Lions Pub — Restaurant in Vancouver

My first visit to the Lions Pub was on a dark, rainy, windy, night.  Wind warnings for 90 km/h winds had been issued.  Traditional weather for a traditional English Pub.

I happened to be with a friend from the UK and she confirmed that this establishment was very similar to the  English Pubs in Coventry, where she grew up.  In fact this pub was the most English looking pub she’d seen in Vancouver.  She said the rug on the floor is a dead giveaway that it’s an English Pub.

My thoughts on any place I visit usually start with photography, because that's my jam.  In that respect the Lions Pub is quite photogenic.  Although sadly I didn't have time to take many photos.

Overall the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.  It's an unpretentious bar with an open design and great staff that seems to welcome everyone. That's essential because I'm just a blue collar worker with more debt than savings.  Pubs like the Lions Club allow common people to gather together and console each other over a pint of beer.  Pubs and bars often form the glue that bonds a community together.  More so than coffee shops where people often go to work on a computer, or write, or read a book…alone.  Whereas bars & pubs are far more social.

Speaking of social interaction…the music was a little too loud but rumor has it that it's usually a quiet pub.  Which is why I picked it in the first place.  Google Maps reviews said it was a quiet pub but I came on a Friday night, so perhaps I was being a little naive.

I'm still not sure what the technical difference between a bar and a pub are.  Other than my friend who claims that traditional English pubs have carpet on the floor…and bars do not.  English pubs also have a lot of wood finishing and the Lions Pub has a lot of wood work too, plus a vintage metal plated ceiling that is very stylish.  Plus lots of monitors if you want to watch a game.  And a patio with plenty of outdoor seating for the warmer months.

We also ordered some food.  Salt & Pepper wings, which were great.  My friend had a pint of Russell Honey Lager, which she liked.  I had a pint of Philips non-alcoholic IOTA beer on tap. The Phillips was quite smooth and it was also quite rare to find a non-alcoholic beer on tap.  Our waitress said that she had never seen this before in her life.  Usually it's bottles and cans only, for non-alcoholic beer.  Two thumbs up for the non-alcoholic beer at the Lions Pub.

Perhaps this is a sign that non-alcoholic beer is gaining in popularity.  It allows you to enjoy the pub experience without the side-effects of alcohol.  Although I felt this Philips IOTA draft non-alcoholic beer had a wee bit more kick than the .O5% beer I’m used to drinking.  But I had two pints and didn’t feel intoxicated whatsoever.

All in all, the Lions Pub was a great experience and I’d definitely recommend a visit if you’re in the area.  It's right across from Canada Place, on West Cordova Street.  About two blocks from Waterfront Station.  If you happen to be taking public transport, access couldn't be easier.  And much safer because you don't have to worry about driving home at the end of the...

A joke of an environment.

Let me start of by saying that I walked (ran) into this bar, after running from the Georgia hotel, after having an expensive meal with my bachelorette party visiting from Winnipeg. We saw this bar (and speakeasy called Call me back) a few weeks ago on social media after being very intrigued, and being aware we couldn’t make a reservation we couldn’t walk in. After enjoying our dinner and drinks during our visit to vancouver, we were met with such animosity and hostility towards the host and “manager” of this establishment. Myself and my bridal party were denied access. The excuse? “being over served” If I was over served, or intoxicated, I would not be able to write this review thoroughly. As somebody who works in the industry myself (10 years senior) I am aware of when someone has been over served. Im embarrassed for this company and this manager, for denying myself and my bridal party access. I was nothing but kind and understanding, however this manager was rude and disrespectful and condescending, in the middle of a conversation with her she simply walked away. I do have family and friends who are from the vancouver area, and I will not be recommending this place for them. The disrespect, embarrassment, and humiliation this “manager” treated myself and my bridal party, after having a nice dinner at a much better high class environment, is sickening. There are multiple speak easies in Vancouver, we went to another one (easily) after this (as i write this in a different bar) who treated us with much more respect.

To the manager who was working tonight (May 17th, 2025) shame on you for walking away as i was speaking to you. You were rude, disrespectful, and snarky. As someone who is a manager within the industry, I would never speak to my guests the way that you did. I truly hope this places goes under and closes within the next 6 months, so nobody else has to deal with this. There are other bars to go to, just because you’re the newer establishment doesn’t mean you’re the best speakeasy in vancouver. I’m very happy this didn’t ruin the night and we were able to go to...

I've wanted to try a Scotch egg for ages and this one was very good! Perfectly cooked (yolk still a bit soft) and I even liked the mustard sauce and I'm usually not one to eat a lot of mustard. The plate that looks like a cast iron skillet is adorable. I also enjoyed the beef stuffed Yorkshire puddings served with jus (instead of gravy - so tasty it didn't matter much though). The beef was tender and not dry (and a generous portion) and the YP had crispy and soft bits so felt very freshly made. I've always avoided this place because I had a dry, not-so-tasty sandwich here many, many years ago, but both dishes were exceptional today. I enjoyed being out on the patio and the service was also friendly and great. Only change I would make is to use a glass with the water instead of a plastic glass but love that they brought a whole bottle of cold water out (and I just used the glass and ice from my cocktail when I finished and I know I could have just asked for a glass if I didn't have that). I love that both dishes were served with steak knives to make them easy to eat. This was a...