With so many provocative neon signs jutting into your headspace around the streets of Soho it’s often easy to miss the humble classics like the Golden Lion.

The Venue
Located on the stumpy end of Dean Street, having been sliced through by Old Compton Street, the Golden Lion is a diminutive boozer that excels with its intimate box-like charms. The walls are nailed over with the type of wooden panelling that will never go out of fashion in a London pub and the rest of the interior follows the pattern of tradition, only breaking the mould to fix flat plasma screens to its walls.

Above the small bar is a lounge area with a bar all of its own, providing a more suitable environment to enjoy a meal. The ground floor predominantly favours those that don’t mind if they sit or not as there is a lack of places to plant oneself.

The Atmosphere
The Golden Lion is hardly heralding in Twentyfirst Century style but with several plasma screens in a pub of this size it certainly flirts with the future of public house entertainment. Whatever the reason for the blowout on televisual enjoyment, an excellent view is afforded from anywhere in the bar. Sports events are a big deal and the blackboards outside are decorated with colourful chalk heralding the next upcoming event. Tourists play their part in the make up of the clientele but there is an old London feel to the place.

The Food
There is a well-presented attempt to rope in the tourists but there isn’t much to get excited about. Most are happy with the choices of sandwiches, burgers and simple pub meals. The pie of the day deserves a special mention and the daily option is displayed proudly on the bar.

The Drink
There is no happy hour, cocktail list or fancy spirits at the Golden Lion, merely a range of popular beverages to appeal to all. The wine of the month is always displayed behind the bar (such as the Tintara Shiraz) and the beers on tap are Fosters, Kronenbourg and Leffe. There is also a small range of ales including London Pride and Doom Bar.

The Last Word
The views are spectacular and the beer is cold - two good reasons to visit the Golden Lion.

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