please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A long circular walk from Pangbourne was punctuated by a lunch stop at The White Lion.
The last time some of our number had ventured here it was closed, so we were pleased to see a fully functioning pub hove into view. Situated on the village crossroads, the original pub must have been quite small, but it has been extensively extended to provide dining areas. The landlord served us and was a friendly soul.
Beers available were Old Speckled Hen, GK IPA and guest Hardy and Hanson's Bitter, another GK owned name. We all plumped for the latter beer and very pleasant it was too, although the pump sign did not display an OG ( It's 3.9% I've subsequently discovered).
Food menu was quite extensive but once we saw the pie menu no other choice could compare. We had Huntingdon Fidget, Steak and Ale and Turkey and Leek ( which had morphed from Chicken and Ham on the menu). All came with chips and veg and met with universal approval.
The pub was quiet for a Thursday lunchtime so let's hope that this time round it's more of a financial success and doesn't have to close again.
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Sorry to go on - but this is yet another pub with a Reading postcode which is actually a long way out of town (no buses so you will need a car). It is more food-led than a beer house but has a lovely setting and will appeal to many.
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Had a lovely lunch here. Food is uncomplicated, well presented and delicious. Service was friendly and efficient. Very reasonably priced and a lovely setting. Would definitely recommend and will definitely visit again.
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Had a great Sunday lunch here recently. I'd not eaten here for a few years, but it's been under new ownership since September and I'd heard good things so wanted to try for myself. Sunday lunch menu has plenty of choice including a really good roast. It was full so I'd advise booking (glad we did). Has a lovely garden for the summer and with such good food and friendly staff, we'll definitely come back.
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Very poor food. Ordered the sea bass. For �10.50p I would have expected a decent sized main course. The fish was miniscule and over cooked so I sent it back. I then said I would have the standard two course lunch instead. The whitebait starter was also of poor standard. Small whitebait (and yes I know they are small ! - but these were I think the smallest I have ever been served) - again over cooked and the mussels for the main were supposed to be served with bread and appeared with chips !! Also I asked what the mussels would be served in ie would it be a cream and white wine sauce. Assured it would be, but there was no sign of any cream. Mussels again over cooked. Quite dreadful apart from the bread which we were given while we waited for the food to arrive.
When I queried the size of the fish the member of staff they merely said that that was what they had received from their fish monger ! - not really an excuse for an over priced small portion over cooked meal.
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Arrived today for impromptu lunch to be informed by departing staff that the White Lion ceased trading last Sunday and is now up for sale.
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There is something odd about reviews for the White Lion. It's a good pub in a region where good pubs are common, and the food's okay, but it doesn't deserve anything like an average of nine out of ten, or the sexist hyperbole; and Greene King's vapid beers don't require much cellar skill. Just a touch of Afghan electioneering, perhaps?
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Re my last posting. Still an excellent pint of Greene King IPA. I did eat this time and the food was superb! Friendly service as well. Highly recommended.
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Outstanding, friendly pub! Well-kept Greene King IPA (yes, a good pint of this beer still tastes good!) and although I didn't eat,the food looks tempting and good value.
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Lovely pub restaurant in beautiful setting..... Well kept GreeneKing bitters(ipa + abbott)....
And the food is great value.... Doesn't get better than this!
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We were sent up to the White Lion by the manager at the Miller of Mansfield, where we stayed for a short break.... Being French by birth, we loved the combination of quaint English country pub with fantastic Anglo-French cuisine.... The new husband and wife team are from France and this, like the Miller, is not to be missed.
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Hey, it's about time someone got this right... a pub which works as well for the girls as the lads.... I had a great lunch there last week with a girlfriend. The food was great and they're happy to accomodate, and they have a good selection of wines by the glass... I took my husband back on a Saturday (good thing we booked as they were turning loads away!) and he was happy with a great beer before the meal and a great wine list to go with our perfectly prepared plates. Can't beat the ambience with great fireplaces, wooden floors, no smoking and great staff who put the customers first!
anonymous - 6 Jun 2006 22:40 |
fantastic...the white lion keeps getting better! the new chef is fantastic (he used to have a Michelin star restaurant apparently) still pumping out great classic, simple Modern British and French fare that works as well with a pint of the well kept beer as it does with the imaginative wine list. Service standards have also improved with bubbly and professional staff. Definitely worth a visit.
anonymous - 23 May 2006 14:03 |
The Lion has a great feel - retaining the warmth of a good country boozer (the open fires help), but with a fantastic menu of simple but delicious food, and at great value. Definitely comes recommended.
anonymous - 31 Jan 2006 11:11 |
Excellent! On a short holliday from Holland we went to eat at the White Lion and my spouse - who was brought up in France and is a truly magnificent cook herself - and I were very pleasantly surprised by the absolutely wonderful supper we had there! Great quality for a good price (not unimportant when you're Dutch) and wonderful staff. When we're visiting our English family again we will definitely come back here!
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This is a great pub/restuarant with wonderful atmosphere and a very resonably priced menu at the same time the food is great. It has recently changed hands but still retained all its charm
anonymous - 24 Jan 2006 08:37 |
