Black Lion, W2

This wasn't a bad pub with its red interior and columns and rather traditional appearance. As mentioned, due to the location it was something of a tourist magnet and had a limited local client base, being situated in London's most Middle-Eastern enclave. I wouldn't have repeated my one visit, made around 2012.

Reasonably attractive Taylor Walker house, with some interesting features both inside and out. Typical traditional-style 'Olde London pub' dark wood interior to bar and dining area beyond. Better than average music selection, but otherwise a bit sterile atmosphere-wise. Four handpumps, with offerings including Black Sheep, Old Speckled Hen and Nelson Admiral IPA (£4.05).

This is a Taylor Walker house, with the look of a caff with all the tables covered with condiments, and with a transient, probably tourist, clientele by the look of it. The usual solid and chunky tall tables and tall stools are ranged down the centre of the the main bar, with banquettes and normal dark varnished tables, and standard chairs round the sides. But this room does have some nice features - the unusually panelled Lincrusta style ceiling, and the striking Shakespeare (Taming of the Shrew) themed copper panels on one of the walls. These are a bit reminiscent of those at the Black Friar, although not as large. An excellent feature nonetheless and well worth preserving - I'm glad they have been. There's also a bit of etched glasswork that may be original. The pub extends to a large comfortably furnished room on the left, and may well be the result of a later extension of the pub. Being a Taylor Walker pub real ale was available - East London Brewery Pale Ale (£2.03 a half, but unfortunately cloudy and undrinkable), Truman Swift, Old Golden Hen and Old Peculiar. The ELB was readily exchanged for Truman's Swift, which was in OK nick. The usual pub grub menu is available throughout the day. I never really take to the atmosphere in Taylor Walker pubs for some reason, as those in Central London seem to have become tourist restaurants, and this one is no different. But it was doing a good trade on Wednesday afternoon, and does do real ale and affordable food which are definite plus points.

Black Lion page at the Taylor Walker site - www.taylor-walker.co.uk

Black Lion page at the Taylor Walker site - www.taylor-walker.co.uk