10 January 2012

If January is already feeling like a grueller, and detox free February seems a long way off, Red Lion at High Lane seem to be offering a welcome break in the cloud, with the launch of a year long programme of events, all designed to showcase their passion for artisan producers and top quality local food.

The pub, which was taken over in 2009 by Steve Pilling and Chef-Partner, Simon Stanley, have created more reasons that ever to visit this esteemed gastro pub for vintage British food, fine wines and excellent ales.

This month things kick off with chocolate and game, which seem like pretty decent reasons for a food adventure out to The Red Lion in a dull January...

The Chocolate Evening... Featuring Oli Dunn of Simon Dunn Chocolatier.
Friday 20th January, 7pm.
Local lad Oli Dunn, of the nationally regarded, artisan chocolate retailer Simon Dunn Chocolatier, will be hosting a specialist chocolate masterclass at the Red Lion.

Oli will be showing guests what’s made Simon Dunn Chocolatier one of the best-loved and most successful independent chocolate crafters in the UK. Every attendee will get the chance to learn how chocolate is made, creating their own personalised products and sculptures, all using Simon Dunn’s famous handmade chocolate.

Guests will receive Prosecco, strawberries and an entertaining chocolate experience, learning how to make their own handcrafted chocolate products. And of course they’ll be able to take their creations home to eat.

Tickets £25. To book call 01663 765227.

The Game Evening... Featuring Lee Frost of Frosts the Butchers.
Thursday 26th January, 7pm.
Winners of the Best Food and Drink Retail Outlet at this year’s MFDF Awards, WH Frosts in Chorlton are a lead supplier at the Red Lion, and one of the best-regarded butchers in the region. On this one-off gourmet evening, a seasonal selection of the best local game will be showcased, all expertly prepared as part of a magnificent 6 course Game Dinner by Chef Proprietor Simon Stanley.
Lee Frost from WH Frosts will be in attendance to introduce each course. A top-class gourmet treat for January, at a very special price ‘early year’ price.

Tickets £35. To book call 01663 765227.

Steve Pilling, partner at The Red Lion, said “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved at The Red Lion - in difficult times we’ve not only survived but thrived, and developed all our local, independent supplier relationships. From our own in-house butchery to our baker across the road, its a great artisan food operation here, and these events are an exciting opportunity to showcase what’s fantastic about food and drink in the northwest. There’s lots more planned!”