The Golden Lion — Restaurant in England

We went for a late afternoon meal and were so disappointed. I used to go here a lot but haven’t been for a while and won’t be back in a hurry. When we arrived we waited at the ‘wait here to be seated sign’ and were told just to sit anywhere without a reserved sign on it so the sign isn’t needed. All of the tables were dirty and there was around 4-5 staff members behind the bar. There was a couple of tables in but it wasn’t busy. We weren’t informed of how to order so I went to the bar and was told it was table service. We had our order taken including drinks. Whilst still waiting for drinks another couple sat near us. Their order was taken, they received their drinks and their food whilst we were waiting for drinks. I asked a passing member of staff and the drinks finally came. We then waited another 30 minutes for our food. When it arrived it was Luke warm and the garlic bread side was like concrete. There was no acknowledgment of the fact there had obviously been a mistake, no apology, nothing! Nobody came to see if everything was ok. We went to the bar to pay and I asked if there had been a mistake with our order due to it taking so long compared to others around us. I was told by they staff member that she didn’t know as she hadn’t taken our order! Mistakes happen and I completely understand that but it was the lack of customer service that ruined the experience. The food was nice but not enough to make up for the lack of apology or even acknowledgement when a mistake is made. It’s a shame as...

I've been wanting to go here for many years, but something always comes up when it is finally arranged. I finally went today - note to self, go spontaneously and it'll happen! - I'm so disappointed that I didn't go earlier and that I've been missing out for years!

The staff were so lovely and friendly. My sister, baby niece and myself arrived at about 12:30pm to a very busy lunch service.

The service was excellent, attentive and friendly, despite it being very busy.

The food was absolutely beautiful and the portions were very fair. I had the pâté to start, which was lovely. My sister enjoyed her potato skins. We were both really impressed with the mains. My fish was massive, and the chips were beautiful, though it did nearly kill me to finish it all! My sister really enjoyed her calves liver, mash and peas.

The coffees were really nice, the syrups are superior to what Starbucks and Costa use and actually taste like what they claim to be. The hazelnut and amaretto ones are lovely.

My sister managed some Biscoff cheesecake, which she really enjoyed. I tried a tiny bit because I'm hooked on Biscoff, and it was lovely.

It was a really nice dining experience, the food was exceptional and the service was fantastic. Will absolutely be...

OK let's start with curb appeal. The Golden Lion doesn't exactly draw me in from its external looks as it appears (appears is the key here) drab, bland and in need of a spruce up. However this is where the negativity ends.

Inside the layout is beautiful and inviting with a mix of soft seating and dining area. Dogs are welcome and the music today was mostly rock so two bonus marks there.

I was expecting decent food having researched a little and looked at views and wow we were not disappointed. The potato skins were fabulous. For mains we both had beef in ciabatta and the beef was done to perfection, no fat, melt in the mouth and delicious. Chips were fabulous and unusually for me I loved the salad dressing!

This is a bit of a hidden gem in Hartlepool in my opinion. Very reasonable prices and friendly staff with superb food. First time eating here today, but definitely won't be the last. We both loved it.

Visited again (April 2024) for late lunch and the food was awesome and service...