The Lion at Basford is a traditional pub situated in New Basford, Nottingham, known for its rustic charm and vibrant atmosphere. It offers a diverse selection of cask ales, craft beers, and ciders, with up to 10 cask lines and 7 craft lines available. The pub is recognized for its live music events, featuring jazz sessions on Sunday afternoons and various bands on Friday and Saturday nights. The menu includes a range of hearty burgers and tapas, with Sunday roasts being a highlight. A notable feature is its beer garden, which includes covered areas and a large grass area suitable for families.
What each source says
- Google 4.6 1,303
- Tripadvisor 4.5 119
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location Located near a tram stop and with easy on-street parking, The Lion is easily accessible. This makes it a convenient choice for both locals and visitors.
- Dog-Friendly Atmosphere The Lion welcomes dogs with open arms, offering dog beds and snacks. This makes it an ideal destination for dog owners looking for a pub where their furry friends are welcome.
- Extensive Drink Selection The Lion offers a wide array of real ales, craft beers, and ciders, including local brews. This makes it a great spot for those seeking variety and quality in their drinks.
- High-Quality Burgers The pub is known for its delicious burgers, with creative options and generous portions. Many reviewers have said their burgers are some of the best they've ever eaten.
- Lively Entertainment The pub features live music on weekends, including jazz on Sundays, as well as pub quizzes. This provides a vibrant atmosphere and entertainment options for patrons.
Criticised
- Cleanliness Issues Cleanliness is generally good with clean toilets but some reviewers have reported sticky tables, attributed to sanitizer residue. This can make the experience less pleasant.
- Inconsistent Food Service Table service can be slow, with reported waits of 30-40 minutes for drinks. This may be due to COVID-related protocols or understaffing, but it can detract from the overall experience.
- Inconsistent Portion Sizes While most find the food satisfying, some reviewers have noted that portion sizes can be small relative to the price, particularly for sides like cheesy chips.
- Noise Levels During Live Music While the live music is a plus for many, it can make the pub lively and loud. If you're seeking a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, especially during performances, this might not be the best choice.
- Potential Food Menu Limitations While the burgers are well-regarded, options beyond burgers and fries may be limited or unavailable at certain times, especially later in the evening or on specific days.
The longer read
The Lion at Basford is a highly-regarded pub known for its extensive selection of real ales, craft beers, and ciders, including many locally brewed options. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and variety of the drinks, noting that the beer is impeccably kept. The pub also features a diverse food menu, specializing in gourmet burgers and hot dogs, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Many reviewers claim the burgers are exceptional and stand out as some of the best in the area, emphasizing the generous portion sizes and high-quality ingredients. The food is complemented by homemade coleslaw, crispy fries, and onion rings. While the menu focuses on burgers and hot dogs, this specialization allows The Lion to excel in these offerings.
The Lion offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, attracting a diverse clientele of all ages and backgrounds. The pub is dog-friendly, providing dog beds and snacks, which adds to its charm and appeal for dog owners. The pub hosts regular events, including live music on Fridays and Saturdays, featuring cover bands, and live jazz on Sunday afternoons. A pub quiz is also a regular feature, contributing to the pub's lively social scene.
The pub boasts a large beer garden with ample seating, making it an ideal spot for relaxing during warmer months. The outdoor area includes a covered seating area and extra decking. The pub is conveniently located near a Nottingham tram stop, providing easy access from the city center and surrounding areas. Free on-street parking is also available.
The friendly and helpful staff are consistently mentioned in reviews, contributing to the pub's positive atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciate the staff's accommodating nature and attentiveness. The pub also maintains a strict approach to COVID safety, ensuring a comfortable environment for patrons.
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few mention occasional slow table service, particularly during busy periods. Some reviewers have also noted inconsistencies in the availability of certain menu items. However, these issues appear to be minor compared to the consistently positive feedback regarding the pub's beer selection, food quality, atmosphere, and friendly service.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 970 3506
- Website
- thelionatbasford.co.uk
| Mon | 12:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 3 venues we hold for Radford, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What live music events are offered at the Lion at Basford and on which evenings can visitors expect jazz or band performances?
- Which cask ales, craft beers, and ciders are most popular at the Lion at Basford and how many lines are available for customers to choose from?
- What makes the Sunday roast at the Lion at Basford a highlight, and what options are available for meat, sides, and drink pairings?
- Is there convenient parking or public transport access near the Lion at Basford for visitors coming from central Nottingham or surrounding areas?
- How family-friendly is the atmosphere at the Lion at Basford, and are there menu options or amenities that cater to children and larger groups?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.