Black Lion
Black Lion
4.5
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
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Address
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Restaurants
85 within 3 miles
Attractions
26 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
159 reviews
Excellent
118
Very good
28
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
6
daniel l
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Friends
I came here with my friend, I always expect to get asked for ID wherever I go as I look young for my age. However the gentleman with a shaven mullet greeted us at the door, and upon seeing my ID, exclaimed
‘f*ck off! He’s older than me!’
Loudly and obnoxiously so that people were aware and partially gestured to other members of the bar team to make it known, that, in fact, I am much older than I look.
I get this every day and it’s a bit tiring hearing the same thing, but it never bothers me as I’m always treated with respect and dignity when it’s mentioned.
The way this staff member humiliated me in front of an audience (just because of the way I look lol) made me very uncomfortable and I would not feel welcome here again. I double checked with my friend to see if I was being too sensitive and he agreed he was extremely rude and disrespectful.
It was an absolutely bizarre interaction with a staff member who for some reason thinks it’s okay to just say whatever thought pops up in their head.
In my opinion extra training on how to interact with members of the public is needed for this staff member, but unfortunately I will not be coming here again. Extremely disappointing experience and I hope to receive a response to this review.
‘f*ck off! He’s older than me!’
Loudly and obnoxiously so that people were aware and partially gestured to other members of the bar team to make it known, that, in fact, I am much older than I look.
I get this every day and it’s a bit tiring hearing the same thing, but it never bothers me as I’m always treated with respect and dignity when it’s mentioned.
The way this staff member humiliated me in front of an audience (just because of the way I look lol) made me very uncomfortable and I would not feel welcome here again. I double checked with my friend to see if I was being too sensitive and he agreed he was extremely rude and disrespectful.
It was an absolutely bizarre interaction with a staff member who for some reason thinks it’s okay to just say whatever thought pops up in their head.
In my opinion extra training on how to interact with members of the public is needed for this staff member, but unfortunately I will not be coming here again. Extremely disappointing experience and I hope to receive a response to this review.
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve E
Ilford, UK80 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Popped in for a quick drink ended up staying ages. The lovely landlady was so friendly and welcoming as were the staff.
Good selection of beers on offer and some great looking sausage rolls on view in the glass hot plate. This pub has a really good feel with it’s low ceilings and old beams. The open fire added to the atmosphere.
Will definitely return when next in the area.
Good selection of beers on offer and some great looking sausage rolls on view in the glass hot plate. This pub has a really good feel with it’s low ceilings and old beams. The open fire added to the atmosphere.
Will definitely return when next in the area.
Written January 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fleurie10
Leighton Buzzard, UK3 contributions
Dec 2019
We normally love this pub. There is a great mix of customers and a lively atmosphere. We went to the Christmas tree event and also on Christmas eve. On both occasions the place was buzzing. The NYE party, however, was a completely different affair. Whether it was a ticketing policy that enabled large groups of twenty somethings to bulk buy and set up their own private party, the almost complete absence of regular customers, a lack of any live music apart from some very tired karaoke or the 'laddish' theme, I don't know, but for most of the people around us the event fell completely flat. There was even a 'fight', something I've never witnessed there before.
Most of the events at this pub are fabulous. I just feel they got this one wrong.
Most of the events at this pub are fabulous. I just feel they got this one wrong.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feed back it is appreciated.
We’ve done a ticketed night on NYE for the last 6 years, no complaints till now. I feel I went above and beyond to have our regulars spend NYE with us, we created a waiting list and replied to everyone regarding tickets, I under sell this event so our regulars don’t have to rush to buy tickets.
We had 4 areas all offering something different. Dj, props, dance floor one side of the pub, opposite side normal. Garden: cushions, lanterns, no music. Gin house, chilled reggae vibe, I say chilled, I’ve seen a great video of some non 20 somethings dancing behind the gin bar.
When marketing this event I put posters up in advance of tickets. Staff told our regulars when tickets go on sale, so they get first chance to buy them. we don’t push it on social media.
The ticket and the poster states Dj, fancy dress and karaoke it doesn’t mention live music.
The 20 somethings, have been coming every year and are always welcome. The largest group to walk through the door was 9, all lovely lads and girls from very respected families in the town.
From looking at the photos taken during the evening I can only see people of all ages having fun. One chap I must admit didn’t look happy but didn’t complain, just tutted a lot, always one.
Yes there was a scuffle between two regulars not in their 20s. Nobody was hurt i banged their heads together and it was sorted. Somebody rang the police and the police didn’t see it necessary to take it further.
I will say Dan the Dj has done exactly what we have wanted for the last 3 years, just a heads up, I’ve booked him again.
Maybe our NYE nights aren’t for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read my response
On behalf of myself and the staff i hope 2020 is a good year for you.
Written January 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah N
17 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
When you first walk in it just seems like a little old fashioned pub. But when you walk through to the garden out the back, you will be amazed by the giant gin bar which stocks the biggest variety of gins I’ve ever seen! There is plenty of seating and the atmosphere is great. There is always a quite a lot of people with dogs which I don’t mind, but I did notice some people actually putting there little dogs on the table ( yuck) please keep your dogs on the floor thank you
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric51
Luton, UK606 contributions
Feb 2023
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this wonderful pub. Visited yet again for one of their beer festivals, the welcome and the extensive choice of beers were excellent as usual. The pub was busy throughout the day into the evening when we had to call time!
Only wish this pub was my local.
Only wish this pub was my local.
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oh G
Luton, UK4 contributions
Jul 2022
A truly outstanding pub that is well run and keeps beer always in top condition.
It has a superb beer garden with plenty of seating plus a separate gin and craft ale bar.
It is all things to all men and women, so come along whatever your tipple.
It has a superb beer garden with plenty of seating plus a separate gin and craft ale bar.
It is all things to all men and women, so come along whatever your tipple.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve B
Salisbury, UK119 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Nipped in for a quick pint and a snack. Lovely looking pub, friendly quick staff, great ales and a massive pork pie (will share one next time)
Definitely worth a visit if you are visiting Leighton Buzzard. I will be going back there again.
Definitely worth a visit if you are visiting Leighton Buzzard. I will be going back there again.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trish d
London, UK1 contribution
Bar staff were friendly and efficient,a wide selection of beers,lagers,etc bar snacks were amazing.the only downfall was the landlord who was extremely rude and aggressive,would never visit this pub again.
Written September 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Please could you take a minute to explain why the landlord was so rude and the day of your visit
Written October 1, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa T
1 contribution
Apr 2018 • Friends
So, a Gin Palace is a fantastic idea in the back of a real ale pub. It was a buzzing pub with a good selection of beers. The night was completely ruined by a clearly inexperienced and miserable young man behind the ‘Gin bar’ wearing a t shirt that said ‘no fun’. He took that attitude literally and made a comment to his manager that we were making too much noise even though we had befriended a group of pensioners that were on a night out from their care home...average age was at least in their 80’s. Don’t go and sit inside if you’re expecting to make a big of a sound...Paul the manager will disagree with you!!
Written April 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. This has made it easier for me to tell you Lisa T. you are not welcome in this pub again and also the person that called my staff member a Wxxxxx.
Nikki and Stev
Written April 8, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie T
Leighton Buzzard, UK14 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
This claims to be a family friendly pub but really isn’t. I was taken by my daughter to the gin bar for an early Mother’s Day treat. It was the afternoon and we were sitting in a corner with a 6month old baby who was fast asleep. We were told to leave at 5.10pm because under 18s weren’t allowed in after 5pm, despite all our pleas of this is a sleeping baby and no one has even noticed we are here. We were practically thrown out as the girl behind the bar was told she wasn’t allowed to serve us anymore. We only wanted another couple of gins and had bottles of tonic left that we’d bought earlier. This was a very disappointing end to a lovely afternoon. It was not displayed anywhere in the pub or on their website that this was the case. If we had known we would’ve gone earlier as this was a planned trip. Such as shame as they had some amazing gin but we didn’t get to try all the ones we wanted to!
Written March 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fleurie_9
Bedfordshire21 contributions
Why does at least six hand pull beers, 250 gins, a wide range of ciders, choice of wines and a menu of Belgian beers constitute a limited choice of drinks? Why would anyone take such an obviously incorrect review seriously?
Peter M
Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom153 contributions
That’s a very good question. I’m tempted to track down the review you found and laugh at at too...
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Claim your listingBlack Lion - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Lion
- Black Lion is open:
- Mon - Thu 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Fri - Sun 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Hotels near Black Lion:
- (0.09 mi) Swan Hotel
- (0.15 mi) Grove Lock Marina Caravan Park
- (0.35 mi) White Horse Public House & Accommodation
- (0.32 mi) Bedford Arms Linslade
- (3.12 mi) Hill Farm and Orchard Wigwams
- Restaurants near Black Lion:
- (0.01 mi) Subway
- (0.01 mi) Ephesus Restaurant
- (0.01 mi) Kayra Mediterranean Restaurant & Meze Bar
- (0.02 mi) Costa
- (0.02 mi) Wetherspoons The Swan Hotel
Black Lion Information
Excellent Reviews | 118 |
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Very Good Reviews | 28 |
Black Lion Photos | 52 |