Golden Lion

Great pub to watch the game or take a larger group. There was a huge rugby crowd when we went, and everyone was already pretty tipsy by 9:00! The place had a great feel and was a fun local English pub, nothing fancy, but a nice experience for those looking for this type of pub.
The beer was lacking in quality though, I ordered a Guinness and it was easily one of the worst I’ve had. Even worse than Guinness back in the US! Not sure if I just got a bad pour or what, but I certainly didn’t order another. My friends enjoyed their other beers though, especially recommended the IPA.

A friend and I were desperate for a sit-​down and refreshment after a long day walking around York and this pub caught our eye with it’s large gold lion sign.
It was late afternoon on a Monday (term time) so it wasn’t very busy. We only had one drink each and the prices were average for a York pub. They didn’t have any ice but that didn’t bother me as I don’t like ice watering down my drinks anyway.
Even though we didn’t have any food, I had a glance at the menu and was quite disappointed — hardly any vegetarian options, and they all had cheese on. So, as a vegan, I wouldn’t be able to eat anything (other than maybe chips!).
There was a sign for an outdoor area upstairs but we were too tired to bother having a look. I suspect it’s nice for warm summer evenings though.
They had several large TV screens in the main section of the pub, showing cricket.
The ladies toilets were very clean so no issues there.
As we weren’t there for very long and only had one drink, I can’t really say much more about it, or give it any more than the average amount of stars.
I’d go there again for drinks, but definitely wouldn’t bother trying to order any food.

Grim! They’re renovating as we sit here for lunch. No fish or beef. Bloody awful!
I didn’t want to give it a star!!!
Oh, AND THEY RAN OUT OF GUINNESS!!!
IT’S MEAT TO BE A PUB!

We visited the Pub twice over a weekend, firsly to watch the Footy on a Sunday, loads of screens but the sound muted which I thought was fair for an establishment like this, not the type of place you want a load of chavs shouting their heads off. Called in the following day for some food, I ordered a Burger and chips, Burger was excellent, good quality Bovine, not the largest portion of chips and it must be said miniscule ‘sides’, only a tiny bit of lettuce and a two slices of tomato, is it really that cost effective not to chuck a piece of cheese on top for free? Still, what there was of it was good and the staff were very attentative and polite.

An historic pub — the licence dates back to 1771 — albeit one which has been so heavily refurbished inside you can’t detect much history. That said, it’s fairly traditional, with a single large room and bar all in wood.
They serve a good selection of beers, including Wentworths, alongside Timothy Taylor Landlord and Greene King IPA and Theakston’s Old Peculiar. They also do traditional pub grub with pretty generous portions.
The main downer on our visit was the service: just not enough staff, on a busy Saturday, to clear glasses from tables and serve customers at the same time, so the tables slowly disappeared under a sea of glass, despite the sterling efforts of the two staff. A real pity.