Pailton Rd, Rugby CV23 0HQ

About This Pub

Oh, let me tell you about The Old Lion – it's one of those pubs that just hits the spot for a laid-back night out. I've heard from folks who've been there that the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and the food is genuinely brilliant, blending tasty Indian-inspired twists with solid pub classics that leave you satisfied. The atmosphere is spot on too, with that old-school charm and lively events that add a bit of excitement without overwhelming the cosy feel. On the flip side, it's a shame the hours aren't more flexible, as food stops a tad early some evenings, and if you're not in the area, it could take a bit of effort to pop by. All in all, it's a solid choice for anyone after a proper pub experience – the positives far outweigh the niggles, and I'd say it's well worth seeking out for a memorable meal or drink.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, always making you feel right at home from the moment you step in.
  • The food is an absolute delight, with a fantastic mix of authentic Indian dishes and classic pub favourites, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  • It has a warm, vibrant atmosphere that's perfect for a relaxed evening, complete with cosy vibes and fun events like live music and summer BBQs.
  • They're really community-focused, offering something for everyone, whether it's a family meal, a special occasion, or just a casual catch-up over local ales.
Cons
  • The operating hours can be a bit restrictive, especially for food service which winds down earlier on some days, so it's worth checking in advance.
  • Being a bit out in the Rugby area, it might not be the easiest spot to get to if you're not local, potentially missing out on spontaneous visits.

Contact Information

Pailton Rd, Rugby CV23 0HQ
+441788220999
Bar
Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday16:00 - 23:00
Tuesday16:00 - 23:00
Wednesday16:00 - 23:00
Thursday16:00 - 23:00
Friday16:00 - 23:00
Saturday (Today)12:00 - 23:00
Sunday12:00 - 21:00

Location

Recent Reviews

This was our 3rd visit since the Old Lion reopened under the new owners. Always a warm welcome. Friendly and attentive staff. The food was delicious. This time we ordered from the main menu and all our mains and desserts were flavourful and perfectly prepared. Previously we've had the Saturday buffet which we can higly recommend, especially if you want to try a variety of Indian dishes.
SL
Samantha Long
If I could give 6 stars I would!! Tried this little gem as it was near work & super impressed. The staff are very friendly & helpful, the atmosphere fun & relaxed & the food is absolutely amazing!! We had the mixed grill & shared a butter chicken & naan bread. I could have eaten twice it was so good!! By sharing, I had enough room for dessert & I went for the passion fruit cheesecake with raspberry sorbet which was to die for. I did try a bit of the chocolaty dessert with caramel ice cream which was rich but not sickly. Absolutely recommended & will definitely be going back. Also had a glass of wine; nice complimentary flavours & a good selection. I think this might become my new local
CD
Claire Dragon
The Old Lion is a relatively new establishment that offers a refreshing excellent dining experience for all. Indian delights from À la carte to small plates & sharing platters options. They also offer plenty of 'pub favourites' such as fish & chips and burgers, even vegan options. Something to suit all. If you enjoy tasty authentic dishes and plentiful, one to try There's also a newly launched Saturday lunch buffet that was delicious and planned theme night -see pictures. Very good value for money indeed. Lovely decor & friendly attentive staff. What's not good to enjoy! You're welcome!
LG
LJ G
We came here as a party of 4 on Valentines Day. There was a special menu and the food was outstanding both in taste and presentation. Portions were very large. There was also a guy singing with a guitar. What a lovely evening, we will definitely visit again.
DR
Dawn Rowley
What an extraordinarily wonderful place! We went as a family of three on Sunday, to sample their Sunday lunches; to say we were thrilled to bits, is an understatement. We had originally booked at their highly acclaimed pub/restaurant in Kilsby, but once we'd heard the new place in Harborough Magna (which is where we live) was under the same management as The George, we swapped venues. The new management has refurbished the whole restaurant and the changes are absolutely lovely. The interior has beautiful wallpaper and panelling to the walls - and the lavatories along with the rest of the Restaurant are immaculately clean and fragrant. The staff could not have been more helpful, and exceeded our expectations in every way. All three of us had the Sunday lunch, we chose the chicken, the pork, and I had the beef. I always feel that Sunday lunches are a deceptively complex meal to succeed at, without the food resulting in a 'school dinner' type of affair, so I think it rather puts a restaurant to the test. The portion sizes were large enough to leave us absolutely NO room for pudding, and my mother, who had the chicken, had to take a couple of things off her plate and put them on the side plate, to enable her to reach the rest of her meal! The beef was as tender as fillet steak, and the gravy was outstanding. The roast potatoes too, were exceptional, helped by cooking them in beef dripping. Along with our meal came flawlessly cooked vegetables, stuffing, a chipolata sausage and we had cauliflower cheese too. All in all, it was genuinely the best Sunday lunch I've had at any restaurant, and easily matched the best made at home. We have a new favourite place and I cannot wait to get back next Sunday.
FJ
Francesca James

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