The Golden Lion — Restaurant in Bristol

Appalling service as I was told by the bouncer for a local band night that a barmaid I'd never seen or spoken to had said someone "wearing my jacket" had hit her, and that I was to leave. Despite several witness accounts saying nothing of the sort had happened, i'd been sat down at the same table since I arrived 90 minutes earlier, the bouncer (who had already been making a song and dance about checking people's IDs with the intensity of border control) deemed to pull me out of the pub without a word and tell me there was nothing he could do. Was told that "life is tough" and despite asking for proof or an account from the supposed accuser, I was denied both and told he couldn't let me back in.

I am incredibly confused and angry that I was branded for doing something as disgraceful as hitting a woman and wasn't given any chance to defend myself or understand what the situation was before being removed from a pub that I was just visiting to see a friends band. The bouncer was clearly buzzing to get to kick someone out, and the way he went about it was incredibly disrespectful and flippant. As I say, I remain incredibly confused and upset as I had no idea what was going on, and was then told I'd done something as terrible as that. ironically, I had heard from some women who were drinking here that the male bar staff were being rather overfriendly toward them, so perhaps the staff should be looking inward above all else.

Besides this, the service was painfully slow, the atmosphere was hostile and judgemental, and the difference in treatment between regulars and visitors (glass v plastic cups) was incredibly jarring. there's much, much better places to visit on Gloucester Road than this establishment, and the landlord should seriously consider who they are employing if this is the way they treat...

A couple of friends and I decided to go to the golden lion for a few drinks. Myself and my one friend had a couple of ciders before hand and were in good spirits, as we had not seen eachother in a while; the other two sober. On entering the golden lion we proceeded to purchase some drinks, but the barman took an instant dislike. He made the observation that my friend and myself were too drunk and that we would only be allowed a drink, then would need to leave. We explained to the landlord that my friend was sober and that I had only had two drinks. He was having none of it and was rude and dismissive, although we were both coherent and I was no means 'too drunk'. As we were buying our drinks, I asked a gentleman (who was also at the bar) if I was too drunk, he quite quickly confirmed that I did not appear drunk and even said to the landlord. Even then the landlord was still adamant we should leave. We stayed for about 5 minutes and decided to carry on down gloucester road and find another pub, but on entering we were told that the landlord from the golden lion had rang and they would not serve us. We carried on to the next pub, which the landlord had also rang and were fed the same information. I could completely understand if we were drunk, being rowdy and causing a nuisance, but we were not and it made no sense why he took an instant dislike. The landlord was extremely rude, ignorant and highly arragont; not something you see in a friendly place like Bristol. Having lived in Bristol for 10 years, this has never happened to me, even when I've been highly Intoxicated. If you're looking for a pub to go to, I suggest you refrain...

Arriving with a stinking hangover, my friend and I were looked after with two life saving Bloody Marys which were mixed to perfection and served with just the right tone and level of service (sympathetic and non judgemental) 😂

We settled at a table near the small stage in the corner, ready to have the afternoons pains lulled with some live folk and blues, Sunday style from Max Harrison.

Delighted at the range of plant based food on the menu, but having already had a hearty brunch we opted for sides of Cauliflower Cheeze, roast potatoes and gravy. The Cheeze was epic, the roasties were ok, though a tad oily rather than crispy, this deducts half a point. Plus we were left with the plates at our table so long we eventually took the back to the bar. I like a place to be nice and laid back, but plates do need clearing.

The music was devine, the sound guy/mc admitted to a fair hangover of his own but he held it together and we all got through together.

A little extra cleaning in the loos wouldn't go amis, but maybe I was being hypersensitive to the smell that day, the wiff of the gents was fairly strong, even in the bar. Another half point off for that...

But still, definitely recommend as a good one to visit for live music and a wide range of vegan options. Will be back! Hopefully with less hangover! Thanks G lion and your...