Open on Bank holidays. New licensee took over in September 2022. The Red Lion located off the A20 between Ashford and Maidstone is a beautiful old English country inn situated in 4 acres of superb surroundings. It was originally built as a thatched farmhouse in 1562 during the reign of Elizabeth I. A six-day ale and cider licence was issued in 1709 at which point the thatched 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.