British Pantry celebrates 35 years in Redmond; new Three Lions Pub to open on Tuesday

It's been 35 years since Mavis Redman brought a taste of her native England to Redmond in the form of the British Pantry.

It’s been 35 years since Mavis Redman brought a taste of her native England to Redmond in the form of the British Pantry.

“I’m still going strong,” said the 72-year-old, whose shop will celebrate its anniversary on May 11. The pantry — which offers items like spice chutneys, biscuits, porridge oats, sauces and more — has been located at the same location, 8125 161st Ave. N.E., since 1978.

“Customer loyalty is a big thing. It’s hard to move (from Redmond),” said Redman, who moved to town with her husband, Fred, from Bolton, England, all those years ago. They’ve been married for 51 years.

The pantry has expanded from 1,000 square feet at the start to 6,000 square feet now and also includes Neville’s Restaurant. Both spots cater to transplanted Brits who miss the meals and snacks from their homeland and Americans who have visited England and liked what they feasted upon.

Redman’s son and daughter, Neville and Alvia, also operate the Three Lions Pub next door; her grandson, Graham, is one of the cooks at the pantry. Tomorrow, they’ll open an additional Three Lions Pub on Redmond Ridge (23525 N.E. Novelty Hill Road, A-101) and they’ll launch another pub of the same name in downtown Bothell (10111 Main St.) by early June.

“I’m really looking forward to this,” Mavis said of the pantry’s anniversary and the opening of the new pubs.