please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This pub changed hands over the last few months. I was there during the week. Here's what I found:
£3.50 for a Doom Bar.
With the paint job and the cheap LED lights, it's like an ice cave
The speakers were blaring out loud rubbish music.
The cherry on top was the fire. It used to be smashing to have the log fire; really cheered me up on a cold day. Now it's replaced by a convector heater in front of an empty grate
Rubbish!.
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the black lion has been under new management since jan 2011, the new manager has managed to get the pub cask marque accredited and now has a very nice choice of ales including some unusual guest beers,on my visit the staff were very friendly and the pub was very busy it was a very cold night but the open fire was very warming as was the pint of hobgoblin that was in excellent condition.
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been visiting this pub for 40 odd years now.
Can be a lovely pub but recent changes in management not for the better.
Ales good and fair selection.
Can only recommend if visiting via train, DO NOT USE IF DRIVING AS THEY HAVE CONTRACTED OUT THEIR CAR PARK TO PRIVATE PARKING FIRM WHO WILL TKT YOUR CAR WHEN YOU GO TO THE BAR AND STAFF CANNOT CANCEL THE �60 FINE AND THE COMPANY ARE RUDE AND NOT HELPFUL WHEN DISPUTING THE TICKET.
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Constistant. Good beer and good crowd. The oldest Pub in Epping.
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Oldest pub in Epping with a cozy atmosphere and nice barmaids.Am revisiting after a 2 yr absence due to friends banning by Richard-(who has now left).
Beer selection is interesting -will be visiting more often-recommended!
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Best pub in Epping itself , though had a dodgy pint of Bass here that was my fault for making a bad choice, other ales very good.
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We called into this pub on the Sunday before Christmas not only were the staff welcoming , and the beer excellent . There was a wonderful log fire roaring in the grate. The icing on the cake was that there were roast potatoes and mince pies free and gratis on the bar. This made for a splendid afternoon in very convivial surroundings . A great pub and I only wish i lived nearer. however given the chance I shall certainly return.
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Best pub in the High Street in my opinion.
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Now Steve is the new Landlord, this pubs quality has increased by 200%. its a pity the ale selection is the usual "Punch" apology.
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To be included in the 2008 Good Beer Guide, well deserved, due to the efforts of the landlord and staff.
Word on the street is that the lease has been sold to the 195 Club. They already have transformed the Half Moon to a black monolith worthy of Kubrick's 2001.
It will be a terrible shame if they're allowed to turn this fine pub into a wine bar, as rumoured.
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Decent attractive local with above average IPA - typical of small-town Essex pubs and worth a stop.
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Excellent beers. Landlord tries to keep his cellar well. Well worth a visit.
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Excellent real ale. No problems with the bar staff when we visited. Best pub in epping by far.
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you'd think a good pub like the Black Death sorry Lion, would be described thus: roaring log fire, real ale, no juke box and good music chosen by the lalndlord. Oh yes, the landlord. Rude, nosey (barges uninvited into your conversation) and stroppy. Could be generally described (if you were kind) as 'eccentric'.
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Have had some good times in the past,however the landlord Richard is more moody than a pre menstrual bird. Phil the barman seems ok, local few seem to be all that's keeping this place alive. If you want to chill and relax, just hope for Richard in a good mood, if not down it and leave!
anonymous - 6 Jun 2006 20:41 |
Top pub good beer and if the landlord is a bit alternative shall we say I have never personally found it too much of an issue. The duckla_epping may be overdoing the olde world charm and floral prose with which he describes the place but nonetheless a nice pub.
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The Black Lion is an absolute cracker of a pub, with tons of unforced olde worlde charm. I go there every Friday with my drinking buddies and can assure you it is always very busy of an evening, and the locals couldn't be friendlier. Roaring fires in proper old fireplaces when it's cold and great ales. Not sure what happened with the other reviewers, landlord has his moments but not usually rude or arrogant, maybe they're more into lager pubs.The following quote is written on a wall; "When you have lost the last of your inns, drown yourselves, for you will have lost the last of England". What an epitath that'd be...a cracking local pub.
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Hideous pub due to Rude arrogant Landlord. Always used to be a great little pub with a wonderful atmosphere, jammed packed on a Friday Evening and WAS the best pub to go in Epping.
Nowdays it is quiet, to the extent of totally boring, all thanks to a Landlord who would prefer to insult his customers than to act in a professional manor. No more than a handful of regulars nowdays as the mojority have left to drink elsewhere.
Not worth using shoe Leather to walk to the Black Lion so instead walk past and go to the Half Moon instead for staff who welcolme their customers and serve food that the best in town.
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Reportedly the oldest pub in Epping, it's a cute, friendly place with a snug feel and a nice bunch of locals and staff. Apparently there's a cracking fire burning in the grate all winter too!
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