
The Blue Lion
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Quick info
About The Blue Lion
The Blue Lion is a pub on Tabors Hill in Chelmsford, with a beer garden that welcomes dogs and puts a fresh water bowl on each table. Staff bring orders to the garden tables, so guests can stay seated with their dogs. The menu changes with the season, and burgers feature on it, including smash burgers and a version served in a charcoal-infused bun. A smaller menu is served outside. Tables can be booked by calling the pub.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree parking lot · Free street parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention burgers with charcoal bun, dog-friendly beer garden, roast beef sandwich and seasonal menu.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention burgers with charcoal bun, dog-friendly beer garden, roast beef sandwich and seasonal menu.
Customer Review Summary
Burgers draw the most praise at the Blue Lion, from a charcoal infused bun to the newer smash burgers, with a roast beef sandwich served with lovely chips and coleslaw also singled out. Reviewers describe large portions, food that came out quickly for a group of ten, and a chardonnay one diner found not oaky. Friendly, attentive table service comes up repeatedly, and several credit the new owners with turning the pub around. The redesigned beer garden, with some undercover seating, is another regular highlight. One reviewer finds prices a bit high. The main complaint is a single detailed one: a Sunday order that took over an hour while the manager was seen chatting at the bar. The diner cancelled and was told the food was ready, though it was stone cold. Dog owners mention fresh water bowls provided to each table outside, and one reviewer notes that tables with heaters can be requested when booking.
Customer Review Summary
Burgers draw the most praise at the Blue Lion, from a charcoal infused bun to the newer smash burgers, with a roast beef sandwich served with lovely chips and coleslaw also singled out. Reviewers describe large portions, food that came out quickly for a group of ten, and a chardonnay one diner found not oaky. Friendly, attentive table service comes up repeatedly, and several credit the new owners with turning the pub around. The redesigned beer garden, with some undercover seating, is another regular highlight. One reviewer finds prices a bit high. The main complaint is a single detailed one: a Sunday order that took over an hour while the manager was seen chatting at the bar. The diner cancelled and was told the food was ready, though it was stone cold. Dog owners mention fresh water bowls provided to each table outside, and one reviewer notes that tables with heaters can be requested when booking.
Featured reviews
- Kerry Brown
“Becks has really turned this pub around , clean with good beer , good service. She can’t do enough for the customers. And the new smash burgers are amazing !!!!! Thanks kez”
- Trevor Prior
“Need to change this previous review as new manger/cook has a big attitude issue. Waited over an hour for food on a Sunday, after watching food go elsewhere and seeing how the manager/cook was "busy" chatting with "firends" at the bar we cancelled the order. He was not happy and said the food was ready. The food he claimed was "ready" was actually "stone cold" and was sent back, we settled the drinks and we left. For a beer a nice place for food avoid, at least until they change their approach.”
- David Newman
“My partner and I went to the blue lion for a family meal last week and we were shocked at the amazing service and attentiveness from our waitress Ella. She was very friendly and professional and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Reasonably priced and free parking, we will be back! Thank you Ella and blue lion.”
- Aaron (Aaron)
“The Blue Lion Pub offers a fantastic experience with great service and friendly staff. From the moment you step in, you're greeted warmly, and the attentive staff ensure your needs are met throughout your visit. Whether you're there for a quick drink or a meal, you'll feel welcomed and well taken care of. Overall, it's a wonderful spot for a relaxing time with excellent service.”
- Andrew Faithfull
“Popped in for a quick drink on Easter Sunday having visited the Blue Lion before and since most recent ownership change. Atmosphere was relaxed in the beer garden with friendly table service. The Blue Lion is dog friendly outside and there were plenty of other visitors with dogs - fresh water bowls were provided to each table. We didn't eat but the food coming out looked tempting. This pub has changed quite a lot over the last few years and is well worth a visit if you haven't been for a while.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sports
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Food at bar
Show more amenities
- Cozy
- Beer
- Food
- Table service
- Live music
- Sports
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Highlights· 4
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live performances
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Crowd· 1
- Groups
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Parking· 2
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Location
Bars near The Blue Lion
- The Fox And Raven4.22,2690.9 mi
turkey roast, pie of the day, cheese garlic flatbread
- Great Baddow Barn4.11,3971 mi
kids soft play area, garden and outdoor seating, good value food
- Clay Pigeon Essex4.52361.4 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
chicken curry and rice, poppadoms, pint of hawkson
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Blue LionReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.4358 | — | £20–30 | burgers with charcoal bun, dog-friendly beer garden, roast beef sandwich |
| The Fox And Raven | 4.22,269 | 0.9 mi | — | turkey roast, pie of the day, cheese garlic flatbread |
| Great Baddow Barn | 4.11,397 | 1 mi | — | kids soft play area, garden and outdoor seating, good value food |
| Clay Pigeon EssexReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5236 | 1.4 mi | £10–20 | chicken curry and rice, poppadoms, pint of hawkson |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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