Golden Lion, Viables, Basingstoke

An interwar roadside pub. A few bits remain from that time, including the bar front with arches in the panelling and a couple of the internal doors with nice inset glass. Otherwise it's had a modernisation and knock-through to make a roughly L shaped bar with a burgundy and white colour scheme. A separate pool room sits off the rear, maybe this was the old public bar? A grey day accentuated the dim lighting and the inside felt rather gloomy, more lighting being needed. The over-loud music didn’t help matters either. This is a Greene King pub, there were three pumps with two ales on the go - Scrum Down and IPA - the latter of which was surprisingly good (NBSS 3.5) which was at least one upside to an otherwise fairly forgettable 15 minutes.

New managment have just taken over this pub, There is a choice of two ales and possibility of a third coming soon. A good variety of lagers including san miguel. The kithcen is opening from the 4th March with classic pub food being served Mon - Sat and Roast dinners only on a sunday. The pub shows the majority of sports, There is quiz every thursday night and karaoke every saturday. There is lots more being talked about including poker and bands. With outdoor seating, pool table and dart board there is something for everyone.