The White Lion, Ross-On-Wye

From the front this is an attractive and traditional old coaching inn with plenty of colourful hanging baskets to brighten it up. Around the rear there is a good sized garden and patio area alongside the river with very pleasant views across to the old 16th century bridge. The interior is slightly dated decor wise, with an old blue floral carpet covering much of the floor with just a few strips of wood alongside the windows at the rear. A small room off to the left has exposed stone walls and a tall vertical tropical fish tank along the chimney breast which was completely obscured by a projector screen. It's a shame it couldn't be retracted out of sight when not in use, as this rather spoilt what is otherwise a pleasant enough room. The main room runs from front to back and is split in two by a stone wall. There is a large brick fire-place at the front, and a bar counter clad with pale blue wooden panels at the rear. Numerous bunches of hops are hung from beams on the ceiling and around the bar. There is also apparently the "Old Gaol" restaurant upstairs, although we did not investigate this. The main draw for many people will be the large outside seating area alongside the river, and this was divided in to three areas. The first part on exiting the rear of the pub is what could be a converted cow shed, but was perhaps stables in a former life. It looks to have been refurbished and is a pleasant, covered space with wood panelling on the back wall and wooden arches in the roof space. Beyond this is some elevated decking and a pleasant beer garden with plenty more hanging baskets alongside. The menu offered an extensive selection of dishes divided in to sections such as fish, burgers, classics, etc., and most of the mains appeared to be in the £8 - £10 range. Beers on tap were Wye Valley Bitter, Butty Bach and Dave's Blond Beer. Ciders were well represented with Magner's Golden Draught, Stowford Press, Strongbow, Ross-on-Wye Traditional Cider and Ross-on-Wye Traditional Perry.

Official site of the White Lion, includes accommodation details and menus - www.whitelionross.co.uk

Official site of the White Lion, includes accommodation details and menus - www.whitelionross.co.uk