Red Lion pub in Over Hulton to close after more than 180 years

The Red Lion, on Salford Road, will shut at the end of April after Greene King announced the closure, bringing to an end generations of memories for families, regulars and former staff.

News of the decision has sparked an outpouring of tributes online, with residents sharing stories of the role the pub has played in their lives over decades.

Tributes have poured in as the Red Lion pub announces its closure. (Image: Public)

The sad news was announced on Over Hulton Community Group Page.

It stated: “DEVASTATING NEWS!

“Greene King have announced that the Red Lion is to close at the end of April. Our thoughts go to Clare, Lydia and all the team.”

One former worker recalled: “Happy memories spent there as a landscape gardener from the mid-1970s onwards, looking after the grounds and keeping the place tidy.

“In those days some of the cottages at the side were still occupied.

“A lovely elderly lady would always come out with a brew and biscuits for us. Sad news, it’s a beautiful building.”

Another resident said the pub had been at the centre of family life for generations.

They wrote: “Thirty years of happy memories at the Red Lion and the Wacky Warehouse with my three children and now their children.

“The staff are like family and my grandchildren love them dearly. It’s such a terrible shame, it will be missed.”

Another added: “The building needs to be listed

“Can everyone make separate applications / recommendations to the council and historic England.”

At least it would stop the existing building from demolition or major change

Others spoke of busy nights in the 1970s, Christmas meals, and milestones including engagements celebrated at the venue.

One comment read: “I worked there in the 80s, it was always busy.

“Many happy memories. This is very sad news.”

Another said: “Used to love it in there.

“Pool with the lads, nice food and nights out with a certain major football player, that was in the late 80s. Even got engaged to my first wife there.”

The historic Red Lion on Salford Road will shut its doors at the end of April. (Image: Public)

The Red Lion has long stood at a prominent junction on Salford Road and has been a familiar landmark in Over Hulton for generations.

Its roots date back to at least 1841, when it was already well established and used as a reference point in census records.

By the mid-19th century it appeared on local maps, serving a growing population shaped by the Lancashire coal industry.

A landmark in Over Hulton, the Red Lion has served the community for generations. (Image: Public)

For generations, it was a regular meeting place for miners from nearby Hulton Colliery and formed part of the community during key moments in the area’s history, including the aftermath of the Pretoria Pit disaster in 1910.

The current building dates largely from the early 20th century, when the original Victorian pub was rebuilt in an Edwardian style, incorporating neighbouring stone cottages that remain part of the site today.

In later years, the venue became a family-friendly destination under the Hungry Horse brand, with the addition of a Wacky Warehouse play area.

The Red Lion has long been a focal point for the Over Hulton community (Image: Public)

Despite its evolution, the pub has remained a focal point for the community, hosting everything from family meals to nights out across generations.

Its closure will mark the end of an era for Over Hulton, as one of the area’s most recognisable and long-standing pubs prepares to serve its final customers.

Greene King have been contacted for further comment.