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.
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.
This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 1 regular beer.
Golden Lion, London
Changing beers typically include: Greene King (varies) , Timothy Taylor - Landlord