A former pub near High Wycombe being named best café in Buckinghamshire is ‘well-deserved’, according to customers – with special praise for its ‘Sunday breakfasts, great staff and lovely atmosphere’.

The Red Lion tearoom in Bradenham, near West Wycombe, was transformed from a country pub into a pretty, rural café by Lisa and Trevor Hunt seven years ago this month.

With Lisa now solely at the helm after Trevor returned to his media industry roots, the National Trust spot has gone from strength to strength – even weathering a global pandemic thanks to a quick-thinking pivot to takeaways and a loyal local customer base.

Its popularity – with walkers, villagers and tourists alike – was cemented by being named best café in the county at the Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards this month, and regular visitors haven’t been surprised by the recognition.

Reacting to news that The Red Lion held the title of best spot to grab a cuppa in the region, Laura Ripley described it as “the best café ever”, adding: “You cannot beat their Sunday breakfasts – such a lovely atmosphere, great staff and amazing food!”

Jacquie Millard also praised its “amazing breakfasts” while Caroline Ing said it reliably had “great food and atmosphere” and Teresa Heawood congratulated Lisa and Trevor on a “well deserved award”.

READ MORE: 10 Buckinghamshire towns and villages named ‘best places to live in England’

And Sam Garrett-Chapman said: “We go here every Saturday and Sunday. Lovely atmosphere but most of all friendly staff! Proud of all involved – thank you for providing such enjoyment.”

Lisa, 65, told the Free Press earlier this week that while the coffee and cake hotspot offered a slower pace of life than her previous pub operator stints, the work could be “shattering”, if still enjoyable – making the customer-voted recognition that much sweeter of a surprise.

“I was really surprised by the nomination and right up until the ceremony, I didn’t think we’d win. My heart was beating at a million miles an hour when they called our name.

“When we first opened, the building was a shell, so we had to start absolutely from scratch, but it’s been lovely to see it grow into a meeting place for people or a stopping-off point on walks.

“It’s an operation that works really well (and) I think that’s what appeals to people. I’m very happy here, and I think everyone else is too.”