The Golden Lion, Bishopston, Bristol

A reasonable size, U-shape pub with a somewhat unusual appearance being complete covered outside by murals. The larger part of the pub to the left has a stage area at the rear and this was in use by a female vocalist and her band on a recent Tuesday night visit. This permeated throughout the pub which made conversation difficult, and perhaps accounted for the large number of people sat outside on the pavement benches. Decor is fairly old and traditional, with an old parquet wood floor in the right hand bar, which also had a small fireplace, and strip wood flooring elsewhere. Paintwork is a mixture of mustard yellow and burgundy, and this gives a slightly gloomy air to the place. Live music seems to be a regular feature here and the pub lends itself well to this type of entertainment. Beers on tap were Butcombe Gold and Gem. It looks as though Doom Bar is usually on as well, but this had run out on our visit. Ciders were well represented with Aspall’s Suffolk, Thatcher’s Traditional, Weston’s Old Rosie and Stowford Press.