Welcome to the Golden Lion

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The Golden Lion is a beautifully crafted and elegant pub, designed by prolific pub architects Eedle and Meyers. Between the late 1800's and 1940 they were responsible for some of London's best known pubs including the Angel, Islington and the Crown & Greyhound, Dulwich Village.

It stands in the heart of St James’s in the city of Westminster. For centuries, it has been one of the most fashionable and exclusive districts of London. It has been said that a gentleman can step out of his apartment in St James’s and within minutes purchase all that is required for a civilised existence.

The Golden Lion occupies a site which has been licensed since at least 1721. It was a frequent haunt of Nell Gwynne and therefore has a history stretching back to the 1600s. In 1732, it was recorded as The Golden Lyon Tavern, but it expanded over the years and incorporated some other nearby pubs, one of which dated from 1762 and was known as the Duke of Cumberland.

A ghost haunts the 98 steps up to the kitchen and vies for fame with Lily Langtry and Oscar Wilde who used the pub during its hey-day. The adjacent office block was built on the site of the St James’s Theatre, the circle of which was connected to the first floor bar of the Golden Lion, as evidenced by the old entrance still visible.

The pub was the focus of a murder trial in 1823 when Mary Burns, the tenant’s wife, was accused of kicking a servant so severely that this caused a fever, of which she died. The fate of the landlord’s wife is not recorded.

Your host is Sarah Allen who will be very pleased to welcome you to our friendly pub in St James's!

We are pleased to announce that we are providing a 'feedback' form on this site so that you can let us know how each of our pubs is performing in some essential areas of our service. We would appreciate a little of your time, please, to let us know how you have enjoyed your visit to the Golden Lion in St James's. Thank you! ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please click here to go to the appropriate page.