Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton

The Golden Lion was a bonus pub for us. We were staying here and left it until last, not knowing if the bar would still be open. Luckily it was still open late on a Sunday evening and I was pleasantly surprised by the range of 4 real ales on offer. These were Wensleydale Semer Water, Cameron's Strongarm, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin & York Guzzler. I chose the Strongarm, as it is a drink I have enjoyed before, especially when I've tried it in its home town of Hartlepool. However, on this occasion, the beer was in a poor condition, verging on undrinkable. I suspect none had been poured off during the day and my half had been sat in the pipes for at least 24 hours. Determined to finish on a better beer, I tried the Semer Water too. That was much better. Although, there was still a strange film on the glass. We were the only customers in the nicely appointed, but dull lounge bar, with little natural light. A well can be seen near the bar. Better than I had expected. But the quality of the real ale left a lot to be desired.

Official site of Golden Lion Hotel - www.golden-lion-hotel.co.uk

Official site of Golden Lion Hotel - www.golden-lion-hotel.co.uk

Large sprawling place. Six hand pumps, one off. Nothing strength wise. Rest keg.