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The British Lion — Bars in Folkestone

The British Lion

BarsFolkestone

4.6 out of 5 stars4.6(673 reviews)

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Quick info

+44 130 325 14 78
8-10 The Bayle, Folkestone CT20 1SQ, United Kingdom

About The British Lion

The British Lion is a pub on The Bayle in Folkestone, and it is the oldest pub in the town. Books, games and old photographs fill the rooms, which gives the place a traditional, old-school character. Little or no background music plays, so conversation carries. Drinkers sit on stools near the restaurant seating, and a Sunday roast is served. Dogs are welcome, and the pub opens daily. Parking nearby is limited.

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Reviews

4.6/5
673 reviews

What reviewers say

Reviewers most often mention sunday roast, dog friendly, cheese mushroom omelette and lamb.

5★
498
4★
130
3★
27
2★
9
1★
9

Customer Review Summary

Reviewers most often praise the food, with the Sunday roast, a cheese, mushroom and tomato omelette, and the lamb singled out by name. Portions are described as generous and fresh, with a homecooked taste, and several call it good value. Close behind is the old-school pub feel, with history, books, games and old photographs, and friendly staff who treat visitors like locals. Dogs are welcome and a garden is mentioned. The drawbacks are small. The inside is tight, with drinkers on stools beside the restaurant seating, parking nearby is limited, and one reviewer docked a star because there was no background music. One group arrived at half past eight on a busy night and was seated without fuss, and one pair liked lunch so much they came back for dinner.

Featured reviews

  • Eddie Adams
    “Visited for the first time, reminds me of pubs from 50 years ago, just a great atmosphere with a lovely pint. The food was simple British fayre but so tasty, had an omelette full of cheese, mushrooms and tomatoes, the best I've had in many a year, visit and enjoy.”
  • Matzen Bacher
    “Excellent pub with cozy garden. The staff (I think is the owner) is really friendly and attentive. Great food and cold beer. The oldest pub in Folkestone.”
  • John Sheekey
    “Nice pub with a lot of history, busy atmosphere with plenty of space including an outside area”
  • Kai Larsen
    “Fell across this place and really glad we did. The food was delicious and service was brilliant. Little music in background. Real pub feeling. Dogs were welcome. Cannot recommend it enough.”
  • Craig
    “A traditional English Pub. The food was good, their service was good and they treated you like a local. We went for lunch and had such a a great time we went back for dinner. Good hearty food by nice people. If I'm back in Folkstone, I would definitely go back.”

Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Good to know

  • Accessibility
    Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Amenities

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Location

Bars near The British Lion

The British Lion
4.6673
  • The Pullman4.41,622
    0.1 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating

    vegan chick'n burger, roast pork with apple sauce, roast top side beef

  • 0.1 mi£20–30ReservationsGood for kids

    fish and chips, pork belly, scotch egg

  • 0.2 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessibleTakeout

    smash burgers, chicken burger, korean chicken wings

The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.

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