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Pub Of The Month - April 2026 with Bucking Fastard on the Pub Forum

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Submitted on Sunday, 15^th February 2026
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The White Lion, St. Albans

91 Sopwell Lane
St. Albans
AL1 1RN

Phone: 01727850540

Correct details

Pub Type

Punch Taverns

Served areas

St Albans Central, Sopwell

Reviews of The White Lion (Average Rating: 7 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The White Lion

One of many side-street pubs in this part of town, this one is housed in a Grade II-listed 16th century building of some character. Plenty of seating in the main lounge to the left of the central entrance, but you need to go round to the small bar on the other side if you wish to examine the four handpump clips. Landlord and Golden from 3 Brewers (£5.45) being served when I called in.

On 25^th April 2026 - rating: 6
[User has posted 9119 recommendations about 9119 pubs]

paulof horsham left this review about The White Lion

An independent Free House, according to the sign, but with just 3 ales on the bar in a Woodforde's stout, 5 Points XPA and that Timothy Taylor beer you've seen before. There's no trace of Big Smoke Brewery anywhere on the pumps and taps these days.

The doorway offers the choice of bar to the left and snug to the right - with the barmaid on that side, it seemed the obvious way to go and a quiet fan heater whirring away on a cold wet afternoon confirmed it.

I found The White Lion a nice enough spot for a pint and a quick bite, but I'd expected rather more.

On 22^nd February 2026 - rating: 6
[User has posted 643 recommendations about 597 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Bucking Fastard left this review about The White Lion

Taken over and improved by the Big Smoke brewery,this is another charming back street local in St Albans.For real ale head right at the front door to the small snug where the bar supports the handpumps which on my trip were offering a Big Smoke cider and Solaris (coming soon) with guests Five Points Best,Oddysey Cashmere Tears,Siren Momento Bitter and Oakham Citra (NBSS 3.5).The snug is small ,just 3 tables but atmospheric.
The back lounge has two sections and is a bit more corporate but cosy enough.The bar here supports the keg lines.
Worth including on any ale tour of the city,if you can get in the snug you may be tempted to rest a while.

On 8^th January 2023 - rating: 8
[User has posted 3153 recommendations about 3153 pubs]

View more reviews of The White Lion (14)

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