After negotiating the winding country roads of Norton village, you’d be forgiven for thinking you might never see another person again, let alone crowds of pint-sipping punters – but on a sunny afternoon this is exactly what you will find outside the red brick Red Lion Inn.

With a picture perfect location overlooking an impressively wide section of the River Severn, the popularity of the country pub has grown immensely over recent years.

While the kids wave at passing barges and tourist-laden boat trips, you’ll find the adults queuing up to be served at the convenient outside serving hatch, before ordering pints of chilled Stanford Press Cider or Coopers real ale from the local Wickwar brewery. A few of the more canny customers opted to order inside the pub on our visit, cutting the waiting time drastically.

Picnic tables on the grassy river bank are prime real estate for families and groups of friends. While relaxed chats were interspersed with past-times including spotting wild duck flying overhead, the aforementioned waving at boats for the youngsters and catching the occasional wasp in pint glasses for those old enough to know better. If fishing takes your fancy you can purchase a day pass from behind the bar and camping and caravanning is also available on site.

There’s nothing better to build an appetite than a long walk along the river. And with the Red Lion’s home cooked, hearty pub menu including chip butties, foot long sausage baguettes and bacon baps you might well need another walk after lunch to burn off those excess calories. While weight watchers aren’t well-catered for while eating alfresco, the jacket potatoes prove popular and there’s always the option to have a side-order of salad, before indulging in one of the tempting ice cream selections.

Unsurprisingly when the temperature drops, so do the crowds. If you visit on an overcast day a venture inside the friendly local offers dark wood, local memorabilia, a pool table and slightly dated decor. As well as the bar menu you can also dine inside the quiet lounge which has an a la carte and children’s menu and a particular popular Sunday roast.

Whether you want to try your luck with a rod, fancy a refreshing shandy with friends or family, or want a hearty pub lunch to get your teeth into, the stunning views overlooking the Severn on a sunny day are worth the drive alone.

Michelle Byrne