The Golden Lion, Keswick

Conveniently located on Keswick’s high street, the Golden Lion, now just the Lion, is a lively and popular pub that has a good reputation for serving excellent food and well-kept ale. The present landlady took over the pub in 2011, undertaking a full refurbishment of the premises and transforming it into a gastro-pub.

Since then, the pub has gone from strength to strength with the kitchen now housing a pizza oven and the development of their own vodka brand. The pub hosts weekly live music sessions and is often used as a venue for the Keswick Jazz Festival. Dog friendly, the Lion screens live sports and above the pub there are three guest rooms.

Food & Drink

The Lion serves a wide selection of real ales. There are four regular ales that include the Cumbrian brewed Coniston Bluebird Bitter. In addition, the bar offers two guest ales that change on a regular basis. The well-stocked bar offers an eclectic choice of wines and has a wide selection of gins with very knowledgeable staff who are able to advise on mixers.

The Lion has recently started to create its own vodka liqueurs that take old fashioned sweets as inspiration for their flavours. You will also find the usual choices of lagers, ciders, whiskies, spirits, and soft drinks here.

The Menu

The Lion is known locally for providing good value for money when it comes to its cuisine. It serves good, homecooked food at honest prices. The menu features a number of pub classics, such as Cumberland Sausage & Mash, whilst the daily specials offer a few more imaginative choices.

The Lion has its own pizza oven in the kitchen and is therefore able to serve a variety of stone-baked pizzas. Sandwiches are available until 5pm, and there is a children’s menu that includes a main, ice cream, and drink for a set price.

Other Features

There are several flat screen televisions located around the bar and the pub has a subscription to Sky Sports. It screens major sporting events, including Premier League matches, and staff are happy to oblige if there is something in particular that a patron would like to watch.

The Lion extends a warm welcome to dogs who will be greeted by the resident pooch, Baxter. Water bowls can be provided if required, and dog treats are available from behind the bar. Lastly, the pub hosts weekly live music nights on Fridays, and there are frequent open mic sessions. During the summer months, a quiz night is held on Wednesday evenings.

Accommodation

The Lion has recently opened up three rooms above the pub as guest rooms. The rooms are incredibly good value for money when compared with other establishments in the area. One room has an en-suite bathroom, whilst the two remaining rooms share a bathroom.

All rooms have been furnished with modern décor and are accessed via a set of stairs with no lift. Breakfast is included in the room rate, but it’s worth noting that breakfast is not served until after 10am.

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