Quick info
About The White Lion
The White Lion is a Nicholson's pub on James St in London, set behind a black-and-gold facade. Inside, the pub has wood panelling, and a separate dining room sits on the upstairs floor, which gives groups and diners a second level beyond the bar. The kitchen runs a pie list that includes a steak and Nicholson's Pale Ale pie served with mash, alongside a chicken pie. Fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding round out the British pub menu. The bar pours draft beers and cocktails, with wines also on the list. Dogs are welcome.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingUsually difficult to find a space
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention steak and ale pie, fish and chips, chicken pie and cocktails and draft beers.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention steak and ale pie, fish and chips, chicken pie and cocktails and draft beers.
Customer Review Summary
Pies draw the most praise, especially the steak and ale pie made with Nicholson's Pale Ale and the chicken, leek and tarragon pie. One diner calls the chicken pie the tastiest they have had, juicy and tasty, while another describes buttery, flaky pastry around a creamy filling. Fish and chips comes close behind, described as crispy without being greasy. Reviewers also name sausage and mash, salmon fish cakes, roasted garlic mushrooms on rustic toast and sticky toffee pudding. Servers are repeatedly called friendly and attentive, and the beers, wines and cocktails get steady approval, with drinks described as very good and local. The one reservation is crowding and a touristy feel. One reviewer calls the atmosphere a bit touristic, though fine, and both a Saturday dinner and a lunchtime visit found the ground floor packed. One couple nearly left before spotting a side door to a staircase, which led to an almost empty upstairs room with window views of the busy street below.
Customer Review Summary
Pies draw the most praise, especially the steak and ale pie made with Nicholson's Pale Ale and the chicken, leek and tarragon pie. One diner calls the chicken pie the tastiest they have had, juicy and tasty, while another describes buttery, flaky pastry around a creamy filling. Fish and chips comes close behind, described as crispy without being greasy. Reviewers also name sausage and mash, salmon fish cakes, roasted garlic mushrooms on rustic toast and sticky toffee pudding. Servers are repeatedly called friendly and attentive, and the beers, wines and cocktails get steady approval, with drinks described as very good and local. The one reservation is crowding and a touristy feel. One reviewer calls the atmosphere a bit touristic, though fine, and both a Saturday dinner and a lunchtime visit found the ground floor packed. One couple nearly left before spotting a side door to a staircase, which led to an almost empty upstairs room with window views of the busy street below.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“After a long day of touring, we were looking for a place to have lunch away from the heat. We came across The White Lion and were about to leave because the first floor was packed, but thankfully we noticed a door on the side that opened to a staircase. We were welcomed by a nice lady to an almost empty space and sat next to the windows that provided a view of the busy street below. We ordered the chicken, leek and tarragon pie and the roasted garlic mushrooms on rustic toast with several different cocktails. We were completely blown away by the food. The pastry was buttery and flaky. The star was the inside of the pie which was creamy and delicious. The mushroom toast was the perfect side to share. Staff were friendly and welcoming. This was such an unexpected find and became a highlight to our first visit to London.”
- Google user
“Been there this night for dinner. I choose the British Steak & Nicholson's Pale Ale Pie.. and was absolutely AMAZING. I'm italian and food is like love.. and tonight I was in love! :D Thanks also to the waiter that did a really good job! Recommended 100%!”
- Google user
“I ate a wonderful sausage and mash, I came in without expecting too much and I found a wonderful service(best waitresses, Leanne!wonderful energy) and really good food, well done”
- Google user
“The tastiest chicken pie I ever had. Very juicy and tasty. Fish & chips, sticky toffee pudding are good as well.”
- Google user
“We are visiting from Canada and needed a bite before our theatre show. Not only was the food fantastic but so was our server, Ivana! She was absolutely lovely. You definitely get your moneys worth in location, taste in food, atmosphere and service! Hopefully we can visit again when we return to London one day!”
Highlights
“Nicholson's pub with black-and-gold facade, traditional wood panelling and upstairs dining room.”
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Sports
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Accepts reservations
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Food at bar
- Cozy
- Onsite services
Show more amenities
- Beer
- Dancing
- Food
- Sports
- Solo dining
- Restroom
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Highlights· 2
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Dining options· 1
- Table service
- Atmosphere· 2
- Casual
- Trendy
- Parking· 1
- Usually difficult to find a space
Location
Bars near The White Lion
- Nags Head - Covent Garden4.33,4850 mi£10–20ReservationsOutdoor seatingWi-Fi
meat pies, shepherd's pie, fish and chips
- The White Swan4.52,6410.1 mi
fish and chips, fish pie, cask ales
- The White Hart4.31,6040.2 mi£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleWi-Fi
steak and ale pie, fish and chips, guinness photo printing
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The White LionReservations | 4.52,562 | — | £20–30 | steak and ale pie, fish and chips, chicken pie |
| Nags Head - Covent GardenReservations · Outdoor seating · Wi-Fi | 4.33,485 | 0 mi | £10–20 | meat pies, shepherd's pie, fish and chips |
| The White Swan | 4.52,641 | 0.1 mi | — | fish and chips, fish pie, cask ales |
| The White HartReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Wi-Fi | 4.31,604 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | steak and ale pie, fish and chips, guinness photo printing |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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