The Lion, Teddington

Impressive-looking suburban pub in an upmarket area. The interior is best described as an inverse j shape. Sadly there has been a septic gastro refit, off-white and lacking character bar some tasteful framed 1920s prints. The large windows do at least allow for a light and airy feel inside. Sizeable rear garden noted but too wet to explore. Five pumps with three on; Doom Bar, Surrey Hills Sheer Drop and Twickenham Naked Ladies the latter of which was in very good shape and surprisingly cheap for the area. This is a family-friendly pub, friendly in the sense that loud children run amok and their squawking middle class parents don’t care for the comfort of other patrons. Apart from the beer, there wasn’t much I liked about this place. A shame as this used to be, by accounts posted elsewhere, a real destination pub 10 years back.

Sat06, Pride, Doombar, BlackSheep, Twick Autumn Blaze. Busy carpet, plenty of seating, hadn't noticed pool table to right last visit. Landlord said they still have music, predominently continuing the bluesy preference of prev guv, with perhaps one group every 4th week, or so, diversifying away from that. This evening's offering was to be ‘Good Men in the Jungle', if that helps? Not cheap at £3ppint, but I think it was already that ~2yrs ago, & we paid more elsewehere on the day. Decent bus route along main road, Kingston-Teddington-Fulwell (& beyond!).

Glad to say the Lion is now reopened under the management of the mainly French team who run the Carpenters Arms near Ascot. The food is rustic/bistro French and extremely high quality. Doombar and London Pride in excellent condition. The Lion will be closed for 6-8 weeks for refurbishment - they don't know exactly when yet, but hope to be reopened for the summer. This neighbourhood pub should be supported.