Black Lion, Hereford

Looks promising from the outside what with its iron gated courtyard and wonky Tudorisms. The inside is also pretty good, if molested; looks like a 70s refit with a few modern upgrades. A Mediterranean style area off right on entry through dark wood separators, with tiles and lemon paint. Main bar on the left side has dark finish wood and plastic backlit uppers. Really quiet on my visit in stark contrast to a number of other nearby pubs. Three cask, 2x Three Tuns and Wye Valley Bitter. My half of Three Tuns Solstice was a bit hefty and buttery but ostensibly OK (NBSS 2.5). Feels like a place not quite living up to its potential – a canny operator could do well here.

C16th coaching house, with iron gated courtyard for external drinking. Inside a central bar with knocked through rooms in a horseshoe. Mainly setup for dining inside. Three good ales on, including two from Three Tuns. Solstice in great condition.