The Red Lion at Haigh – Traditional Restaurant Embraces Digital Age

The Red Lion at Haigh has a fascinating history and is as popular now in 2010 as it ever was. To celebrate the success of the restaurant the owners Dave and Edna Oakley are embracing the festive season along with a fabulous social media competition to win a gourmet meal for four.

Times have been tough in the past couple of years for all businesses due to the global economy. However The Red Lion at Haigh as ever have weathered the recession and even entered the age of social media.

Let’s for a moment go back in time and look at the amazing history of this well-loved family a la carte restaurant. Built in 1963 the detached building was constructed to replace the “Old Joes” which has previously been operating on the same site.  Ken and Dorothy Witherington and their son David ran the restaurant from 1965 until 1981- a selection of high quality grills with the highest dish little over £1.

In 1981 Ken and Dorothy retired and The Red Lion at Haigh was taken over in the same year by Pat and Rob Newgent who carried out some extensive alterations in 1984 making the restaurant  open plan to cater for a new generation of diners offering affordable and tasty fast food and pub grub.

The present owners David and Edna Oakley arrived in 1993 modernising the Red Lion and converting it into an A La Carte Restaurant. The family restaurant was a hit with locals and day trippers. The restaurant is next door to the famous Haigh Hall Country Park and also in a prime location on the scenic route to the seaside.

Dave Oakley commented that “the internet is the most powerful medium to communicate with our loyal customers and potential new clientele. At the touch of a button we wanted to enlighten our customer base of special offers and new menus. With our website and social media pages we can do just that”.

To promote The Red Lion at Haigh’s venture into the digital age there is an exciting competition to win a gourmet meal for 4, which includes drinks. Entrants must visit the Twitter or Facebook page and there simply “like” or “Follow” and enter their favourite meal of all time.

Mr Oakley followed up with “in will be interesting to hear what diners have to say. We may even add the new meal to the menu if it is not already present. The winner will be treated to a wonderful meal which will be flambéed at the table”

The Red Lion at Haigh continues to thrive and now enjoys full speed communications between clients and owners.