Family-owned brewery JW Lees are re-opening the doors to the Red Lion, the latest addition to its managed pubs division.
The re-opening of the pub, after months of redevelopment, has created 40 jobs with 20 full time and 20 part time roles.
“The Red Lion has long enjoyed being one of the finest pubs in the area and we were lucky enough to buy the pub in February 2020 just before the UK went into lockdown. Following Covid delays we have gutted and refurbished the pub, reimagining the Red Lion in all its former glory. The new General Manger, Sean Lithgow, is a brilliant operator who along with the new team can’t wait to give the people of Withington a warm welcome.” – William Lees-Jones, Managing Director, JW Lees
“I joined JW Lees as I loved their beers and pubs. I managed the Boot and Shoe in Lancaster before grabbing the chance to open the Red Lion and move to Manchester. It’s a phenomenal pub and I can’t wait to see it full of customers with that familiar buzz around the bar.” – Sean Lithgow, General Manager, the Red Lion
The Red Lion, located on Wilmslow Road, is a Grade 2 listed building and is known to have been a pub for at least 200 years. The redesign of the pub is sympathetic to its status, with some rooms being carefully restored and others being cleverly designed to feel like a contemporary evolution of the traditional pub. The front of the building with its small bar, low ceilings and wood panels is rich with authentic touches, creating the feeling of a relaxed, rural inn. As you move into the spacious bar at the heart of the pub you can see through into the new conservatory and beyond into the large beer garden.
The bar, at the heart of the building, is packed with ales and lagers brewed by JW Lees as well as quality spirits and a hand-picked wine collection. The pub is laid out with a choice of eating and drinking spaces with plenty of cosy nooks and corners. The menu features famous JW Lees dishes such as the Brewery Tower Burger and legendary Three Cheese & Onion Pie along with seasonal variations and pub classics.
JW Lees recently unveiled the new-build pub The Aviator at Woodford Garden Village and refurbished Stanneylands Hotel in Wilmslow.
