The The Lion pub is located on the outskirts of Needham Market.  We always have something special on offer: when it's cold outside, keep warm by the fire while in summer you and the kids will enjoy our outdoor family seating area.

You'll savour our selection of real ales, lagers, fine wines and non-alcoholic drinks as well as tea andcoffee - the perfect way to spend time and chat with friends.

We have a wide selection of freshly made sandwichesa at lunchtimes, as well as cooked meals and light snacks.

The evening menu offers more substancial meals

We look forward to welcoming you, whether you're having a lunchtime snack, evening meal or just coming in for a drink with friends!

A Short History

The house can be traced back to 1592 when Robert Coates & his wift Elizabeth owned the freehold house by Cripple Cross. The location being between the highway from Needham Market to Ipswich, and the road from Needham Market to Baylham and adjacent to the road from Barking Church to Bosmere Mill.

It is believed it became an Inn in 1618 called the Cock, Sir Giles Mompesson was granted a licence to allow him to collect alehouse levies & in his list the Cock at Barking cum Needham, it was owned by Francis Codd of Stowmarket, since there is no record of a pub in Barking at this time it was assumed this referred to the Barking Lion.

In 1673 it became the Feathers & 1682 it returned to being called the

Barking Red Lion.

In William Wood's will it was described as a hall, 2 little rooms out of the hall, the pantry & parlour next to the entry.

The hall chamber & parlour chamber, the closet, the brew house & the brew house chamber, the great stable, 2 hogs coated standing by the malthouse, an orchard & a stone yard.

It would appear it stayed in the Woods family until 1790. In 1811 Messrs Cobbold of Cliff Brewery, Ipswich

bought the inn. Finally in 1900 it became The Lion

In addition to the Inn there was a shop on the site as well as 3 cottages know as Lion Cottages (which can be seen in one of the photo's on the wall)