The White Lion is an absolute gem, with all the hallmarks of a traditional English pub: low ceilings, fireplaces, cosy armchairs and friendly welcomes from behind the bar. Speaking of the bar, it offers an impressive selection of real ales, lagers and fine wines, as well as Champagne, should you feel like celebrating.
Dine here and you’ll be shown to an intimate dining room, where old beams sit comfortably alongside modern leather seating and mood lighting, fusing the traditional and contemporary. To begin, I ordered stir-fried duck breast in sweet hoi sin sauce, with crispy salad and a scattering of sesame seeds. My guest opted for baked mozzarella wrapped in Parma ham, declaring it ‘absolutely delicious’. We followed these with beef Wellington (with an impressive chunky-chip tower which I took great pleasure in demolishing) and White Lion chicken – succulent meat enrobed in a creamy white sauce, atop a bed of tagliatelle. Both dishes arrived with seasonal vegetables and the portions were so generous we almost forewent dessert. Almost, but not quite – we couldn’t resist the divine white-chocolate cheesecake.
‘Fish and Chip Thursdays’ at The White Lion are very popular; we will certainly be going back to try them. And if I have my way, our next visit will be sooner rather than later.
