Black Lion

Black Lion

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Despite its youthful populace, West Hampstead has never had a particularly bountiful selection of good pubs. The Black Lion is the only long-term stalwart of any note (yeah, OK, there's the Railway, but it's hardly exceptional these days). The Lion's been through some transformations over the years, from a mediocre sports-oriented pub, to a superior sports-oriented pub, to today's incarnation: a stylish multifunctional space that looks a bit more like a bar than a pub, with its dim lighting and high stools. Plus, they've got what must be London's tiniest stage for live music:

Tiny stage in the Black Lion West Hampstead

The chief attraction of the Lion, however, is the surprisingly roomy beer garden out the back. We remember crowding in here for numerous Premier League fixtures on an outdoor giant screen around the turn of the Millennium, but it's now mostly busy with diners and white-wine sippers, basking in the shade of an ancient maple. Still, there's often a table to be found when many other beer gardens are full to bursting, and regular BBQs add another draw. Additional outdoor space at the front serves those who enjoy people watching on the bustling West End Lane.

Rear garden of the Black Lion, West Hampstead

Images below are from the previous incarnations...

Borlotti beans, broccoli, blue cheese mushrooms and...a bit too much salt. But still nice.
Borlotti beans, broccoli, blue cheese mushrooms and...a bit too much salt. But still nice.
Upper and lower decks make for a larger beer garden than first appearances suggest.
Upper and lower decks make for a larger beer garden than first appearances suggest.
Tempting garden.
Tempting garden.
Front seating.
Front seating.
A polenta platter.
A polenta platter.
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Address: 295 West End Lane London NW6 1RD

Phone: 020 7435 4389

Email:
info@theblacklionnw6.co.uk

Website:
http://www.metropolitanpubcompany.com/our-pubs/the-black-lion/

Monday: noon-11pm

Tuesday: noon-11pm

Wednesday: noon-11pm

Thursday: noon-11pm

Friday: noon-1am

Saturday: 10am-1am

Sunday: noon-11pm

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