Black Lion, Ellesmereback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
12:30pm on a Bank Holiday and I am the only punter.
Bar on the right hand side of the entrance.
Woods Shropshire Lad was one of two real ales. It was OK.
Hopefully, it gets more trade from the hotel/restaurant part of the business.
Some photos at my walking blog - http://bit.ly/1U8ugl8
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The name is wrong; it is The Black Lion Hotel" and is more a hotel in look and feel and nature. Went in at 9:50 to find no staff around, no one at the bar not even barman Bill as described by "Boatman". Went through to the back lounge where 2 drinkers at the bar told us to go through to the front room and someone would come and serve us, didn't bother to say that we already tried that but went back to the front bar and asked a passing waitress if anyone was looking after the bar. She said she would send someone. Nearly left but, thankfully someone arrived, don't think it was Bill cause he didn't have any line in banter. Really did feel like the business of the day, the dining, was over so therefore end of interest in public.
However there was a good selection of beer, of which Marstons Dragon's Tale ABV 4.5 which was very good and Marstons Burton Bitter ABV 3.8 which was OK both well kept and at a good temp.
The bar is on the right and a little reception room on the left as you go in. Straight on there is a long dimly lit lounge. It looks the bar and lounge cover an area that was originally the hotels coaching alley. The bar has an ecclectic style with plaster walls, mock beams and modern art neuveau style settles. It has a very nice relaxed atmosphere which made for a very enjoyable pint.
The bar has a curved glass partition which looks through to the lounge at the back with leather covered club chairs which looked nice and relaxed but totally different in style to the bar.
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This is the most upmarket of Ellesmere's pubs, and specialises in food that is both tasty and good value ,considering the size of the portions. The interior is cosy and inviting, and there are 3 or 4 ales to choose from, all of which were in good form on my visit.
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Whilst travelling the Llangollen Canal stayed overnight in Ellesmere on 14th September and was recommended to visit the Black Lion. 8 of us turned up unannounced and what a delight, food was first class, resonably priced and plenty of it. Service from the 2 young waitresses was excellent with no delays and the barman Bill, who has a 'Different' line in banter was a credit to the pub. We enjoyed it so much we stayed an extra night in and visited the pub a second time with equally pleasing results. Would recommend Black Lion to anyone and will certainly return if we're in the area.
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Lived just outside Ellesmere some years ago,and the black lion was always noted for it,s food and real ale.It still seems to be the same.most visitors seem to head there,I,ve always found it an enjoyable visit,and pleased to see it,s still going as strong
anonymous - 25 Aug 2006 19:03 |
Have been to the Black Lion a few times - was rather disappointed the last time - food arrived late, there was 4 of us and we got our meal about 5 mins apart - cold food and waitress service hopeless
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Choice of real ales. Good generous portions of reasonably priced food. Lunch menu replaced by evening menu. Not the cheapest but no rip-off either.
Clive - 7 Aug 2004 09:07 |
This large pub is geared towards food and the standard is fantastic.The staff are dedicated and friendly.I have visited often over many years and never been disapointed.I recommend you book if possible especially at weekends.I believe thgey are also award winners for a pub food guide.You can either sit in their "snug" bars or the restaurant area.They also have seating outside in the courtyard.
Rachel - 6 Mar 2004 18:18 |
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