The Golden Lion SW1Y

The Golden Lion SW1Y The Golden Lion SW1Y is an iconic pub located on King Street, steeped in history and adored by local patrons and visitors alike. With expertly kept cask ales and nooks and crannies to explore, guests can enjoy the bustling world outside while relaxing with a pint. Once frequented by London's elite, including Oscar Wilde and Vivien Leigh, The Golden Lion offers casual attire and dining services for groups as well as walk-ins. Specializing in lunch and dinner, this pub has been a favorite since 1721.

Recent social media posts

10/09/2026

🎄✨ Join us for our best Christmas yet! ✨🎄
Planning your Christmas party, office celebration or festive get-together? 🎅🥂
We have a fantastic selection of buffet menus, two-course and three-course festive options, with something to suit every celebration. 🍽️🎄
Bring your team, friends or family and celebrate the festive season with us at The Golden Lion. 🦁✨
🎁 Never too early to book! Christmas dates fill up quickly, so get your plans in early and make this your best Christmas yet!
📍 The Golden Lion, St James
🎅 Christmas Parties | Office Parties | Group Bookings | Festive Celebrations
ChristmasBookings FestiveSeason

08/09/2026

🍽️ NEW SPECIALS ARE HERE! 🍽️
Something delicious for everyone at The Golden Lion! 😍
✨ STARTERS 🥢 Crispy Panko Tofu Salad
🍤 King Prawn Bruschetta – toasted ciabatta, chunky heritage tomato & avocado, topped with garlic-fried king prawns, chilli & coriander
🥩 MAINS 🐑 Succulent Lamb Rump – with spiced whipped feta, charred baby gem, peas, crispy potatoes & balsamic glaze
🥩 Sirloin Surf & Turf – sirloin steak topped with garlic-fried king prawns, spiced cheese sauce, loaded jacket potato & heritage tomato salad
🍰 DESSERTS 🍫 Loaded Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake
🍓 Raspberry & Pistachio Eton Mess
Come hungry and come try our new specials! 🤤❤️
LambRump SurfAndTurf Dessert StJames LondonEats GoodFoodGoodTimes

08/09/2026

NEW SPECIALS AT THE GOLDEN LION! 🍤
Fancy something fresh and full of flavour? Come and try our succulent King Prawns with guacamole bruschetta! 🥑🍤
Juicy king prawns, creamy guacamole and deliciously crisp bruschetta — the perfect combination for a light but seriously tasty bite. 🤤
Come and give our new specials a try! ❤️
PubFood Foodie StJames LondonEats

08/09/2026

NEW SPECIALS HAVE LANDED! 🍽️
Come and try one of our delicious new specials — our succulent Lamb Rump! 🤤🐑
Packed with flavour, beautifully cooked and ready to impress. It’s definitely one for the foodies! ❤️
📍 Come and give it a try at The Golden Lion.
LondonPub GoodFood EatDrinkEnjoy

🍺 Happy Monday! 🍺Start the week the right way with a pint of our beautifully well-kept cask ale — proudly rated 5 Stars ...
07/09/2026

🍺 Happy Monday! 🍺

Start the week the right way with a pint of our beautifully well-kept cask ale — proudly rated 5 Stars by Cask Marque ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfectly poured, perfectly conditioned and full of flavour. 🍻

Why not pop in and enjoy a proper pint at The Golden Lion? 🦁

GoldenLion StJames LondonPub RealAle

06/09/2026

🍽️ Sunday Roast at The Golden Lion! 🦁

Make your Sunday one to remember with our premium beef roast — tender, delicious and served with all the classic trimmings. 🤤🥩

Gather your friends and family, grab a table and let us take care of Sunday lunch.

Your Sunday deserves a proper roast. 🍽️🍺

📍 The Golden Lion, St James’s
LondonPubs ProperPub

05/09/2026

🍹☀️ Capture the last of the summer! ☀️🍹
Make the most of those final summer vibes with one of our refreshing cocktails at The Golden Lion. From fruity favourites to classic serves, there’s still time for one last summer sip! 🌸🍸
📍 Join us at The Golden Lion, St James
🥂 Good drinks • Great food • Even better company
LastOfTheSummer Cheers
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Fancy turning your pint into a prize? 👀🍺With Guinness Lovely Drops, you could win merch, tickets & more 🎁All you need to...
03/09/2026

Fancy turning your pint into a prize? 👀🍺

With Guinness Lovely Drops, you could win merch, tickets & more 🎁

All you need to do:
🖤 Grab a Guinness
📸 Take a photo
📲 Upload it here: https://scnv.io/wuGQ

T&C's apply, 18+. See website for full details.

26/08/2026

Team Training Day 💪🦁
Today was all about investing in our team! 🙌 Our Golden Lion crew got together for some training, sharing ideas, building skills and making sure we continue to give our guests the best experience possible.
Proud of the team and everything we’re achieving together! ❤️
Hospitality TeamWork

25/08/2026

🍽️ Two hungry gents, two proper pub favourites! 😍🍺
Enjoying our signature Fish & Chips 🐟🍟 and our tasty Chicken & Bacon Burger 🍔🥓
Good food, cold drinks and great company — what more could you want? 🙌
📍Come and join us at The Golden Lion! 🦁
LondonPubs StJames PubFood

24/08/2026

☕🍸 ESPRESSO MARTINI O’CLOCK! 🍸☕
Need a little pick-me-up? Our Espresso Martini is the perfect mix of rich coffee, smooth vodka and a touch of sweetness. 🤎
Come and enjoy one at The Golden Lion — because sometimes you need a cocktail and a caffeine hit! 😉
Cocktails

23/08/2026

🍺 Sunday evening calls for a proper pint! 🇬🇧
Round off the weekend the right way with a perfectly poured pint of good old English ale at The Golden Lion. 🍻
Relax, unwind and enjoy a proper Sunday evening with us. Cheers to the weekend! 🦁
PubLife Cheers

🚨 TEMPORARILY CLOSED TODAY 🚨A quick heads-up, everyone! The Golden Lion will be temporarily closed today, Friday 21st Au...
21/08/2026

🚨 TEMPORARILY CLOSED TODAY 🚨
A quick heads-up, everyone! The Golden Lion will be temporarily closed today, Friday 21st August, as we have a private hire taking place.
🍻 We’ll be back open as usual tomorrow, Saturday 22nd August, and we can’t wait to welcome you back!
Thanks for your understanding ❤️
PubLife

19/08/2026

🍺 LONDON GLORY – A TRUE TASTE OF LONDON! 🇬🇧

Looking for a proper pint with plenty of character? Say hello to London Glory from Greene King. 🍻

Created by Greene King’s master brewers for the nation’s capital, this rich and fruity ale brings together sweet malt character, subtle toffee notes and a touch of roasted barley, balanced with classic herbal and resinous hop flavours. 🌿🍺

With a smooth, easy-drinking bitterness and a lovely malty sweetness, it’s a great match for proper British pub favourites — especially our fish & chips, pies and hearty dishes. 🍽️

Come and enjoy a perfectly poured pint of London Glory at The Golden Lion, St James’s. 🦁🍺

Rich. Malty. Fruity. Properly London.

19/08/2026
19/08/2026

🍺 LONDON GLORY – A TRUE TASTE OF LONDON! 🇬🇧

Looking for a proper pint with plenty of character? Say hello to London Glory from Greene King. 🍻

Created by Greene King’s master brewers for the nation’s capital, this rich and fruity ale brings together sweet malt character, subtle toffee notes and a touch of roasted barley, balanced with classic herbal and resinous hop flavours. 🌿🍺

With a smooth, easy-drinking bitterness and a lovely malty sweetness, it’s a great match for proper British pub favourites — especially our fish & chips, pies and hearty dishes. 🍽️

Come and enjoy a perfectly poured pint of London Glory at The Golden Lion, St James’s. 🦁🍺

Rich. Malty. Fruity. Properly London.

RealAle BritishBeer PubLife PerfectPint Cheers

17/08/2026

☕🍸 Espresso Martini o’clock!
Smooth, rich and perfectly chilled — because sometimes you need a little coffee with your cocktail! 😍
Come and treat yourself to an Espresso Martini at the Golden Lion. 🦁✨
CocktailLovers

Address

25 King Street
London
SW1Y 6QY

The pub is located on King Street in London. If you are using public transport, the nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus, which is about a 5-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Trafalgar Square or Charing Cross and then walk to the pub.

If you are driving, there are several car parks nearby where you can park your vehicle for a fee. The closest one is Q-Park Chinatown Car Park, which is located on Newport Place and is about a 2-minute walk from the pub. Another option is the NCP Car Park at St Martin's Lane Hotel, which is about a 5-minute walk away. However, please note that parking in central London can be expensive and spaces may be limited.

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 11pm
Tuesday 11am - 11pm
Wednesday 11am - 11pm
Thursday 11am - 11pm
Friday 11am - 11pm
Saturday 11am - 11pm
Sunday 11am - 10:30pm

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What people say

The Golden Lion SW1Y is a pub that has stood the test of time and continues to be loved by locals and visitors alike. With a history dating back to 1721, this iconic establishment has been frequented by London's elite, stars, and actors such as Oscar Wilde, Aubrey Beardsley, Sir Laurence Olivier, and Vivien Leigh. The pub's charm lies in its ability to transport guests back in time with its nooks and crannies and expertly kept cask ale.

Whether you're looking for a casual night out or a place to gather with friends, The Golden Lion SW1Y has something for everyone. The restaurant services include groups, outdoor seating, reservations, waiters, and walk-ins. The specialties of the restaurant are dinner and lunch.

Located on King Street in London, this pub is the perfect spot to watch the world go by while enjoying a pint or two. So why not join the ranks of famous patrons who have graced these hallowed halls? Come visit The Golden Lion SW1Y today!