Golden Lion
Historic 1690s pub in St. James's serving classic British fare near Buckingham Palace.
A historic pub dating back to 1690 located on King Street in St. James's, just steps from Buckingham Palace. The Golden Lion combines traditional British charm with classic pub fare, featuring hand-battered fish and chips, pies, and steaks. The interior showcases stained glass windows, dark wood paneling, and a distinctive theatre bar adorned with memorabilia from the former St James's Theatre. Dog-friendly and family-welcoming, it offers an extensive drinks menu and is easily accessible by tube.
A brief summary to Golden Lion
- 25 King St, London, SW1Y 6QY, GB
- +442079250007
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-11 pm
- Saturday 11 am-11 pm
- Sunday 11 am-10:30 pm
Local tips
- The theatre bar section features original memorabilia from the former St James's Theatre—take time to appreciate these historical artefacts while enjoying your drink.
- Order the steak and ale pie with braised cabbage and gravy for an exemplary taste of traditional British pub cuisine.
- Visit during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon) to enjoy the intimate atmosphere and appreciate the period features without crowds.
- The pub is dog-friendly, making it an excellent choice if you're exploring the area with a canine companion.
- Book a table in advance, especially for weekend dining or larger groups, to ensure seating in this popular establishment.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Golden Lion location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Golden Lion
A Pub Steeped in Three Centuries of History
The Golden Lion stands as one of London's most enduring establishments, with roots stretching back to 1690. Located at 25 King Street in the heart of St. James's, this historic pub has witnessed the evolution of London across three centuries, remaining a steadfast gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Its longevity speaks to the quality of its hospitality and the timeless appeal of its character. The pub's proximity to Buckingham Palace and other significant landmarks makes it an ideal destination for those exploring the royal quarter of central London.Architectural Character and Interior Design
The pub's interior reflects its considerable age and heritage with authentic period features that transport visitors back in time. Stained glass windows filter light throughout the space, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. Dark wood paneling lines the walls, contributing to the intimate, traditional ambiance that defines classic London pubs. The theatre bar section is particularly noteworthy, displaying memorabilia and artefacts from the former St James's Theatre, adding a layer of cultural significance and theatrical history to the space. These design elements work together to create an environment that feels both welcoming and distinctly authentic.Culinary Offerings and Drinks Selection
The Golden Lion takes pride in serving traditional British pub cuisine executed with care and quality ingredients. The menu features hand-battered fish and chips, a cornerstone of British gastronomy, alongside hearty pies and succulent steaks. Steak and ale pie, served with braised cabbage and a choice of chips or mash, represents the kind of substantial, flavourful fare that defines proper pub food. The kitchen also offers vegetarian options, ensuring inclusivity across dietary preferences. The drinks menu is equally impressive, with a carefully curated selection of beers and ales that complement the food offerings and cater to diverse tastes.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
The pub's location in St. James's provides excellent accessibility via London's tube network, making it straightforward to reach from across the city. The establishment welcomes families and dogs, creating an inclusive environment that extends beyond the typical pub clientele. Outdoor seating is available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal in the open air, weather permitting. The combination of convenient transport links, family-friendly policies, and dog-friendly atmosphere makes the Golden Lion an accessible choice for a wide range of visitors seeking authentic London hospitality.Proximity to Cultural and Royal Landmarks
Situated in one of London's most prestigious neighbourhoods, the Golden Lion benefits from its location near Spencer House and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial. These nearby attractions make the pub an excellent stopping point for those engaged in cultural tourism or sightseeing around the royal quarter. The area itself carries significant historical weight, and the pub serves as a natural gathering point for those exploring the neighbourhood's architectural and historical treasures.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Pickering Pl
0.1 km
Discover Pickering Place, London's smallest square, a hidden Georgian courtyard steeped in duels, diplomacy, and timeless charm.
Republic of Texas Plaque
0.1 km
A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
Beau Brummell Statue
0.2 km
The dandy who revolutionised menswear and defined Regency elegance in bronze.
St James's Square
0.2 km
London’s oldest garden square, where Georgian elegance meets centuries of power, politics, and high society in the heart of Westminster.
St. James's Palace
0.2 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother Memorial
0.3 km
A dignified London memorial honoring King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, through iconic bronze statues and historic symbolism.
3 Carlton House Terrace
0.3 km
Elegant Grade I listed townhouse in London’s historic Carlton House Terrace, blending royal heritage with refined Georgian architecture.
Burlington House
0.4 km
A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
Guards Crimean War Memorial
0.4 km
A poignant bronze tribute in central London honoring the valor and sacrifice of ordinary soldiers in the Crimean War.
Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ
0.4 km
Majestic bronze tribute to King Edward VII in the heart of London’s historic Waterloo Place, blending regal artistry with imperial heritage.
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.5 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
3 Savile Row
0.5 km
Historic Georgian townhouse in London, famed as The Beatles’ Apple Corps HQ and site of their legendary 1969 rooftop concert.
Canada Gate
0.5 km
An ornate gilded gateway at Green Park’s entrance, celebrating Canada’s historic ties with the UK opposite Buckingham Palace.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lock & Co. Hatters
0.1 km
Discover centuries of British hat-making tradition at Lock & Co., the world's oldest hat shop since 1676, crafting iconic styles for royalty and legends.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop
0.1 km
Discover the rich heritage and exquisite selection of wines at Berry Bros. & Rudd, London's historic wine shop and event venue.
Masons Yard
0.1 km
Discover Mason's Yard, a historic London square blending rich artistic heritage with cutting-edge contemporary galleries in the heart of St James's.
White Cube Mason's Yard
0.1 km
Premier contemporary art gallery in St James's, free admission, architectural landmark housing international exhibitions.
The Queen's Chapel
0.2 km
Discover the elegant 17th-century Palladian chapel beside St. James’s Palace, steeped in royal history and architectural refinement.
Piccadilly Arcade
0.2 km
Step into Piccadilly Arcade, a refined Edwardian shopping haven blending heritage tailoring, unique boutiques, and timeless London charm.
Paxton & Whitfield Ltd
0.2 km
Discover the rich heritage of British cheese at Paxton & Whitfield, London's historic cheese shop on Jermyn Street, featuring exceptional selections and gourmet delights.
Spencer House
0.2 km
Step into Spencer House, a stunning 18th-century London mansion showcasing neoclassical elegance, aristocratic history, and exquisite interiors.
Prestat Chocolates
0.2 km
Discover London’s oldest royal chocolate shop, where century-old truffle traditions meet theatrical elegance in Piccadilly’s charming Princes Arcade.
Pall Mall
0.2 km
Pall Mall: London’s historic street of royal games, elegant clubs, and pioneering urban charm.
Fortnum & Mason
0.2 km
Three centuries of British luxury, tradition, and culinary excellence on Piccadilly
The Red Lion, Mayfair
0.2 km
Experience authentic British pub culture at The Red Lion in Mayfair, where history meets hospitality in the heart of London.
Hatchards - Piccadilly
0.2 km
Explore Hatchards, London's oldest bookshop since 1797, a historic literary haven with royal warrants and timeless charm on Piccadilly.
Clarence House
0.2 km
Explore Clarence House, the historic London residence of King Charles III, showcasing royal heritage, exquisite art, and elegant Regency architecture.
Charles De Gaulle Statue
0.3 km
A dignified tribute in London’s Carlton Gardens honoring Charles de Gaulle’s leadership of Free France during WWII.
Essential places to dine
Golden Lion
0.0 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Quaglino's
0.2 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
Great British Restaurant
0.2 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.2 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
Wild Honey St James
0.4 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
HIDE
0.5 km
Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
0.5 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Kricket Soho
0.5 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
NOPI
0.6 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Mele e Pere
0.6 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Bantof
0.6 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Evelyn's Table
0.6 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Blacklock Soho
0.6 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.7 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Kingly Court
0.7 km
Discover a world of flavors in London’s vibrant Kingly Court, where global cuisine meets Soho’s lively spirit.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
John Lobb St. James
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Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
0.2 km
Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Floris London
0.2 km
Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.6 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.6 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Shepherd Market
0.6 km
A Georgian village hidden in Mayfair's heart, where independent shops, art galleries and historic pubs preserve timeless London charm.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.6 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
M&M'S London
0.7 km
Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
Bond St
0.7 km
London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
Cool Britania
0.7 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Kingly Ct
0.7 km
A vibrant three-storey courtyard in Soho offering eclectic global dining and unique shops in a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Machine-A
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Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
LONGCHAMP
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Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
Crest of London Ltd
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Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Hamleys
0.7 km
Seven floors of toy wonder in London's most iconic toy shop since 1760.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Below
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Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Thin White Duke
0.6 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.6 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Duke of Argyll
0.7 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Disrepute - Soho
0.7 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.7 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Cahoots London
0.7 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
Old Shades
0.7 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
Duke Of Wellington
0.7 km
A lively Soho pub blending traditional British charm with modern nightlife energy on Wardour Street.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.7 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Village Soho
0.7 km
A lively, inclusive gay bar in Soho with energetic dance floors, go-go dancers, karaoke nights, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
Two Chairmen
0.8 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty pies, fresh ales, and classic British cheer just steps from St. James's Park and Parliament.
Adam & Eve
0.8 km
Classic Westminster pub pouring real ales and hearty grub amid historic streets—a cozy haven near Parliament and the Abbey for authentic London pints.
The Spy Bar
0.8 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
Ku Bar
0.8 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Scotch of St James
0.2 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
Tabu London
0.3 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
The Cuckoo Club
0.4 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
0.5 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
Tiger Tiger London
0.5 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
TSQ Club
0.5 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Luxe Club
0.5 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.6 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Penthouse London
0.7 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Sophisticats Soho
0.7 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.7 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
0.7 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.8 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Sunset night club
0.8 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
St Moritz Club
0.9 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Casual
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly