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White Lion, Ross-on-wye

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user reviews of the White Lion, Ross-on-wye

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

From the front this is an attractive and traditional old coaching inn with plenty of colourful hanging baskets to brighten it up. Around the rear there is a good sized garden and patio area alongside the river with very pleasant views across to the old 16th century bridge.

The interior is slightly dated decor wise, with an old blue floral carpet covering much of the floor with just a few strips of wood alongside the windows at the rear. A small room off to the left has exposed stone walls and a tall vertical tropical fish tank along the chimney breast which was completely obscured by a projector screen. It's a shame it couldn't be retracted out of sight when not in use, as this rather spoilt what is otherwise a pleasant enough room.

The main room runs from front to back and is split in two by a stone wall. There is a large brick fire-place at the front, and a bar counter clad with pale blue wooden panels at the rear. Numerous bunches of hops are hung from beams on the ceiling and around the bar. There is also apparently the "Old Gaol" restaurant upstairs, although we did not investigate this.

The main draw for many people will be the large outside seating area alongside the river, and this was divided in to three areas. The first part on exiting the rear of the pub is what could be a converted cow shed, but was perhaps stables in a former life. It looks to have been refurbished and is a pleasant, covered space with wood panelling on the back wall and wooden arches in the roof space. Beyond this is some elevated decking and a pleasant beer garden with plenty more hanging baskets alongside.

The menu offered an extensive selection of dishes divided in to sections such as fish, burgers, classics, etc., and most of the mains appeared to be in the �8 - �10 range. Beers on tap were Wye Valley Bitter, Butty Bach and Dave's Blond Beer. Ciders were well represented with Magner's Golden Draught, Stowford Press, Strongbow, Ross-on-Wye Traditional Cider and Ross-on-Wye Traditional Perry.
Blackthorn - 13 Aug 2012 16:23
As I spend quite a lot of time in Ross this is a regular place to visit. In good weather the garden, right by the Wye, is a pleasant place to sit and drink and eat (the food is perfectly decent pub fayre by enlarge prepared on site). In the evening there are more restaurant like arrangements available although you can also eat in the bar area. The beer is mostly Wye Valley brewery and has always been well presented when I've been here.
GuidoMerry - 11 Jun 2012 13:49
Went here with some friends the night before this year's Cider Festival at nearby Broome Farm and was very pleasantly surprised considering the things that I'd heard about Ross's current pub scene. Three ales on (Wye Valley's Bitter, HPA and Butty Bach), all of which were in great condition. The food was very good - a bit simplistic, but just what I was looking for after a hard day's work and then drive over to Herefordshire. Nice friendly bar staff too which made for a good evening. Will go back when in the area again.
littledrummerboy - 7 Sep 2009 09:02
Popped in on the strength of its GBG entry whilst we were heading through town a few weeks back.

It's a big old place next to the river, which affords a nice view if you sit by the window. There's a real fire, which injected some much-needed warmth that day.

Ales on offer were Otter and Wye Valley bitter. There was a third handpull, with a clip turned (I forget what). I was feeling very unwell that day, so the fact I was able to have a couple of halves says as much about the good beer quality as anything.

Food is offered and we tried some - not bad but relatively formulaic, I suspect it's from a Brake Bros type concern. The fresh salad side was good though.

All in all well-worth a stop if you happen to be in town, though I wouldn't call it an essential experience.

Quinno - 21 May 2009 20:43
A great place for spending a summer evening
BenghaziC - 27 Nov 2008 11:02
Great location overlooking the River Wye opposite Ross with camping available on the riverbank. Had 2 Wye Valley ales available and 2 large playful dogs who seemed regulars. Found the lighting a bit bright in the evening though
lout_from_the_lane - 27 Oct 2008 15:43
This is a lovely riverside pub, with real ale in very good condition and food available in the bar or the (non-smoking)restaurant. For good weather there is a large garden right by yhe side of the River Wye and a good view of the picturesque toen of Ross-on-Wye
fridge - 9 Oct 2006 10:39

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