Black Lion — Restaurant in London

🚇 Stamford Brook 🍺 £6.55 Amstel

This pub is just a stone’s throw from the River Thames in Hammersmith, West London. The nearest station is Stamford Brook on the District Line.

Established around 1754 as the Black Lyon, the pub began life as a piggery before the owner’s homebrewing became so popular it replaced farming as his main trade. In 1804, during a spate of “Hammersmith ghost” sightings, Francis Smith fatally shot bricklayer Thomas Millwood, mistaking him for the ghost. The inquest was held at The Black Lion.

This traditionally decorated, one-bar pub has a distinct village pub feel. The servery runs along the front with poser tables opposite. To the right is a fireplace and a portrait of A.P. Herbert—author, MP, and local resident—who featured the pub in his novel The Water Gypsies. To the left is a seating area with another fireplace and a large artwork above. The decor includes a boarded floor with rugs, painted wall panels, tartan-upholstered chairs, a high-backed pew, and traditional paintings.

Just off the back of the main bar is the Skittles Room. It once featured a classic skittle alley, revived in recent years, though now converted into a function room. At the rear and side is a large beer garden with a covered area, BBQ, and pizza kitchen.

The beer lineup includes familiar keg options, a few from Laine’s Brewery, and four cask ales. I opted for an Amstel—my pint hit the spot, though the price was slightly above average. The food menu features hearty British classics, Sunday roasts, and a range of pizzas. Fish and chips is £19.

I arrived around 12:30 p.m. on a swelteringly hot Saturday in June. A few punters were inside, sheltering from the heat, but most were in the garden soaking up the sun. The vibe was chilled and relaxed, making it easy to settle in. Service was excellent—the team were welcoming, friendly, and personable.

Though it was my first visit, I felt like I’d been drinking here for years. A lovely riverside pub with history, character, and who doesn’t love a ghost story? Loved it—definitely a must-visit.

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📅 21st June 2025

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I do usually really like this place but went there yesterday and had the worst dinner experience... Ordered a Roast Veg Salad, a Veg Burger and a vegetarian roast. First I got the wrong salad so I went back to get the right salad, it took far too long (for cold food) to get a new salad and the salad was really not nice, not sure it it was giant couscous but it was overcooked and slimy, the salad didn't taste like anything and I am not sure how they roasted the veg but I am pretty sure they weren't roasted and they tasted old. Went back to at least get some balsamic vinegar to make it eatable and waited for a few minutes while I was ignored by everyone until I gave up and went back to the table. In the meantime the burger arrived which was (including fires) completely cold, at that point we were so hungry that we just ate it (and I know I cannot complain after eating it but after the salad drama I am sure its understandable that we did not feel like being ignored again and waiting even longer for a new burger). At some point someone figured out that I was not happy with the salad (which I got some sauce for.. not balsamic vinegar.. hat did not make anything better) and gave me the money back, seeming quite annoyed by me which I am not sure is fair. About 20 minutes after we finished the burger the roast arrived which was very small for the price but looked really good and was actually warm, unfortunately no gravy (which was promised on the menu). So for the third time I went back and complained and was promised gravy. About 10 minuted later the waiter came out ... without gravy and said I would get it in 2 minutes... but it never came, went back after about 10 minutes where someone else promised to bring gravy which then actually arrived after a while. Obviously the food was cold at that point... again.

I am not usually one to complain but if everything goes wrong I will..

I am sure I will go back there but not sure I can give the food another chance (even though I had mac&cheese there before and they were lovely)... Overall disappointed with the attitude of people working there and the fact that nobody actually apologised or seemed to care about the ruined dinner...

Food was excellent but there was a safety issue worth mentioning. I did complete a complaint form online a week ago but as I did not receive a reply, I will paste it here:

After having lightly sprained my foot the day before, I attended The Black Lion pub for Sunday lunch with a large group of friends.

As I walked through the door a large heavy piece of metal fell across the entryway - and landed on my injured foot. I'm sure the multiple staff members behind the bar can attest to how loudly I yelled from the pain and unfortunately used some colourful language.

From the look and weight of it, I assume that this piece of metal is what is used to bar the inside of the pub door after closing. I am struggling to understand why something that is such a hazard was left there - not only injuring someone accidentally but also the potential for any drunken idiot to use it as a weapon.

One of those accompanying me helped me to my seat and they got some ice from bar staff, which they ask for. At no point did a staff member apologise or even check on me. I quite like the pub and have been for many meals there, so I was shocked at this.

I would suggest that item not be kept there in future, as it could do some serious damage. I would also suggest that staff be...