About This Pub
Ah, the Golden Lion – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper hidden gem in London. Built back in 1762 and spruced up in 1900, it's got that timeless appeal with its stained glass windows and a cosy upstairs bar that nods to its rich history. From chatting with others who've been, the food stands out as a real highlight; they do traditional dishes brilliantly, with fresh options that are both tasty and reasonably priced, plus plenty of choices for veggies or those avoiding gluten. The team behind the bar are absolute gems, making everyone feel right at home with their cheerful service. It's also a welcoming spot if you're out with the dog or the family, and they've got things like WiFi for when you fancy a quick catch-up online. On the downside, it seems like waits for food can drag on, as one person had a nightmare with their group, waiting ages and ending up disappointed. Still, with an overall rating hovering around 4.2, it's clear most folks leave chuffed, especially if you're in the mood for a laid-back vibe near some iconic landmarks. All in all, I'd say it's worth a visit for a solid pub experience, just maybe plan ahead if you're peckish!
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The historic charm and cosy atmosphere really transport you back in time, making it a delightful spot for a relaxing pint
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The food is spot on – think fresh, traditional pub grub like fish and chips with generous portions and fair prices
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Staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, always ready with a smile or a helpful recommendation
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It's dog-friendly and family-oriented, with added perks like WiFi and space for functions, perfect for a casual get-together
Cons
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Occasional long waits for food can be a real frustration, as one experience showed it taking over an hour
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It might feel a bit on the quiet side in a busy city like London, which isn't ideal if you're after a lively buzz
Contact Information
25 King St, London SW1Y 6QY
+442079250007
Pub
Opens at 11:00
Opening Hours
Monday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Tuesday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Wednesday (Today) | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Thursday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Friday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Saturday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
Sunday | 11:00 - 22:30 |
Recent Reviews
Lovely little charming pub. The food was excellent and the staff were very friendly! A bit more of a quieter atmosphere while still being near some of the local landmarks. Reasonably priced with good portion sizes.
Cute, old, historic pub. The fish and chips were very good. A lot of food, so come hungry! Staff was very nice.
What an amazing place!! Atmosphere, food, drinks, and staff made it a fantastic time. Recommendation of a local London friend which we will definitely be back.
It was my first visit to London, and this restaurant was the perfect place to experience authentic fish and chips. The staff were friendly, the food was fresh and delicious, and the interior had a charming, vintage atmosphere. It was a truly enjoyable meal. I highly recommend this place to travelers visiting London.
I had a terrible experience here, myself and 4 friends stopped for lunch and was told there would be a 30-45 minute wait for food, we said this was ok. After over an hour of waiting we asked where our food was, the waitress said she would follow up. After near to an hour and a half after ordering, one of my friends meals arrived, a chicken burger, and it was so unbelievably dry she was unable to eat it. My other friends food showed up around 15 mins after, which was an hour and 45 minutes after ordering, we left after 2 hours and my food never came. The waitress serving us was very apologetic and issued us a full refund, this issue seemed to be caused by the kitchen. This was so disappointing, after wasting 2 hours waiting and not eating, I had to go somewhere else to eat something and the food my friends received really wasnt worth the wait. I would not go back here again.
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