LANDSTUHL, Germany — If you had a penny for every Irish pub in Europe outside of Ireland, you’d have a flipping ton of pennies.
The thing about pennies is they’re overabundant, indistinguishable from each other and dull with time.
Don’t get me wrong. I love a smooth pint of Guinness as much as much as the guy under the bar, but tipping back a cold one in an Irish pub in Germany is pretty much like drinking at an Irish pub in Denver or Paris or Italy.
And I’m not real fond of the packs of fools who only go to Irish pubs to see which of them can slurp down an “Irish Car Bomb” the fastest.
Alas, lads and lassies, an English pub offers a variation — all the great pub flavor you love with a dash of English refinement.
That’s the scene at the Red Lion Pub in Landstuhl.
“There’s Irish pubs everywhere,” said Ben Simpson, who co-owns the pub with Allan Bassett. “So we decided to do an English pub.”
Bassett comes from England, so it’s not like they’re doing it for a gimmick.
The pub, just off the main road in Landstuhl and east of town’s commercial core, opened last November. It has since built a loyal base of regulars who hail the bartenders by their first names.
Small candles adorn tabletops in a seating area before you get to the bar. It’s one of those places that’d be nice to chat with friends or other couples over a few drinks. Also, it smacks of a cozy setting to bring a date after a nice dinner.
In another room off to the side is a lounge-type area with more seating. For the sporting types, a pool table and electronic dartboard are available in a separate area.
With the weather turning, outdoor seating should be available soon.
The pub offers eight types of bottled beer, six beers on draft and a full array of liquor. Pints cost 3.50 euros, and a half-liter of Bitburger runs 3 euros. Mixed drinks go for 3.50 euros. Daily specials run throughout the week.
See previous After Hours reviews here.
Red Lion Pub
Landstuhl, Germany
Drink prices: Pints cost 3.50 euros, and a half-liter of Bitburger runs 3 euros. Mixed drinks go for 3.50 euros. Daily specials run throughout the week.
Cover charge: None.
Food: Munchies like chips.
Entertainment: There’s a lounge area, plus pool table and electronic dartboard in a separate area.
Clientele: Cozy and laid back — a great place to chat with friends or a date.
Dress: Casual.
Directions: On Kaiserstrasse heading east out of Landstuhl (toward Kindsbach), take a left on Lilienstrasse. Located on right side of street just after you turn on to Lilienstrasse 7. Hours are Sunday to Thursday, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Web site: None.
