The Red Lion Public House has not been open long and you can find it on Highways 27 about a 10 minute drive south from the turn for Downtown Haines City.

We were recommended this pub by one of our resident contacts. It looks nothing from outside. More like an American Saloon Bar.

When we drove up to the front door we were not too sure whether to enter or not. So do not be put off.

On entering we were met by the owners daughter (an english girl). A very welcoming person. As you enter the bar there are high tables with chairs in what we would call in England the Public Bar. It was all brand new. You could even sit at the bar if you wanted.

We sat down and were offered the menu as well as being told that it was Happy Hour (that made the evening even more palatable).

Our friends said if you order the Fish and Chips you will not be disappointed so that is what I did. My wife ordered the Liver & Bacon and Mash potato (her favourite dish of all time).

It was not long before the staff delivered our piping hot food. She placed the ‘whale’ and chips in front of me and I could not belive how much there was and my wife must have had 3 large pieces of liver. The food was fantastic along with the service. The prices were very reasonable - about $10 and $11 respectively.

Having eaten well we decided to stay and shoot a bit of pool as well as play the electronic bowling and darts in the bar. Needless to say there were large TV screens on the wall for those that wanted to keep up to date with the news or the days sport.

The staff there are all very friendly and it is a great place to eat, drink and be merry.

As I said it has only just started up and there is a restaurant part of the building. Whilst it is not as well done out like the rest it looks to be a great place to have your Sunday dinner.

All in all we had a great night out at the Red Lion so pay it a visit whenever you are down Highway 27 near to Haines City.

For food portions it easily competes with Manny’s Chophouse.

Cheers, mine’s a pint.

If you are on the way home from a park with the kids and you’ve been drenched wet through on the water rides, you probably want somewhere quick and easy. The Golden Corral was always our choice for those times, a vast array of food, buffet style with something for everyone, from meat, potatoes and veg to pizzas and burgers for the kids, with a fantastic assortment of desserts and cakes this is real value for money for about $12 per adult. They also do a great buffet breakfast if you want to fill up before your day out and the whole family can eat without breaking the bank.

Shoneys is another good option for the buffet breakfast or dinner. The choice of steakhouses is also vast and probably depends how far you want to drive. Mannys Chop House at Haines City do a great meal but beware the wait time can be 2 hours. You can call ahead but you will still have to wait and the place is always packed. For me, you can get a good steak elsewhere without all that waiting.

We like Longhorns on the 192, the Texas T’oniion is our favourite starter followed by Flo’s filet. We ate at a Longhorns out at Cocoa Beach once and it wasn’t as good so they do vary. The Outback is always good too.

We like the Bahama Breeze at Buena Vista, the menu is varied and the restaurant is really nice. We also like the Olive Garden there will be one of those close to wherever you stay. Don’t bother with a starter - you will get endless soup or salad and breadsticks, followed by a good selection of pasta, chicken, seafood and steak dishes. wherever you eat you will always get far too much

They have the best steaks that I have ever tasted and you can see the cuts all displayed to help you make up your mind.

At the same time there is a happy hour from 4pm to 7pm - great value draft and bottled beer including wine for the ladies.

There are also special offers during the week, e.g., Wednesday night is 2 for 1 fajita night they are delicious. You get bottomless salad and sweet yeast rolls with most meals.

It has a great atmosphere but you need to make sure that you call in advance as there is always a queue to get in - so that tells you a story.

So give it a try you will not be disappointed.