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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See what travelers are saying
- EmmaJane48 contributionsWe really enjoyed the beach party on Saturday evening at the Black Lion as part of the Leighton Buzzard by the Sea festival last weekend. The staff had put so much effort into decorating the outside area. Tonnes of sand, inflatables, sea scented candles and seaside postcards. What a fun event. The gin slushy was delicious. Well done to all involvedVisited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 28, 2024
- NaylorSir53 contributionsOver the weekend we came here more than several times from the canal. The range of 8 beers is superb. The ciders are very well selected. The gin and spirits in the outside bar were so gorgeously staffed and informed. Clubs and social there in the week mean music and people. Dog friendly. Good bar snacks.. pork pie etc. felt like a localVisited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 23, 2024
- isasshaxValencia, Spain3,266 contributionsI had heard about this pub and it lived to my expectations. It is a pity that I could just visit the inside at night, and under the pouring rain. So I couldn't sit in the outside area. We had a lovely gin tonic in the bar next to it, though. So many different gins! And the barman had a great knowledge about them. One day I want to go back and sit in the armchair next to the fire, looks super cosy!Visited October 2024Traveled with friendsWritten January 12, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
163 reviews
Excellent
122
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.
Sharon P
uk229 contributions
Aug 2022
Nice friendly pub, we visited this pub 2 or 3 times and felt very at home. They do a lovely cheese & crackers with pickle for £5…we chose the Black Bomber which you get a whole truckle and this was more than enough for 2 people.
If we ever go back to Leighton Buzzard we would definitely visit this pub again.
If we ever go back to Leighton Buzzard we would definitely visit this pub again.
Written August 27, 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.
DunelmArts
Aberdeen, UK1,215 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
Well, Covid hasn’t dampened the spirit of the Black Lion. It’s still the same excellent real ale, real cider, customer service and friendly atmosphere. When we visited in early May 2021, in keeping with the regulations at the time, we were only allowed to drink outdoors in the beer garden and had to check in, sanitise and follow the one way system which all felt very safe and organised. Staff are quick to disinfect tables when customers leave. Dress for the weather though, because outdoor drinking can be a chilly experience. Despite this we had an excellent time and very much look forward to being allowed back indoors! Helpfully, you can also take in food from locally sourced suppliers to eat with your drinks. Dogs are also welcome - biscuits and water bowls supplied.
Written May 13, 2021
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, UK81 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.
cappielowking i
Milton Keynes, UK18 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Never had a bad beer in here and that's a high compliment to any pub. They take great care of the beer on offer. Always welcome and accommodating to anyone particularly the local community and a t clubs. The only beer I've ever not liked in here is because of not liking the beer not the quality of the beer! Pork pies are on point. This is a proper pub and proper pub experience!
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.
Sarah N
18 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, UK591 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.
Fleurie10
Leighton Buzzard, UK4 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.
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, UK131 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.
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?
Written January 5, 2019
That’s a very good question. I’m tempted to track down the review you found and laugh at at too...
Written December 7, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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