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The Black Lion, Leighton Buzzard
Leighton Buzzard
LU7 1EA
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Thuck Phat left this review about The Black Lion
As Mr F. notes below, The Black Lion is an attractive historical building which has been taken over and is being run by the team which has made The Merchants in Rugby such a success. Long experience of the excellence of the Merchants and one quality visit to the Black Lion since their takeover has prompted the 10 rating. I'm sure that they'll make a success of this place.
The refurbishment seems to have gone well with most of the locals only noticing a fresh coat of paint. It certainly feels traditional with wooden floors, furniture and walls along with a real lit fire on a chilly evening. There's also a large garden for alfresco summer quaffing.
The welcome was friendly and, as with The Merchants, the bar staff are encouraged to take an interest in and taste their wares of which there's quite a range. On offer are 8 real ciders, an extensive list of Belgian bottled beers and a reasonable wine list. Strattons pork pies are available at £3.75 and if you fancy trying a few different beers then they can be purchased in 6 x 1/3rds.
There are 8 beers on offer: Oakham Citra, Adnams Southwold and Bass are regulars with the guests on our visit being Titanic Plum Porter, Lytham Lytham Gold, Elgoods Thin Ice, XT XT5 and Burton Bridge Mystery Mild. A good selection and again like the Merchants, there's a willingness to embrace a wide range of styles and strengths. Everything we tried was in decent shape and we didn't feel moved to try anywhere else.
In its current guise The Black Lion had only been open 3 weeks when we visited but already felt established and was busy on our Thursday evening visit with a friendly, laid back atmosphere.
Given the lack of real competition in Leighton Buzzard on the real ale front, I'd be surprised if The Black Lion isn't quickly recognised by the local aficionados including CAMRA and on my one visit it deserves to be. I wish it every success and it will be the first place I visit when in town without any expectation of going elsewhere.
On 24th February 2014
- rating: 10
[User has posted 694 recommendations about 693 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Clive Thompson left this review about The Black Lion
Attractive old building with low ceilings and exposed beams. Horseshoe shaped bar with a brick fireplace (unused) to the right hand side. There is also a discrete power point by the fire that can be used to charge phones, as I am doing now :-) . Large outside seating area that catches the afternoon sun. Cask Marque accredited but only has London Pride and Doombar. Advertises a non-existent GK IPA at £1.99. Pride is £2.60. WiFi by The Cloud.
On 26th May 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 780 recommendations about 697 pubs]