Old White Lion, East Finchley

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(5 reviews)

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FancyaPint?'s review...

Once a pub used primarily as a place for a quick drink before heading off into town, having slipped under the wheels of the M&B refurbishment juggernaut, the Old White Lion has pulled out all the stops to hold onto the upmarket drinkers of 'East Finchley Village'. Decked out in various styles of furniture, from faux Louis XVII chairs, through to art deco lamps and kitsch 60's sideboards, it's certainly very stylised; indeed, if the bar were removed, it would look like an antique furniture shop. There's a number of good real ales and continental lagers on tap, alongside the nicest beer garden in the area. Also added is a well-made menu at reasonable prices. With comedy nights, a pub quiz, Sunday roasts and special events, the Old White Lion's a popular place. A little too popular for us, unfortunately, with inordinately long queues at the bar quite a lot of the time. It's a jolly nice pub, with almost everything just right, but it only just scrapes in with a three-pint rating. We've mentioned this in previous reviews - service really needs to be speeded up, if the Old White Lion's going to become a firm favourite of ours.

Reviewed by redcat 03 Feb 2011 Helpful? yes/no

User reviews

TheGreatSmellOfBrute
Reviews (20)

15 Sep 2011

Top dog (or rather, lion) in East Finchley. A selection of real ales which happily combines old favourites with more obscure beers from microbreweries; the range of other drinks available is similarly wide and high-quality. The quality of food is pretty high for a pub kitchen, and some of the dishes are very good value for money. Atmosphere is relaxed, sociable and female-friendly. My only complaint (like everyone else) is the speed of service, which can be variable at the best of times.

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13 Feb 2010

This is one of my favourite pubs! Chilled atmosphere, yummy bloody Mary ketchup and fun in the summer- chickens!!!

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louisasneezer
Reviews (2)

marionwilhelm
Reviews (2)

10 Jan 2010

We have been coming to the OWL over Christmas holiday for years & have watched it's many transmutations but we love it anyway we can get it. Once the Bald Faced Stag went sports bar then restaurant we loved the OWL even more. Thier chips are the best ever & their othe gastropub dishes are tasty, too. It is right on the tube stop & within walking distance to the house where we stay. AAA+++

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09 Jun 2008

Just the rudest barman I have ever encountered in any London pub. To be fair he dealt out his unpleasantness to all who entered without fear or favour, but nevertheless I won't be coming back.