THE GOLDEN LION in Winchester

Delighted with the black board menu: perfectly delicious pan fried duck breast, the sirloin steak and cod are just as good. Highly recommended.

We came here because it was listed as dog friendly, and it was! We had a really lovely meal, another dog for ours to say hi to, nice atmosphere and great service. We will definitely return again soon! 😁

Booked here for lunch on a Saturday, staff friendly and welcoming and accomodating, we were an hour early for our booking which wasn't a problem for them. Service was good and the food was excellent. All three of us had the special Beef, Mushroom and Ale pie, good pie.Excellent value for money, plenty of space between tables and plenty of space for our large greyhound to lie down out of the way.Highly recommended 👌

The food here is absolutely delicious! I had the homemade pie which was the best pie I've ever had. The beef melted in the mouth and the pastry was light and crispy. The gravy was so rich & full of flavour, and even the vegetables are delicious, so tasty and well seasoned. My daughter had the belly pork which she loved, saying it was beautifully cooked and so tasty. The desserts were equally amazing and so much choice. The staff are friendly and attentive. There really is nothing to fault. Chloe, our waitress was exceptional. She described everything on the menu with such knowledge, enthusiasm and delight that we just wanted to order everything so as not to miss out. This place is an absolute gem. You will not be disappointed. The best meal out by far I've had in a very long time.

Went on a Sunday for a family meal before Christmas, so the menu was for Sunday lunch. Can't fault a thing. Good atmosphere, good beer, great food, and wonderful service. If I didn't live in another county I'd visit regularly.

Found The Golden Lion when looking for a dog friendly place to have lunch on our way to the Winchester Christmas Market.And what a find it was. There was a pleasant "buzz" that's always in the air in a good pub, we were warmly welcomed and quickly seated.Service was prompt, without being invasively so, drinks and food quickly ordered and quickly served too.Mrs P loved her steak, happy to say that it was one of the best she's had and I had Stone Bass. Never heard of it before but took a punt. It was delightful. Subsequent research shows that it's not really a bass, a bit like Rock Salmon not being Salmon, but, when it tastes this good - who cares.Was our first visit, and certainly won't be out last.

Great place. I initially wanted to give it 4 stars because the vegan options aren’t written anywhere on the menu - which they really should be! But the people were so lovely, welcoming and accommodating I have to give 5 stars. Delicious vegan options including dessert too. The bathrooms are also nice and clean including sanitary products in the ladies’ which is always a nice touch.

This is one of the nicest, friendliest pub I have been to in a very long time, we hadn't booked but we were welcomed in, with almost open arms, into an already very busy pub, the food was outstanding. The extra special touches all round were great. The owner is very aware of what people want and need. Even down to personal hygiene and care products in the ladies toilets. Well done Mark and team, absolutely outstanding 👏👌 ☆☆☆☆☆

We left the motorway & sought out the The Golden Lion due to its Google rating. The friendly welcome of the new owner, learning of his enthusiasm for the Golden Lion, and his having been a chef for 20 years, was enough to convince me we were in a very special pub. My vegetarian pasta dish was made with total attention to my dietary requirements and was savour-every-bite delicious. This experience was equalled by the strawberry cheesecake with white chocolate dessert. It is made to a secret recipe that my foodie friend instantly wanted. We will conspire to find ways to travel through Winchester to dine again at The Golden Lion.

Fantastic food (gorgeous, light crispy batter on the fish & chips!) and great selection of ales and wines. Staff are absolutely lovely and we had a wonderful evening introducing some friends visiting from out of town to our new local! LOADS of covered outdoor seating as well. Our new pub-pup-in-training gave the place 5 stars as well!