The Black Lion, Kilburn, NW6

Still a handsome pub and still worth searching out for the interior décor alone. But functions more as a restaurant cum wine bar nowadays and the available cocktail and wine lists on the chalk boards above the main bar area now far exceed the number of beer pumps and from what I could see Camden Town Hells Lager and Guinness are the only beers which are now available from tap, but the fridges stock a range of Ciders and Real Ales by the bottle, so at least I could enjoy a pint of Waggle dance with our lunch, or at least I could after both the glass and bottle had thawed out. We chose to visit here as it is still one of the better looking establishments on the Kilburn High Road and despite the lack of any decent ale the available lunchtime tapas type dishes menu and the comfort and ambience to enjoy it in was very high..

Handsomely decorated, both inside and out. This ex-Truman pub, rebuilt in 1898, has lost most of its etched glazing in the front windows but many features of interest remain inside the large staple-shaped bar. Side dining room with slightly disturbing white colour scheme. Exterior seating area to one side. Prominent 'Guest House' signage. Just one handpump, offering Doom Bar (£3.40). Overall, well worth a visit just to admire the interior.

Official site of the Black Lion, contains menu - www.blacklionguesthouse.com

Official site of the Black Lion, contains menu - www.blacklionguesthouse.com

Two real ales on – Timothy Taylor Landlord and Sharp’s Doom Bar. I had the latter, which was fine, but not cheap at £3.20 a pint. But it was served in a branded glass, which is a nice touch. The food on offer seemed quite expensive as well, as it was essentially pub grub – e.g. burger and chips for £7.50 and sausage and mash for £7.20. I didn’t eat there so cannot comment on the quality. No-one was eating when I was in on Wednesday lunchtime. The pub itself is quite impressive, having retained most of its original Victorian features. It boasts an impressive gilded Lincrusta (I think ) ceiling; gilded friezes around the walls; some cut and etched glass in the windows along the side, and carved wood all over the place. A glass panel above the fireplace proclaims the large room to be the Gold Room. It’s well named. There’s also a separate dining room. It’s a very impressive pub, thoroughly deserving its inclusion as a CAMRA London heritage pub. Furnishings are a mixture of sofas/low tables (the bane of the six-footer!), solid pine furniture, and normal tables and chairs. But I found it a little soulless on my visit. I’m not sure why – I suppose the nearly empty large (Gold) room made it seem that way on a quiet Wednesday lunchtime. I suppose it would be very different on a busy evening. Nonetheless, it’s definitely worth a visit to have a butcher’s at the very impressive interior décor.