BARS: The Red Lion - the place for an authentic-rocking party!

THE RED LION

Throughout the years, one may ask, where is the ideal expat hangout here in the city, and especially for those Chinese locals who love cultures from all over the world? Well, if you’re in Changsha (Hunan), the most rocking place for holiday parties is at the Red Lion Pub in the City Center and quite close to Wuyi Square.

Every special event at this pub is hosted by its owner, Damion. The main focus of these events is to bring the expat and Chinese communities closer together. With a pint in hand, Damion will show you around his establishment, explain the idea behind his pub, and will bring a special DJ to host with music these great parties: whether it’s a New Year’s extravaganza, the coming of Spring Festival, Labour Day, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo (5th of May - Mexican holiday and celebration), Bar Crawls around the City Center, Father’s Day, Summer Time celebrations, something special about Britain, a tapas party, Spanish party, a French Wine & Cheese tasting, the coronations, Oktoberfest, Halloween, Damion’s birthday or Christmas Eve parties. 

There is always a reason to come to the Red Lion for the joy and festivity this place has to exclusively offer. Its favourite publican, Damion is there to bask in the fun of life and its glory!

Damion isn’t a “one-trick pony”, he has a flare for the dramatics and drama, while he gives this pleasure to all; whether he is dressing up in a top hat suit/costume or doing plays and teaching at the local school where he works. Well, for Mister B, the day is for learning and education. Weekend is for enjoyment, and furthermore, to treasure these moments at the Red Lion. When I think of Damion, I think of songs like, “Those were the days...” (Hopkin, 1968), those classics which hit me with nostalgia. However, here is the case where the joys of this pub never end. Amen to that!

This establishment (The Red Lion) has a gala of personalities, as well as people from diverse backgrounds, languages and countries--making this place a potpourri of multicultural experiences to share. And you know what was the best thing that Mister D. has done in previous years, other than the tapas, ah... It is serving those delicious wines which go down excellently with food or a pint of Guinness from the keg--another one of my favorites. When buying a brew at the Red Lion, there is the next door businesses which sells delicious burgers, mini-pizzas and Coca-Cola (Aloha Pizza to the Red Lion’s right), and to the left there is a coffee bar. Can’t beat the deliciousness of this intoxicating area. One wants to fall in love with the pleasures of it, and all around. 

The Red Lion is a place for the night, but it isn’t only for drinking. There are intellectual moments for book gatherings and readings. There are also the occasional weekend gatherings on Saturday afternoons for English tea, scones and clotted cream. Some nights are for songs, jamming sessions, sports on the telly (TV), comedy hour, etc. The pleasures don’t end here, because at the Red Lion when there’s a party, it’s time to “Get down tonight!” (KC & The Sunshine Band, 1975). 

How does Damion pick an awesome DJ (Disc Jockey) for his parties?:

There is no other name which sounds and resounds best, and clearly across the city of Changsha. His name is Dusty Forsyth, and he is exclusively borrowed (here for us) from his native Port Elizabeth, South Africa. A beautiful place where he started DJ-ing since he was 15-years old. This family man has been doing the art for almost 20-years and he is hip! By day, he teaches English and Psychology to High School kids. At night, he is the rocking man of the hour! 

I had heard about Dusty previously in one of his musical performances, before I started working with him, and from a distance one can feel enthralled. There is this magnetism which brings you into the Red Lion. Then, there is the thumping and rolling of something which sounds a lot like DJ Tiesto’s, “The business” (2020); but then, as one has the pleasure in approaching, there is DJ Dusty royally spinning the discs! This young-man, a nice guy who is the salt-of-the-earth in his a soft-spoken manner; however, when a person witnesses his talents in action, he is like, boom! The coolest king of cool. The flavor of emotions, vibe and music which emanates from this Pub is just incredible.

In conclusion & location of the Red Lion:

Therefore, whether it is to gather at one of Damion’s parties or to witness Dusty’s magic inside the Red Lion, I recommend a visit or many more for those special events, gatherings and parties. It will be a night to remember, and to be repeated over and over. Because it is where these joyous moments never end, and it is certainly the place to be!