interestingly they also sell vegetarian ready meals for just a few pounds:
MOROCCAN RAS EL HANOUT (VEGAN)
Full-on aromatic Tagine style with apricots, okra, butternut squash and pulses.
THAI YELLOW CURRY (VEGAN, GF.)
Delicate but deceptively robust. Includes Chinese leaves, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, green beans & capsicum.
SICILIAN MED.VEG.CASSEROLE (VEGAN ,GF.)
Simple rustic combination with ripe tomatoes, aubergine, courgette, sweet pepper, Rosso -vermouth,red onions, olives, garlic & oregano.
AFRICAN SWEET POTATO STEW (VEGAN, GF.)
Much loved blend of ground peanuts, tomatoes, warming spices, baby corn & green beans etc.
CHICK PEA KORMA (VEGAN, GF.)
Smooth, gentle and hearty. Coconut cream and ground almonds, soy milk and authentic spices, topped with sweet pepper and spinach.
CARIBBEAN CASSEROLE
Creamy, fruity and raunchy with pineapple, Quorn, squash, coconut, dark rum, double cream.
Full ingredients and cooking advice are on each pack. Remember these meals are frozen so bring your cool bag if you’re not going straight home to your freezer.
Order your Redi-Meals in advance by emailing them – info@theveggieredlion.co.uk or by calling 01473 657799.
The full address is Greenstreet Green, Gt Bricett, Suffolk, IP7 7DD.
Check out their website.
They are open on Tuesday to Saturday from 12 til 2pm, with food served from 6 til 9pm and Sundays 12 til 2.30pm.
