THE RED LION, CHARING HEATH

The Red Lion is a beautiful old English country inn situated in 4 acres of superb surroundings. It was originally built as a thatched farm house in 1562 during the reign of Elizabeth I. A six day ale and cider licence was issued in 1709 at which point the thatch roof was removed. 1762 saw a Wine & Spirit licence granted and the property was registered as an Inn under the title of The Red Lion. Used as Customs & Excise posting house where mail was collected and sorted before being distributed to the outlying areas by post boys.

Ask to see the 5" leather shoe dated to 1850 found up the chimney when the Red Lion was refurbished. Must have been worn by a young boy it may have been left up there for good luck, which was the custom at the time. When it was removed for dating by the Maidstone Museum strange happenings occurred! Also found were clay pipes and a glass tube.

A superb restaurant, serving food every lunchtime and Tuesday to Saturday evenings, serves excellent food as well as bar meals.