The Red Lion Pub Tub has launched

By Monica Jones

What I have always admired about The Red Lion, is their ability to adapt. During the pandemic they started take outs, including a cocktail. When we were allowed out but social distancing was de rigueur, they opened their beautiful outdoor seating space under a canopy. One dream they had even 9 years ago, when they took over the pub, was to offer boat hire. They have now got boats on the water in time for the heat wave. Perfect! Some of you may remember that until the 1950s boats were for hire from the Rosewell family who lived in the cottage next to the Red Lion, now a part of the pub. Always determined to get the finer details right, the team sourced solid old Shetlands and upcycled them. The interiors have been fitted out to seat 6, the steering column is in the middle of the boat, giving great stability. The seating is in a modern style and the finish is very stylish with a canopy you can take shelter under should the rain come down or the sun be too strong. They have also had top of the range electric engines fitted so the boats are environmentally friendly. You can hire a boat for anything from 1-3 hours. One hour will set you back £75, but between 6 of you, that is a great way of spending an hour. You can take your own picnic/refreshments, or take a boat out then return for lunch/dinner. My companions and I were set off with a bottle of Miss Molly bubby which was a real treat. The section of river you have access to is one of the nicest local stretches. You are asked to stay between Shepperton and Sunbury locks. That gives you plenty of scope to explore. We meandered up round Desborough Island, D’Oyly Carte Island and Hamhaugh Island. You may have lived in the area for a long time, but probably have not had the opportunity to see these places close up from a boat. The boats are available for hire to over 25s. You do not need boating experience. Life jackets are provided but the boats have been selected as they are a very stable model. They are also very easy to use. One of the Red Lion crew will give you an introduction, a summary of rules of the river and show you how to steer. We all took it in turns and it was extremely easy and pleasurable. It is also pretty much silent! That is the joy of electric. There are no fumes. There is no noise. It is just blissfully relaxing. Prices are £75 for one hour, £130 for two and £180 for three. Booking is currently online only: redlionshepperton.com In terms of accessibility you will need to be able to get on to the boat down a short ladder. There are plans for a pontoon. Well done Red Lion team. This is a year round beauty of a pub; the beautifully done inside bar and restaurant, the huts and outdoor bar adjacent, the chilled riverside bar and now the boats. Hats off to you!