Red Lion

George Talbot has been pouring fresh energy into this roadside local in the village of Brinkley, near Newmarket, since taking it on in May 2024. Settle into the spacious dining room – or the large garden, weather permitting – for an excellent-value meal that might open with a pork belly roll or chunky wild rabbit terrine served with sultana chutney and cracking little milk-bread toasts. After that, pub classics lead the way – fish and chips, a cheeseburger, sticky toffee pudding and fruit crumbles – but dotted among the predictable are dishes that nod to a kitchen with ambition. A wedge of charred hispi cabbage with savoury butter bean purée and a scattering of crisp chickpeas is a beautifully balanced, satisfying vegan option, while meat-lovers might go for a pork ribeye with balsamic-roasted peaches. Look out for the ‘wine of the month’ offer, a small pour of something fabulous from the cellars. And save a pat for Sybil, the pub’s black Labrador, who keeps a docile eye on things. Overall, we're confident that this place will only improve with time.