The Black Lion, Leighton Buzzard

Ably reviewed by the two correspondents below, this is an attractive looking pub at one end of the High Street, and consists of a single U-shape room wrapped around a central bar counter. Décor wise, it is quite cosy and traditional with a few black beams on the ceiling and dark wood panelling on the lower part of the walls with some pale yellow paintwork elsewhere. Flooring is predominantly wood strip, although with some carpeted areas as well. A few black and white photos were dotted around the walls as well as some brewery memorabilia such as branded mirrors from Bass and Flowers. A darts board was tucked away at one end of the pub and a notice advertised some forthcoming live music. There is also a “Knit and Tonic” on the first Tuesday of every month, and the sign advertising this was, appropriately enough, knitted. Beers are clearly a major focus here and on this occasion consisted of Oakham Bishop’s farewell, Grainstore Rutland Panther, Bass, Adnams Southwold, Flipside Franc-in-Stein, Slater’s Green Hop IPA, Adnams Fat Sprat and XT 6 Rich Ruby. The solitary cider was Stowford Press. A menu on the table listed the beers lined up for the forthcoming Oktoberfest which ran to a total of 56 and included one at 12% (Scaldis Ambrée), although it was not clear which ones were draught and which were bottled.

Attractive old building with low ceilings and exposed beams. Horseshoe shaped bar with a brick fireplace (unused) to the right hand side. There is also a discrete power point by the fire that can be used to charge phones, as I am doing now :-) . Large outside seating area that catches the afternoon sun. Cask Marque accredited but only has London Pride and Doombar. Advertises a non-existent GK IPA at £1.99. Pride is £2.60. WiFi by The Cloud.