The 10 best British foods and restaurants in Waterlooville (2025)

Red Lion - Portsmouth Table Table is a trendy pub that offers a variety of popular international dishes, grilled meals, and burgers. It provides excellent service and has considerate and friendly staff. The restaurant is known for its understanding and helpful approach towards customers with disabilities, making it an inclusive place to dine. Despite being located outside the town center, it is worth visiting as they cater to different needs and ensure a pleasant experience for all patrons.

We arrived in the evening for dinner and we both had a main and plenty of sides. For drinks we decided to look at the cocktail menu as cocktails were £5 each before 7pm. The atmosphere and service was excellent and we ended up having plenty of Pina Coladas. Our server Matthew was encouraging but really made the experience so much better. The food was good, the service was fantastic and the drinks were really good. Overall would go back again.

Nigel — Google review

Came in with my father for his birthday, not sure if you remember but I am very grateful that the staff was very considerate and helpful towards me, I have autism & have many sensory problems and fears of certain foods, I have a fear of chips and I appreciate you making sure there was no chips near me and I also appreciate how nice, polite and friendly the staff all are here, I live dayne town and even tho this place is very out the way. I’ll definitely walk up here for a drink or something to eat again, I like this place, you are very considerate of disability’s and very helpful, thank you so much.

Josh M — Google review

No complaints at all, service was extremely friendly, staff were great and very accommodating. Food was tasty (my fish and chips was a good size and well cooked) and decent value. Great for a family meal

Ian B — Google review

Drinks at table arrived after 1 and a half hours. Some food arrived after 2 hours wait. Cancelled main course as we didn't know how much longer that would be. Went and got fish and chips from take away next door and ate them in the restaurant. Apparently thus type of service happened another night that week. The experience in the restaurant was very disappointing as we had always had a good experience there. Won't be going back. Wouldn't recommend it.

Helen B — Google review

Had an absolute wonderful evening here, my friend and I popped in for a late dinner. She ordered the chicken burger and I ordered the garden gourmet burger. I've been plant based for nearly 5 years and having the option to come in and have a ranged selection on the meat free menu was really nice! I was really impressed! The meat free starters of Cauliflower bites and broccoli also went down well, my friend isn't plant based but she really enjoyed sharing and trying the Cauliflower starter too. I even gave her a bite of the garden gourmet and she enjoyed it also! The server we has this evening was so cheerful and made the evening pleasant and a good time. The atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming of the restaurant itself. Felt safe and confident in the service and facilities available. The portion sizing was excellent and felt very full but couldn't turn up the offers of trying two of the plant based desserts, we tried the torte and the churro sundae. The presentation of the desserts was super, especially the torte and raspberry dressing! I am not a fan of banana so asked without on the sundae and the chef and staff allowing changes to the dish was really helpful, as someone who has difficulty around food its always brilliant when the wait staff and chef are accommodating to me! Definitely will be coming back again!

MuuminTree ( — Google review

The food was good for a reasonable price, drinks were expensive but I suppose no more expensive than any where else in the area.The pub is clean and tidy with friendly and helpful staff, there is parking at the rear and plenty of seating.

Dave W — Google review

I have just shared the most shocking experience with a friend in the Red Lion horndean. The food was not cooked properly, the staff were rude when approached about it and when asking to speak to manager he was equally as rude and even insulting. Never have I experienced such atrocious behaviour from staff in a 'so called' friendly restaurant. I would advise everyone to eat elsewhere. There are much nicer pubs in that area.

Deborah S — Google review

As usual with these restaurants the sucessful operation is left to one key member of staff. Samantha was marvelous and managed to deL with serving several tables and keep everyone Happy. A true star and made our experience very enjoyable. She is worth every penny of her wage

Timothy S — Google review

Good food and a a good atmosphere. The restaurant was spacious and not too noisy. The service provided by our waitress (Faith) was first rate.

Steve M — Google review

Christening celebrationsJust want to say the hugest thank you to the manager and the whole team that worked and supported us on our christening celebrations for our little girl.I couldn't fault anything at all!Food was perfect, food options were perfect, food timing perfect, venue and space was perfect, as well as staff and the all round service. 😀😀😀 Such outstanding value for money!Booking was so easy and so accommodating for all our needs.It was FREE to hire!!! I was able to come in early to set up and had the freedom when decorating the room. As well as once the event had finished. There was no stress on the day.I even had a lovely follow up the day after to make sure we were happy with everything.I would highly recommend using The Red Lion for any event.A huge well done and we had such an amazing day and lots of compliments from our guests.

Katherine H — Google review

Great place excellent food. Janet, Emily and Samantha are great. I will definitely eat here wherever I am in town. The service is timely and the food is very good.

Darren P — Google review

Went for Christmas do (12). In a room with another large (22) group and another small table. One waiter between us all although he had some help when serving food.Our table booked for 7.30pm, had long wait for each course- desserts served at 10.00.Food was mass produced, warm as opposed to hot. Pate was small portion and soggy. Sherry Trifle - the cream and custard on top was 'melting' whereas fruit at bottom was freezer cold.Went last year - no complaints at all. That was midweek, this year was Friday.Suggest management may need to sort staffing better for food prep and service for larger groups.

Celeste G — Google review

Decided to go out for an evening meal last minute, chose the Red lion and booked a table for half an hour later so that was handy! On arrival we were met and seated by our server , there were plenty of spare tables so it was nice and quiet ( the world cup footie was on so that might of helped) , after ordering our food it took a while to arrive but we were both very happy with our meals and had an enjoyable evening there, would definitely go again.

Ian W — Google review

Excellent service from Robbie (extra special shout out for this gent for going all out to enhance our experience). Food is standard fare but nice nevertheless. My wife loved the Chocolate torte with freeze-dried raspberries. Apparently the menu changes tomorrow so that may not be on it still.Look out for Robbie!

Shaun W — Google review

This is an all-time favourite for my mum. So every time I visit my parents, there is always a visit planned to the red lion (table table).The food there is always good, as is the service. It never disappoints!Sam was our server tonight, and she has served us on numerous occasions and always treated my parents and myself as if we were the most important guests in the place.Watching Sam work is a masterclass on how you treat every client as if they are the most important client in the room. At that moment in time I’ve watched her with all of her guests working the tables as she does to ensure that all of them got a VIP treatment.The team at the red lion do all they can to keep everywhere clear at all times, meals are served within reasonable timelines and tables are cleared smoothly and professionally.If you’re looking for an enjoyable evening with some good food and good company, definitely take a look at the red lion.Already looking forward to my next visit in a few months

Martin C — Google review

Red Lion is always good for food and service but special mention this time for Emma Noel who gave a special warm welcome for some relatives visiting from Australia after a long flight it was impromptu last moment booking but we had a great table and very cheery and helpful attention from Emma. Would recommend this nice pub to others! Thanks very much Emma for helping to make it a lovely night!

Chris — Google review

Went in for a drink with a friend the other day, first time we’ve been and will definitely be the last. the staff were so lovely but the way they’re treated…such a shame and I have better places to spend my money

Shannon — Google review

Seated quickly, staff very friendly. Ordered food and drink, drinks arrived quickly. Food arrived not too long after. Very good meal. I had the chicken and pulled ham pie with mash and gravy. Recommend this very much. Partner had the trio of pies, again really good and FIL had the katsu chicken which he enjoyed.

Tracy W — Google review

Whilst staying at the adjacent Premier Inn we visited here for dinner.4 plus 1 child, over 2 hours later we finally paid our bill!The service and attention was not good and steadily got worse as the restaurant filled up with diners. Very fortunately we were not in a rush but had to hurry things along as the child in our group approached her bedtime.So points for proximity and the meal quality, but badly let down by the service level, most likely due to the lack of serving staff.

Eric D — Google review

Visited today for Sunday lunch, as per usual very nice. Staff are always friendly, and helpful.As it’s gets busy ( which it always does ) you have to be a little bit more patient with the staff, we had sam looking after us. And they all work really hard to keep a busy restaurant going, especially on a Sunday lunch time.The roast dinner was very nice, and great value for money. Will definitely be going back soon hopefully.

Lewis C — Google review

Evening meal whilst staying in the Premier Inn was OK, but low quality, tasteless mixed grill for £18. No plans to return. Service was perfectly friendly at least. Breakfast was significantly better with a good buffet and plentiful cooked breakfast for £11.

Edward G — Google review

Great food and atmosphere. Simply the best experience. Excellent dinner and also morning breakfast was really well presented and tasty. Top class service from all.

Nick H — Google review

Very historic old pub. nice atmosphere, decor. Server was in your face. . We chose not to leave a tip as our food was delayed. Not everyone can afford to tip.!! Felt pushed into giving them the change as we paid cash, the server had our change in their pocket and asked if we wanted it!, which made it uncomfortable to say no!! I didn't appreciate this behaviour at all as i said we declined to tip.

Rachel R — Google review

Went for a meal to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Chose the Red Lion for its good service,lovely food and nice atmosphere. Our server Sam was nice,friendly,polite and made us feel welcome.

Andrea T — Google review

Very nice staff.... restaurant lovely and clean....food cooked to perfection.... They even did poached eggs properly!!!! Crispy bacon very polite and happy waitresses..... Lots of variety fresh fruit yogurt pancakes toast marmalade selection of special coffees on tap t fruit juices and a beautiful fried breakfast we will be recommending this place to everyone

Rob W — Google review

We booked a table on Thursday afternoon, for Friday evening for 24 people. Amazingly, they were able to fit us in, and all they asked for was everyone's pre order - which makes things easier all round anyway. The food was really really good, and our waiter Matthew, was honestly brilliant. Being that there were starters, mains and puddings for 24 people, he brought them all out one tray after another until everyone had what they ordered - the kitchen staff were amazing for that too. Matthew was on point, friendly and energetic the entire time, and he checked on us multiple times to make sure everything was okay. We had a lovely evening, and we will definitely going back again for the next big meal, as we have no doubts in their food and service. Thank you so much!

Laura 9 — Google review

We frequently use the Red Lion at Horndean and today was the worst experience. We were kept waiting to book in as the restaurant was very quiet and no staff seemed to be around, even at the bar! Once seated we were only given the main menu and not the Sunday Roast menu so presumed that all the roasts had gone but a family of 4 came in after us and was given tge roast menu to which all 4 of them had roasts. When we received our meals I commented on not receiving roast menu and was told I should have asked. Then we were given the dessert menu and when it came to take our choice was told one of the choices had all gone. Very disappointed and choosing a bacon and cheese burger to have 1 piece of streaky bacon is a bit mean, Even burger king burgers have 2 rashers.

Karen B — Google review

Awesome food and really great service...Lovely atmosphere with soft music in the background !!!! Thoroughly enjoyed the experience with my wife and looking forward to going again ♡ Emma our waitress was amazing !!

Stephen J — Google review

Booked a table for 2 adults and 2 children, when we arrived we waited to be seated and even though staff saw us nobody felt with us for nearly 10 minutes! We were then seat and asked what drinks we wanted (3 waters and a coke) 25 minutes later still nothing, didn't even see the waitress, so ordered at the bar! 10 minutes later a different waitress asked if we were ready to order, we ordered and was told there was about a 30 minute wait which we were fine with, we also asked for some drawing for the kids (which they always do) she said yes but suprise suprise, didnt come back! 1hr 10 minutes later our food finally turned up! Staff didn't care much! When paying the bill I had to search for someone to do so, they had billed us for the drinks they didn't even bring! Terrible experience and won't be coming back! Food was also not great, nachos had no guacamole and hardly any cheese and was cold and my meal was poor also (pics attached)

Aaron H — Google review

We stayed at the Premier Inn next door and ate at the Red Lion Restaurant. It was very welcoming and all the staff were friendly. The food was in good portions and was delicious. Robbie - our waiter - very hospitable and comedic. Thank you for a brilliant dinner. We'll definitely be back in the future!

Bailey S — Google review

All you can eat breakfast was good, I like the fact you order what you want rather than buffet where food sits for ages.The juices and bread and other consumables did seem to run out and there was a wait for replenishment - that said it was a busy Sunday morning.Good veggie/vegan optionsWould go again

Cassie G — Google review

Telephoned to book a table whilst on a bus! Arrived in good time, to be greeted by Sam who also served at table. We are regular diners here, & ALWAYS have excellent food, served by lovely staff.

Sharon G — Google review

Went for Sunday lunch, had to ask more than once how long food would be after waiting more than an hour to be told it hadn’t been started yet. Multiple mistakes with the food and told the chef “didn’t want to make the gravy” for one of them???The lack of communication on waiting times and the average food meant we won’t be coming back any time soon.We weren’t the only people upset, we saw multiple people having same complaint.

Mark D — Google review

The 10 best British foods and restaurants in Waterlooville (2025)
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