A popular pub, the staff at The Lion make sure that all are welcome and the candlelit evenings and bring your own food policy make this a cosy place to relax over a reasonably priced drink and a local takeaway.

The Venue
The Lion can be found at the heart of up-and-coming Church Street in Stoke Newington and is a favourite of locals and visitors. There are plenty of classic pub video games in the cosy downstairs area, as well as a pool table and dartboard in the upstairs lounge, which doubles up as a venue for music, comedy and open mic nights. There is also a small beer garden at the back, although the way it’s closed in with brick walls gives a prison yard appearance. The interior has all the old and welcome pub characteristics you’d expect alongside some modern touches, which make it feel snazzier than your average local.

The Atmosphere
The best word to describe the atmosphere here is welcoming. The staff are known locally for being friendly and are great at remembering the names of their regular clientele as well as making new customers feel welcome. The customers are largely Stoke Newington regulars but as the reputation of Church Street grows, so does the reputation of The Lion. In the evenings, the pub is largely candlelit, making it a great place for drinks with friends or even a first date.

The Food
The Lion does not have a kitchen - a unique selling point of this pub is it allows customers to order from a selection of local delivery restaurants and eat in. If you ask for a menu at the bar you will be presented with a booklet of local takeaway menus that are delivered straight to the bar. The staff will offer cutlery and crockery to use while you eat. The takeaway menus include all the classics including Indian, pizza, fried chicken and Thai.

The Drink
There is a decent wine selection here, ranging from £12.50-£21 a bottle and the selection includes rose as well as white and red. There is a good variety on the wine list, including wine from Chile, Germany, France, Italy and Australia. Although there is no cocktail menu, the staff will often oblige requests and Bloody Mary’s are something of a house favourite. There are several beers on tap including Strongbow, Fosters, and San Miguel as well as Guinness.

The Last Word
The Lion is a great place to spend a relaxed, wallet friendly evening, sipping on reasonably priced drinks and dining on a local takeaway over a game of pool.

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