The Lion — Restaurant in Southampton

Been to this pub many times and today was totally different. After having a lovely meal down the road at Diego’s, we thought were pop into this pub for a few after dinner drinks. As soon as we walked in the older lady with red hair behind the bar was incredibly rude. One of our party went straight to the bar to order a drink whilst the rest of our party popped to the loo whilst deciding. The way this most sophisticated and clearly very classy lady with red hair announced to the patrons of tonight’s adventures that we had to leave because we hadn’t ordered a drink within 4 minutes of entering the premises obviously made us very uncomfortable…with the vast majority of the locals now staring and looking at us. She came to tell us to order or get out, immediately after stating we were unhappy with her attitude therefore shan’t be ordering anymore drinks she goes to get her ‘reinforcements’ (other patrons) who came to chat with us and unfortunately for our sophisticated friend they totally understood our point. Resulting in us not leaving immediately rather finishing the one drink we managed to buy before being shouted and screamed at.

Moral of the story don’t go here unless you walk straight to the bar and order a drink don’t you dare decide or think about what you would like to drink! The Sophisticated and very classy lady with red hair really needs some personality and customer...

An amazing little pub in the centre of town that still retains the feel of the much missed local pub. Great staff, great food, good selection of beers, wines and spirits and entertainment provided on selected nights throughout the week. Brilliant doorstaff at weekends, garden accessible from the pub for use in all weather. If you haven't visited, take the opportunity to check out The Lion!

Edit: sad to say the management of The Lion has been handed back to the brewery, who are changing this traditional local into a chain venue. I hope some of the character can be retained, only time will tell! Wishing the former management, Angus and Tracy, all the very best with their new venue a few doors down. They will be missed, so I truly hope the brewery and new management will try and make sure The Lion loses none of its character and family feel

Update December 2022: Pleased to say that the new management are both experienced and working hard to make The Lion into a successful venue, whilst retaining the character and feel of the local pub it used to be. Wishing the new team...

Great wee pub friendly welcoming staff nice aswell 👍 only down fall was ask if they were watching Celtic v rangers match on the Sunday ask them on Thursday said yes asked them on the Friday they said yes ..when in on Sunday and guess what they didn't have it on .so yes they put the Scotland rugby game on .was watching that instead but along came the bar lady didn't even ask if I was watching it and turn it over with all the tv put on 2 the man United didn't mind but there was still 15 mins before the kick off so I could have seen the rest off the rugby ......but would go back because I did enjoy my visits...ps get in some alcohol free ciders would b good so u have...