A POPULAR pub in Freshwater has become only the second on the Isle of Wight to be awarded the coveted AA Rosette for culinary excellence and be named in the world-renowned Michelin Guide. 

The Red Lion has earned the AA's '1 Rosette' award, for restaurants that "achieve standards that stand out in their local area, where they serve food prepared with care, understanding and skill, using good quality ingredients."

Although there are only 12 eateries on the Island to hold the AA Rosette, and six included in the Michelin Guide, only two are included in both — The Red Lion and The Hamborough, in Ventnor, which holds the '2 Rosettes' award. 

"We are absolutely over the moon to receive the AA '1 Rosette' award," said The Red Lion's head chef, Sean Jeffers. 

"This is a massive achievement for us — to have both an AA Rosette and named in the Michelin Guide!"

Sean, who places great emphasis on his seasonal menus, was shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Best Pub Chef in the Great British Pub Awards in 2022.

He has been commended for the use of high quality, locally-caught fish, and local meat and produce, including food grown from their own vegetable and herb garden.

"It takes a lot to get an AA Rosette, but the main part is being consistent and making sure you are using good quality ingredients," Sean adds. 

"It is rare to have a pub in the Michelin and AA guides, especially on the Isle of Wight.

"We are very lucky to have such a hard working team, with the same passion as I do." 

It is almost a year since The Red Lion was included in the Michelin Guide — earning its place as a great place to eat. 

The traditional country pub prides itself on offering quality food and drink — and a warm welcome. 

Serving pub classics, the Red Lion menu also includes surprises, such as smoked bacon and cod tortellini and confit belly pork.

The origins of the pub date back to the 11th century.

It is located in the perfect spot, next to a picturesque medieval church, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and is in an Isle of Wight AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), with countryside around the pub — a haven for wildlife, walkers and cyclists.