Opening week success for Burnham's The Red Lion pub

Opening week at Burnham’s The Red Lion pub has been a roaring success for new licensee, Toni Mataj.

Toni and his team of five welcomed their first guests on Wednesday, May 31, just six weeks after new owners Star Pubs & Bars announced a £290,000 investment in the property.

In that short space of time a total transformation took place.

Traditional pub features such as game machines and pool tables have been stored away to make room for drinking and dining areas.

Wood panelling on the walls and real wood flooring add a homey feel while bold green ceramic tiles, soft velvet chairs, and large print floral wallpaper bring the glamour.

Everything has had a makeover, including the kitchen, the food and drink menus, the front courtyard and soon phase two of the work will bring about a revitalised back garden.

Toni said: “It’s got a lot of love in it now and we have been getting really good feedback from the locals.

“We did a soft opening to see where we are and where we can fix things but everyone was so positive.

“People are saying ‘Oh I never thought I would be coming in here to the Red Lion’ and when they came in they said ‘wow’ and were gobsmacked.

“Others have said that this is somewhere they can go with the family’ and that’s what I want to create – a family orientated pub.”

Opening night saw diners at every table enjoying homemade lasagne, lamb chops and baked sea bass. Hearty pub favourites were on the menu too, such as gourmet burgers, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.

Toni, who also runs the New Bettola Italian restaurant in Colnbrook, is bringing a bit of his native Naples to Burnham with homecooked Italian dishes and a style of service that makes people feel like they are in another place.

Toni said: “The Red Lion is going to become a destination. There is nowhere that can give what we offer around the area.

“Everyone is saying it doesn’t feel like Burnham but this is the way it is going to be and it is going to get better and better.”