No room hire fee for funeral wakes
We can arrange at short notice — please call 01303 263900
Wake ceremonies · Hythe, Kent
Funeral wake venue in Hythe
A quiet, private setting for family and friends to come together after a funeral service. The Red Lion offers thoughtful catering, a dedicated room and a warm, discreet welcome, just a short drive from Hawkinge and Barham Crematoria.
70
Guests standing
40
Seated dining
12am
Late bar
£0
Room hire fee*
10–70 guests
Private area for smaller gatherings
Tea & coffee
Served throughout, unlimited
Own kitchen
Sandwiches, hot forks, cakes
Short notice
Often within a few days
Near the crematoria
Hawkinge and Barham nearby
Rooms upstairs
For family travelling in
Why The Red Lion
Everything under one roof
Handled With Care
From your first enquiry to the final cup of tea, our team manages every detail with care.
A Private, Quiet Room
Enjoy a dedicated room where family and friends can gather, talk and remember together.
Simple, Generous Food
Choose from sandwiches, hot fork dishes, scones, cakes and refreshments.
Photos and Flowers
Bring photographs, flowers and an order of service to create a personal memory table.
Flexible Numbers
Share your estimated guest numbers and we’ll help prepare the right space and catering.
No Pressure on the Bill
Enjoy no room hire fee, clear catering arrangements and an optional bar tab.
Built for
Shaped around your family
Traditional wakes
Tea, sandwiches and cake for family and friends after the service.
Celebration of life
A warmer, lighter gathering with a buffet, photos and stories.
Small family gatherings
A private area for 10–25 with table service and quiet corners.
Memorial anniversaries
A yearly gathering to remember, booked at the same time each year.
Ashes scattering receptions
A meeting point before or after, close to the canal and seafront.
Out-of-town families
En-suite rooms upstairs for relatives travelling to Kent.
How it works
From enquiry to the day itself
1
Step 1
One Phone Call
Tell us your date, guest numbers and service time, and we’ll check availability and discuss your options.
2
Step 2
We Handle the Details
We’ll arrange the food, drinks, room setup and timings, keeping everything simple and stress-free.
3
Step 3
Arrive to a Set Room
Your room will be ready when you arrive, with our team welcoming guests and handling everything.
The setting
A room with character






Enquire
Event Enquiry


Good to know
- Private function room
- Music & PA available
- Food from our kitchen
- Flexible party timings
- En-suite rooms available


Guests travelling in? We have twin, king, double and family en-suite rooms upstairs from £85 a night.
Guest reviews
What people say about us
Rated 4.5/5 from 829 reviews on Google
Posted on Google Richard WylieTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beer line up could be so much better, and could be the best pub in Hythe. The beer garden looks very tatty, again could be the best in Hythe. So much potential. Still like going there though. I really hope the management read this.Posted on Google AK-TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a lovely lovely lunch with great service, everyone was very friendly and helpful. Best of all there is an extensive gluten free menu and great quality optionsPosted on Google Nigel CollinsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After three years of using the Red Lion. Its come to an end. I stay multiple times a year. Always taking veterans with me for a visit to Normandy. Ive only ever been charged £70. I've just asked to book another night. The owner replied "its booked, £100" I then stated ive only ever paid £70. Im a regular customer, often bring in other customers. I also pointed out and sent a screenshot that google, booking.com, hotels.com all show £79. Her reply was "OK , £85. Regretfully i will no longer be using the Red Lion. Shame.Posted on Google Antonietta BoschTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’re a traveling family and stopped in for quick lunch. Everything was awesome. Well done 👍🏽Posted on Google Meli “Meli” AustinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just had the best steak and ale pie I've ever eaten here, in fact it was the best pie I've ever had, the pastry was amazing and the filling literally melted in my mouth. It was savory and absolutely delicious with a generous serving of buttery mashed potatoes and perfectly cooked carrots, tender stem broccoli and very generous jug of gorgeous gravy! Definitely a meal to remember! Thank you ☺️Posted on Google GARY HOLLOWAYTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good for a drink.Posted on Google Leah MoseleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We travelled for a our sons wedding from saturday to sunday. We paid as we arrive and also paid for breakfast for 2 days.1st thing we noticed was the awful smell when we opened the bathroom door. The filth under the toilet rim and the rubber around the toilet seat were rotten. There was dust on every surface. The cups that were left were stained and dirty. The draws in dressing table had hairs, crumb and very dusty. The single easy chair was covered with marks. We dare not put any thing on there. 2 members of staff came and checked the room and we were expecting them to come back but they didnt so had no facilities for drinks as the did not bring anything back. They were fully booked so could not move us. We also paid for un upgraded room but doubt we got it as everthing was so basic. We looked at another hotels but eveywhere was booked. This morning we came down for breakfast to be told they do not do brekkie on a Monday. We had a phone call and was given 20% of which was very very insulting. We would not stay or recommed it
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you arrange a funeral wake in Hythe?
We can often accommodate funeral wakes at short notice, subject to availability. Contact us with your preferred date, guest numbers and service time.
How many guests can you accommodate for a funeral wake?
Our private function space can accommodate up to 70 guests standing, with seating for up to 40. Smaller family gatherings can also be arranged.
What catering is available for a funeral wake?
We offer sandwiches, hot fork dishes, scones, cakes, tea and coffee. Dietary requirements can be discussed when arranging your wake.
Is the venue close to Hawkinge Crematorium?
Yes, The Red Lion in Hythe is a convenient option for families attending services at Hawkinge Crematorium, with Barham Crematorium also within easy reach.
Can we arrange a celebration of life?
Yes. Our private room can be arranged for a celebration of life, giving family and friends a relaxed space to share memories and spend time together.
Can family members stay overnight?
Yes. We have en-suite rooms upstairs for relatives travelling to Hythe, making it easier for guests coming from further away.
- Red Lion Square, Hythe CT21 5AU, UK
- +44 1303 263900
- theredlionhythe@gmail.com
