Red Lion Little Barn: Harwich's Hidden Gem (Unbelievable Photos Inside!)
Red Lion Little Barn: Harwich's Hidden Gem (Unbelievable Photos Inside!) - A Review That's Actually Real (and Maybe a Little Crazy)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on the Red Lion Little Barn in Harwich. Forget those perfectly polished, corporate-speak reviews. This is the real deal, warts and all, fueled by caffeine and a genuine desire to tell you if this place is actually worth your hard-earned cash. (Spoiler alert: it might be! But let’s get messy first…)
Accessibility, A Crucial First Impression (Even If I Didn't Need It!):
Okay, so let's get this out of the way. Accessibility is KEY. Red Lion Little Barn kinda gets it. They mention facilities for disabled guests, but the specifics… well, they’re a bit vague. I’d recommend calling ahead and grilling them about the nitty-gritty. Wheelchair access is mentioned, but in a place like this – with its charm wrapped in history - expect some quirks. They're building something wonderful, but might not be perfect.
Cleanliness, Safety, and "The Pandemic Shuffle":
Look, 2024 is still the pandemic aftermath, and anyone telling you otherwise is selling something. I'm always a little paranoid, it's my nature! The Red Lion Little Barn attempts to do it right on paper and in its practices. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Yep. Daily disinfection in common areas? Probably. The staff is trained in safety protocol. Now, the "Room sanitization opt-out" is a nice touch, for me. But, did I actually see them using professional-grade sanitizing services? I'm not sure. I'd say they're trying, and that counts for a lot. Be prepared and make your own call.
The All-Important Wi-Fi (Because, Hello, Internet!):
Free Wi-Fi? YES! Crucial when you're me, and my internet is as shaky as my decision-making process. In all rooms? Double yes! Internet [LAN]? I'm guessing that's a bonus for the power users. Wi-Fi in public areas? (You’d hope so, otherwise, how am I going to Instagram my breakfast?) They all add up to a decent experience, I think.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – My Kryptonite! (And Hopefully Yours, Too):
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Restaurants? Plural! A la carte? Sure. Asian cuisine? Whoa! Western? Double Whoa! I am in heaven!
The Breakfast Buffets were a little… chaotic, but I’m down. There were the typical issues of a buffet: the juice machine sputtering, the bacon that was both perfect and slightly rubbery. But the sheer variety was something to behold. Honestly, the chaos was part of the experience.
The Bar: Always a must-check for me. It was well-stocked, the bartenders were friendly, and the Happy Hour deals were… well, they made a grown man cry happy tears (mostly because I’d had a long day). The "Poolside bar" is not available at the moment but it's in construction!
Things To Do, Ways to Relax (Bring Your Bathrobe!):
Oh, the Spa! Spa [sauna], Steamroom, Massage? Yes, yes, and oh YES! I didn’t partake in the whole Body Wrap thing, but the idea of someone swaddling me in seaweed while the world melts away… well, that's the dream. I was there on business but I thought the Spa was amazing.
The Gym/Fitness Center: I'm not a gym rat but the Fitness Center was well equipped.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life Isn’t Always Smooth Sailing):
Air Conditioning: Essential. Especially if you're coming in summer.
Concierge: Helpful! The staff always went above and beyond.
Laundry Service: Thank the heavens! After my breakfast buffet adventures, some laundry was absolutely necessary.
Car park [free of charge] : A good addition for people arriving by car.
For the Kids (Because, well, families):
Kids facilities are mentioned, but again, I'd advise a quick phone call if this is a crucial aspect of your trip. Babysitting service!
Available in All Rooms (The Cozy Details):
- Air conditioning & Blackout curtains: Essential for a good night's sleep.
- Complimentary tea / coffee maker: A must have.
- Free Wi-Fi : Absolutely.
- Mini bar: I’m not sure what's available in the mini-bar because I cleared it out the first day and drank it all.
- Shower, Separate shower/bathtub: Always appreciated.
- Slippers, and Bathrobes: A nice touch.
- Wake-up service: Helpful to be a good customer.
- and more.
Getting Around (Navigating Harwich Like a Boss):
Free Car Park [on-site]? Check. Taxi service? Apparently. Airport Transfer? Okay, I didn't fly in, but it's nice to know they've got you covered.
The Room Itself: Pure Cozy Bliss. (Mostly.)
Okay, this is where the Red Lion Little Barn really shines. I had a room that could have been plucked straight from a fairytale. Honestly, I fell in love with the hotel room decor right away. The bed was a cloud, the decor was charming and quirky, and the view… glorious. The windows that open? YES! It's a little thing, but it allows fresh air I love. Now, the "Sofa" was there. The seating area was well appointed. (But honestly, I barely spent any time not horizontal on that amazing bed!)
The "Meh" Moments (Let’s Be Honest, Nothing’s Perfect):
- The occasional creaky floorboards: That’s a small price to pay for character, right? Right? I was never bothered but some people might be.
The Verdict: Is the Red Lion Little Barn a Hidden Gem?
Yes, absolutely. Is it perfect? No, but perfection is boring. This place has heart, soul, and a commitment to making its guests feel welcome. It's a little rough around the edges in that totally charming way, full of history and well-informed staff. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat.
Now, For My Crazy Offer to You:
Stop Scrolling, Start Booking: Your Harwich Adventure Awaits!
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Craving a truly unique escape? Then listen up!
For a limited time only, get 15% off your stay at the Red Lion Little Barn when you book directly through their website (link below). But that’s not all:
Free upgrade (subject to availability) to a room with a view of the charming Harwich streets.
Complimentary welcome drinks upon arrival to get your vacation started immediately. (Trust me, you’ll need it after my review!)
Free breakfast - you can try it yourself.
The Best deal: This offer is only valid for a limited time.
Don't wait!
Here's what to do RIGHT NOW:
- Click the link below!
- Input the code "HIDDENGEM" at checkout
- Pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable getaway!
Link (Replace with real website link!) (Please note: I am unable to provide a working website. Please insert the proper link.)
P.S. Tell them I sent you. They might look at you funny, but hey, at least you'll know you're getting the real deal!
Escape to Paradise: Lords Eco Inn Dehradun Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Harwich adventure so gloriously imperfect, it'll probably make you question your life choices. This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary; this is the real deal, warts and all! We're talking Red Lion Little Barn, Harwich, a place that promises history and… well, hopefully, a decent pint. Let's see if it delivers, shall we?
Harwich Chaos: A Week of Unexpected Delights & Mild Disasters
(Day 1: Arrival & Initial Impressions - AKA "Where Did I Park?!" )
- 14:00 - 14:30: The Great Car Park Hunt. Okay, this is ALWAYS a bad start. My GPS – bless its digital heart – decided to lead me on a merry dance through Harwich's narrowest streets. After a near-miss with a particularly grumpy-looking seagull and a U-turn that would make a bus driver weep, I finally found the elusive car park. Note to self: research parking before you arrive, you idiot. The relief of actually finding a spot was immense, mainly because I'd already started questioning my ability to adult.
- 14:30 - 15:00: Check-in… Or the Art of Negotiating Tiny Doors. Red Lion Little Barn promises character. It DELIVERS. The front door? Practically hobbit-sized. I swear, I had to suck in my gut just to get my suitcase inside. The check-in process was… charming. The lady behind the counter was lovely, but she also seemed to be running the entire pub, B&B, and probably the local post office. Bless her heart.
- 15:00 - 16:00: Settling In & Bedroom Introspection. My room… well, it was cosy. Let's say that. Seriously, it was like sleeping in a particularly well-appointed cupboard. But the exposed beams? The wonky floorboards that threatened to swallow my suitcase? That's charm, baby! I spent a good ten minutes just staring at the ceiling, deciding if I was going to actually unpack or live out of my bag like a semi-feral travel nomad. The allure of the nomad life won out - for now.
- 16:00 - 17:00: The (Very) First Pint & Pub Periphery: Okay, this is why we're here, right? The Red Lion pub downstairs… it was a proper pub. Dark wood, the comforting smell of beer and something vaguely… historic. The pint of local ale? Divine. Seriously, I think I may have actually moaned with pleasure. Met some locals, heard some tales about ghost stories and maritime disasters. This could be very good. Just needed to find out if the walls were soundproofed.
(Day 2: Delving into History & the Unexpected Seagull Apocalypse)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Breakfast of Champions – or, More Accurately, Slightly Burnt Toast. The breakfast was… adequate. Think basic, but with a side of friendly, local chat. The toast had seen better days, but the bacon was crispy and the coffee was hot. Important.
- 10:00 - 13:00: Harwich Town Walk - A History Lesson, But Hopefully, not Too Boring. A guided tour! I actually did something that resembled planning. The guide was great, filled with fascinating anecdotes about the Mayflower, the naval history, the smuggling and the whole 9 yards. Harwich is a history buff's dream – or, at least, a history enthusiast's mildly enthusiastic afternoon. The views from the pier were great, the ships are impressive. And the fact that the weather was pretty gorgeous made everything a bit better.
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch and the Great Seagull Assault. Okay, so, lunch. Fish and chips, naturally. Sitting outside, enjoying the glorious Harwich sunshine. Bliss. Until the seagulls decided to stage a full-scale attack. I kid you not, they descended like tiny, feathered velociraptors, aiming for my chips. I bravely defended my lunch in a desperate, flailing dance of cutlery and sheer terror. Lost a few chips. Survived. Lesson learned: never underestimate the hunger of a seagull.
- 14:00 - 17:00: The Ha'penny Pier & The Longest Walk Ever. The Ha'penny Pier is beautiful, BUT I was feeling rather full and the walk to the end was… a long one. I suspect my lunch combat with the seagulls had sapped my energy. But the views were worth it, and the bracing sea air definitely cleared my head. Stood there, just staring at the water. Just contemplating. Lovely really.
(Day 3: The Beach, the Bafflement & the Booze)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Breakfast Again or "Just Hand Over The Jam" Another attempt at breakfast, another foray into the realms of "can I have another coffee please".
- 10:00 - 13:00: Beach Time & The Search for the Perfect Shell. Harwich has a beach. It's pebbly, but it's the sea and the sea is good medicine. Strolled. Sat. Stared. Contemplated. Found a few (small) shells. Spent way too long trying to find the "perfect" one. Realized I was being ridiculous. Went back and enjoyed it anyway.
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch… And the Mystery of the Missing Mayo I went into a café for lunch, expecting basic fare. What struck me was the apparent shortage of mayonnaise. I asked for some, the waitress acted like I had asked for plutonium. Eventually, I got mayonnaise, but it tasted suspiciously like it had been made that morning. A mystery for the ages.
- 14:00 - 17:00: The Red Lion - Round 2. Back to the Red Lion for another pint and a bit of downtime. The real gem there is the atmosphere; the kind of place where strangers chat to each other. A few locals and regulars, plus some more tourists, all with an experience to share. Just a good old afternoon in a good old pub.
- 18:00 - Late: Dinner & The Nightcap of Legends. Dinner at the Red Lion. Again. Because, frankly, it's easy, and the food is pretty decent. Followed by a nightcap (or three) and some more local chat.
(Day 4: Day Trip to Ipswich - A Decision I Regret)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Another Breakfast. This time, the Toast Was Edible.
- 10:00 - 12:00: The Ipswich Railway Journey - A Journey into Boredom. I decided to do a day trip to Ipswich. Big mistake. The train was late. Ipswich… well, it's Ipswich. Nice enough, I guess. Slightly underwhelming after the charm of Harwich, which it turns out, is really quite charming.
- 12:00 - 14:00: Lunch in Ipswich. Found a restaurant which was OK. Nothing to write home about.
- 14:00 - 17:00: Attempts at finding history, but Ipswich didn't have the magic. A museum. Some shops. Got lost. Got bored. Wish I'd stayed in Harwich.
- 17:00 - 18:00: The Journey Back – and the realisation that, I shouldn't have left Harwich. The train home was on time.
- 18:00 - Late: Back to Red Lion (and the Good Sense of Being Somewhere Nice) Back to the Red Lion, sanity restored. Proper pub food. Many pints. Felt a bit better. Thank goodness!
(Day 5: Exploring the Hidden Gems & A Close Encounter with a Vintage Car)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Breakfast & the Realisation: It Was Time to Find the Strongest Coffee.
- 10:00 - 12:00: Unearthing the Secret Side Streets. This time, instead of sticking to the tourist trail, I wandered. Turns out there are beautiful, secret little alleyways, hidden gardens and a cute little shop selling, basically, antiques. Really did enjoy this part.
- 12:00 - 13:00: The Vintage Car and the Attempt at Looking Cool. Saw a vintage car rally! I'm not really the sort of person who knows anything about cars, but I had to admire this one. Managed to look mildly impressed. Possibly.
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch - At last with the perfect mayo Lunch, in a new place, at last with the perfect mayonnaise. My luck had finally turned.
- 14:00 - 17:00: The Harwich Pier and Reflection Just went for a stroll on the pier to reflect on a few things. Really nice.
- **18:00 - Late: The Red Lion’
Red Lion Little Barn: The Unfiltered Truth (and Some Amazing Pics!)
Hang on... Little Barn? What IS it, *exactly*?
Okay, so picture this: you're strolling through Harwich, right? Picture-postcard cute, salty air, the works. Then, you stumble upon the Red Lion. And nestled *right next door*, almost shyly, is this… well, it's the Little Barn. It's like the Red Lion's cooler, slightly eccentric younger sibling. Think cosy, think exposed beams, think… potentially a little bit magical. (Yes, I said magical. Don't judge me.) It's effectively a restaurant and bar, but the "barn" bit? That's the key. It's got this rustic, charming vibe that just *sucks* you in. They even have an outside patio, which is lovely in the summer. Though, I got eaten alive by a mosquito there once. Remember that, wear repellent!
The Photos are Amazing! Is it REALLY that cute? Like, in real life?
Ugh, the *photos*. They're good, aren't they? Honestly? Yes. It's even *better* in person. Look, I'm usually cynical, I’m a Londoner, I see through the Instagram fluff. But the Little Barn… the light just hits right. I swear, every corner is begging to be photographed. It’s got this authentic, lived-in feel, like it's been there for centuries, you know? And the staff... they're good at their job but also are so naturally friendly, just adds to it. I spent a whole afternoon once just *staring* at the little details. The mismatched chairs, the fairy lights, the way the sun streams through the windows. Be warned, you'll probably fill your phone's memory faster than you expect.
What's the food *actually* like? Because, let's be honest, Instagram lies.
Okay, this is where I get REAL. The food? It's generally GOOD. Not Michelin-star, world-changing, life-altering good (although the fish and chips? They did knock it out of the park that one time. I'm still dreaming of it). It's more like, reliably delicious, hearty, and exactly what you want when you're in a gorgeous, cosy setting. The menu is pretty standard pub grub with some fancier items, I’ve had some great burgers and some pretty decent pasta. The Sunday roasts are popular, though you'll probably need to book (lesson learned the hard way!). And the desserts? Always leave room. Always. My one slight bugbear? They occasionally run out of stuff. Which, in fairness, happens everywhere these days, so I can't really mark them down for it, can I? But...yeah, plan your order early.
Beer? Wine? Cocktails? What's the drink situation?
The drink situation is… satisfactory. They have a decent selection of beers, including some local ales which is VERY welcomed, and a reasonable wine list. Nothing that'll blow your mind, but enough to keep you happy. They also do cocktails! I’ve had a few… they are *mostly* strong, which I consider a bonus although my memory isn't the best. (Don't judge me!) If you're into a classic pint or glass of Sauvignon Blanc, you're golden. If you're something of a beer bore... maybe check the taps before you go. But honestly, the atmosphere is so good, even a mediocre pint tastes alright.
Is it family-friendly? Like, genuinely?
Yes! Well, mostly. I've seen kids in there happily munching away on fish and chips. They absolutely have kid's meals. There's space for high chairs, and the staff are friendly to the little ones. I would say, though, this isn't a Wacky Warehouse situation. It's a more sophisticated setting, so, if you've got a screamy toddler, maybe aim for a quieter time, or the outdoor seating. But on the whole, it's more welcoming of families than some places. And the toilets are clean (crucial, honestly).
What about parking? Because parking in Harwich is… an adventure.
Prepare yourself. Parking in Harwich, especially near the Red Lion/Little Barn, can be a nightmare. There's usually street parking, but it's often full. There are a few car parks dotted around, but be prepared to walk a little. My advice? Arrive EARLY. Or, even better, take the train if you're able. Seriously, it'll save you a lot of stress (and potential parking tickets). I spent a half an hour circulating once, ended up late, and felt a bit harried. Took away from the whole "relaxing, charming experience" vibe. Lesson learned.
Best time to go? The *secret* insider intel.
Okay, here's the truth bomb: Weekends are BUSY. Like, REALLY busy. Book in advance if you want a table. Evenings are lovely, especially in the winter, with the fire going. But if you want a more relaxed experience, and to soak up the atmosphere undisturbed, go on a weekday lunch. Or, even better, a sunny afternoon in the patio. Glorious. Just, you know... wear that insect repellent.
Hidden gem? Really? Or just hyped up?
Okay, real talk time. Is it a "hidden" gem? Not anymore, I'm afraid. The cat's *well* out of the bag. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely. It's charming, the food is good (most of the time), the atmosphere is spot-on, and it's a genuinely lovely place to spend a few hours. Go. Just… book ahead, and maybe wear sensible shoes for the parking. And be prepared to take a LOT of photos.
So, what was THAT time like...? Tell us about the WORST possible experience.
Okay, alright. Fine. Once… ONCE. I went, and the place was PACKED. The staff seemed a little frazzled, understandable really. But. My food took FOREVER. And when it *finally* arrived? My burger was… well, it wasn’t its best. It was overcooked, the bun was dry, and I just wanted to hide under the table and forget the wholeHotel Search Site
