The Golden Lion, Whitby

This pub has been refurbished and the exterior is now a nice shade of green. It also has a new pub sign. Inside, there are two rooms, a small bar, which could have been a lounge at the front, which myself and Mrs Staal sat in, and a larger room at the back. The Golden Lion was always a 'locals' pub, but now seems to be aiming itself more upmarket. However, the locals were evident in the back room, and I am really glad they were there. The pub now has 6 real ale taps. Only two were on when I was there, Pedigree and Black Sheep Bitter. The other four had beer clips on, but these were turned round, seemingly because they were settling. However, these four clips showed beers all from the Tetley's brand, which was a bit of a shame. However, the Golden Lion could well become a valuable addition to Whitby's excellent pubs. And, according to a sign near the door, Whitby's Pirate Club meet here!

Very cosy little two roomed place, but not a great deal of atmosphere when we went - maybe the TV had something to do with it. Had Tetley's Imperial, which is class (along with the MILD), which leaves me wondering why these two beers, with some taste, are shunted aside for the pretty tastless cask and smooth. There is no Imperial just 20 miles down the road at Scarborough and the last Tetley Mild i saw was in the Harrows in Wolverhampton The eradication of Tetley MILD in North Yorks is surely the worst decision since JFK said 'lets take the convertible, i need the air'. Back to the pub - happy enough to go again.

What a great little pub, only two rooms but full of character very cosy, old photos on the wall good real ale and others, toilets outside but don't be put off, I called on a busy Sunday but not many people in, its a shame as its a little gem.