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Golden Lion, London

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Cask Ale
Closes in 41 minutes
Real ale discount scheme
Operator: Greene King
25 King Street, St James's, London, SW1Y 6QY (View on Google Map)
(020) 7925 0007
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The delightfully ornate imitation Jacobean Baroque narrow frontage of this pub appears squashed between the drab monolithic giants on each side, but it faces the more pleasant prospect of Christie's auction rooms across the road and displays some of their old posters inside.

The present pub was rebuilt in 1900 and features part panelled walls, an attractive back bar and interesting tiles on the gantry over the bar itself. Curious white antler chandeliers are presumably a more modern addition. The upstairs ‘Theatre Bar’ and dining area is furnished with memorabilia from the former St James's Theatre which stood next door between 1835 and 1957.

There is an interesting menu of hot dishes as well as snacks, sharers and sandwiches, all at prices considered reasonable for the area. The handpumps generally offer a couple of beers from the Greene King range and one from another brewery; but as at late 2022 there have been reports of non-availability of cask ale at certain times. Further updates welcome.

Historic Interest

Although the pub’s licence dates from c.1690, it has been on this site only since 1731. In 1823 the landlady was kicked to death by a woman customer.

Information for this venue is provided by the West London Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Westminster
Last updated
Last surveyed
23/03/2017
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
Greene King
Pub ID
WLD/16217
Asset of Community Value

Built in 1897-8 to designs by architects Eedle & Meyers in an ornate and mannered style. Two sets of double doors at the front and another down the side passage suggest former internal subdivisions. The panelled counter with decorative brackets looks late-Victorian, though the pot-shelf is modern.. The bar-back fitting seems original with deeply etched mirrors. The curved frontage has a fine set of windows which feature theatrical masks (the next door neighbour was the St James's Theatre until its demolition in 1957). The upstairs Theatre Bar contains some artefacts from the theatre: the bar fittings, howver, are modern.

Built in 1897-8 to designs by architects Eedle & Meyers in an ornate and mannered style. Two sets of double doors at the front and another down the side passage suggest former internal subdivisions. The panelled counter with decorative brackets looks late-Victorian, though the pot-shelf is modern.. The bar-back fitting seems original with deeply etched mirrors. The curved frontage has a fine set of windows which feature theatrical masks (the next door neighbour was the St James's Theatre until its demolition in 1957). The upstairs Theatre Bar contains some artefacts from the theatre: the bar fittings, howver, are modern.

General information about historic pub interiors
Monday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Friday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday
11:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday
11:00am - 10:30pm
Monday
11:30am - 9:30pm
Tuesday
11:30am - 9:30pm
Wednesday
11:30am - 9:30pm
Thursday
11:30am - 9:30pm
Friday
11:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday
11:30am - 9:30pm
Sunday
Noon - 8:00pm
TasteMatch

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Current beers

This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 1 regular beer.

Regular and recently seen

Greene King - IPA TasteMatch Prediction

View beer
GREENE KING IPA PUMP CLIP FRONT
Greene King - IPA Session Bitter • 3.4%
GREENE KING IPA PUMP CLIP FRONT
Greene King - IPA

This beer is served regularly at Golden Lion, London.

ABV 3.4%
Style Session Bitter
Colour
Vegan No
Gluten Free No
Changing

Changing beers typically include: Greene King (varies) , Timothy Taylor - Landlord

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Facilities
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
early evening only & not Sunday
Garden Garden
covered and heated pavement tables on side
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Events Events
quiz every Wed at 7pm
Function Room Function Room
upstairs restaurant can be reserved
Restaurant Restaurant
upstairs
Smoking Smoking
pavement
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Cask Ale Cask Ale
Cask Marque Cask Marque
Member Discount Scheme Member Discount Scheme
10% discount off cask beer for CAMRA members
Cask Marque Beer and Cellar Hygiene rating
Cask Marque: Beer and Cellar Hygiene rating 5 out of 5
Transport
Close to bus routes (100m)
9
Closest station (1000m)
London Charing Cross
Close to London Underground/Overground/DLR (400m)
Green Park

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