About This Pub
Ah, the Golden Lion – it's one of those pubs that has so much going for it, but it's had a bit of a rough patch lately, from what I've gathered from the chats online. On the bright side, the roasts are meant to be brilliant, especially for a Sunday get-together, and the gardens and parking make it feel like a proper hidden gem in London. I reckon it's perfect for a laid-back afternoon if everything's clicking. But blimey, some recent feedback paints a different picture – the beer isn't up to scratch anymore, and there are tales of the kitchen vanishing without a trace or not sticking to hours, which is frustrating when you're craving that pub grub. Service has been hit or miss too, with a few mentioning it feeling less than welcoming. Overall, it's got heaps of potential to be a favourite local haunt, but it needs a bit of sorting out to get back on form. If you're thinking of popping in, maybe give it a go on a good day and keep your expectations balanced – it's all about that classic pub vibe when it works.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-
The roasts are absolutely spot on, especially on Sundays – I've heard they're some of the best around, making it a proper treat for a hearty meal.
-
It's got a lovely refurbishment with beautiful gardens and ample parking, which makes it a welcoming spot for a relaxed catch-up with mates.
-
When the service is on point, the staff can be really friendly and efficient, adding to that cosy pub atmosphere we all love.
Cons
-
The beer quality has taken a real nosedive lately, with some folks finding it undrinkable – that's a big shame for a traditional pub.
-
Service can be inconsistent and sometimes unwelcoming, which might put you off if you're not a regular or just after a quick pint.
-
The kitchen seems unreliable, often not open when advertised, and the place looks like it's in need of some TLC to stop it from falling apart.
Contact Information
116 Sydenham Rd, London SE26 5JX
+442087786859
Pub
Closed today
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday (Today) | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Recent Reviews
UPDATE: despite the lick of paint to the exterior, the standards have massively slipped, not sure what's gone wrong but the beer is pretty much undrinkable and the kitchen seems to have vanished completely. Such a shame as the pub has huge potential.
Looks like it's going out of business. Nothing on tap and place is falling apart. Could be a great pub but needs some love and money spent on it.
*updated based on recent experience - seems better organised now - I think the best roasts locally imho and worth a visit
Used to come here regularly for the roast on Sundays but be aware they often don’t serve till 7pm as advertised - I tried at 4.30 today and they’d closed the kitchen already!
If you’re willing to be messed about the roasts when they actually serve them are nice.
Very poor service, I was served very low quality beer and they even bother to change it after raising a complaint. Their body language at front wasn’t that welcoming. Probably they don’t like irregular customers or customer with Color.
Had a tasty family lunch here today. Freshly cooked. Nice recent refurbishment. Beautiful gardens and ample parking. Friendly, efficient service. Recommended.
Nearby Pubs - Perfect Pub Crawl
Discover the 5 closest pubs to this location for an ideal pub crawl experience.
121 Sydenham Rd, London SE26 5HB
86/100
0.1mi
178 Sydenham Rd, London SE26 5RP
81/100
0.3mi
The Greyhound, 313-315 Kirkdale, London SE26 4QB
86/100
0.6mi
163 Parish Ln, London SE20 7JH
90/100
0.6mi
Prince Of Wales, 52 Perry Rise, Forest Hill SE23 2QL
82/100
0.7mi