The Black Lion — Restaurant in England

As a group we've drank here for over a decade without there ever being an issue until last night (we're all 45+). The landlord appeared at closing time and started shouting the odds at us and became aggressive towards us as we left. I don't think he like cyclists it's not wise to pretend to phone the police about your clientele as they are leaving peacefully claiming that they are too drunk to stand and threatening the staff, especially when you have CCTV. Demanding that we leave immediately then threaten to lock us in the courtyard if we didn't was somewhat counterproductive.

The lion always had 3 top notch guest ales on until recently, now they usually have one half decent guest, and one dire one along with the trio of Weetwood house ales.

I've never eaten here, only consumed the beer, so I won't comment on the food, but with an attitude like that it's probably better that the landlord who is also the head chef stays in the kitchen for his and others safety.

Whilst the pub is charming and beers can be good (they are certainly well kept) the landlords attitude certainly marrs the experience.

Edit.

I feel I need to add more to this.

When we left, I had a laugh and joke with the young barmaid about me falling down the stairs several months earlier, her response was, "oh, so, you're stair man!" With that in mind, I really can't imagine that she was scared of us at all.. I'm not going to deny that I told him I'd C U Next Tuesday as locking our bikes in was an unwarranted and unnecessary threat. At 1135 two of us nipped to the gents as we were leaving, nobody asked us to leave up to this point and the landlord charged into the gents and hurled a tirade of abuse at us, he then stormed outside and threatened to lock our bikes in (he told the police that he offered to keep them safe!), we left and then, he charged out of the open front door (after I spoke to the barmaid at the open front door stating that the landlord is a bit lively) issuing threats to myself whilst allegedly on the phone to the police. If the pub was as closed as he said, why were people still leaving via the front door? The police reviewed the footage and sided with us. Just so you know folks, the landlord here banned the entire Nantwich Cycle Group from this pub too, why? Because he doesn't like cyclists. Ladies and gentlemen, vote with your wallets, there are plenty of pubs in this town that are welcoming, sadly, the landlord of this one is not.

In the 48 years I've been alive, I've never been treated like this in any establishment. Vote with you wallets people and Pick a welcoming establishment, I've posted this publicly with my profile, so, I have nothing to hide. The landlord is hiding behind his business. I wish him...

This pub has always been one of my favourites in town, it is a beautiful building, has some really great staff and great ale choices. However it appears that now I have a child, my time in the pub will have to be limited. I understand a policy of 'no children after 9pm' etc but I didn't realise the pub had a complete ban on under 12s.

It is a quiet Sunday afternoon, the lovely courtyard was empty and we had just enjoyed a walk with our six week year old who was fast asleep in his pram. Knowing they have a courtyard hatch, we thought we would have a quick quiet pint on a Sunday afternoon. Sadly the manager had to inform us that children are not allowed. If I'm being pedantic it says on the sign on the door 'No children inside under 12', I didn't realise that would also include the empty courtyard. I do to an extent understand kids running riot unaccompanied but I also believe that the Black Lion is not that type of pub to attract unruly children's families.

Businesses need all the support they can get currently, so I find it odd they would enforce such a rule on a quiet Sunday. Thankfully the Crown didn't have such a rule and is also a beautiful old pub with good ale.

Please reconsider this rule during the daytime's when it is quiet 👍

Edit: To follow up the response, I note that signage has been updated to specify inside and outside, but this took place after my original review so clearly feedback was...

A rather disappointing outcome.

The pub seems absolutely lovely, warm fire, amazing drinks, a wholesome atmosphere. Me and my friend were looking forward to spending money on a few rounds in a lovely pub such as this.

However, as we were 22 (of legal age to drink in the United Kingdom), we were not served. Now, I understand that there are discrepancies due to our age, yes the rowdy 18-22 year olds can cause a scene. However, me and my sophisticated friend were merely there for a simple beverage, I think this rule should be based on character, not of age.

As this was Jazzfest time, we completely appreciate that you may have had bad experiences with people our calibre, however to refuse to serve us was most disappoint.

Please, visit this pub if you’re in the local area, it seems like a lovely retreat to put up your feet and have a few nice drinks. I hope you serve us...