Pub in London WC2
White Lion
24 James Street, London, WC2E 8NTClosest station: Covent Garden, about 1 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,962 ratings
Details last checked January 2025. Things may have changed since.
About White Lion
Nicholson's pub with black-and-gold facade, traditional wood panelling and upstairs dining room.
A comfortable smallish redbrick corner pub just off the main Piazza that gets busy of an evening and at weekends. There's a full bar menu with the Bedford Bar and dining room on the first floor. Food options include takeaway and delivery as well as eating in the pub. Food hours are generally from opening time until an hour before closing.
Rebuilt in 1889 to the design of architects Alexander & Gibson, the pub does have some effusive decoration surviving. Accessible for disabled but not to toilets.
Last refurbed March 2024.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Family Friendly: Children (over 14) welcome for meals only.
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant
- Real Ale
- Disabled Access
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Separate Bar
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
As listed in January 2025. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Mitchells & Butlers
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7240 1064
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,962 ratings
5 out of 5Betty Kermenon Google, October 2024
Last night, we went to The White Lion without a reservation. We had last-minute guests from abroad, it was a Sunday evening, and since they were exploring without a plan, we didn’t have the opportunity to make a reservation. Four adults and three children, we were quite hungry. We spoke to The White Lion staff and asked for help with a table. After waiting for about 40 minutes, they arranged a wonderful table for us. The food was delicious. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the friendly and helpful Beckie and Emma, who took great care of us last night. Ladies, you saved my day, and…
4 out of 5Sacred_Mon Google, December 2024
Lovely historical pub straight outside covent garden station. Great atmosphere and incredibly busy but friendly staff and served quickly. Slightly pricey but expectant. Outside seating available. It's a great spot to people watch.
5 out of 5Nico Timmermanson Google, October 2024
Lovely Pub with amazing food. Been coming for years and it gets better and better. This time we were served by Ivana that made our visit extra special. Many thanks!
4 out of 5Val Chavezon Google, December 2024
My husband wanted to try the fish and chips. He said it was just ok. I had a vegetarian burger. The chick peas were whole and the rest of the burger was mushy. The chutney on the burger didn’t complement it. I give them an E for effort though. It comes with salad so I asked for fries. My drink was the Porn Star martini. It was ok. We were upstairs. Rest rooms are 2 flights down. The ladies at the next table frequent the restaurant. They like the fish and chips. Definitely I think they can do much better on the vegetarian burger. Our server was very efficient and nice. She had the…
4 out of 5win taskon Google, December 2024
Been there many times for drink but these day around xmas worth to go. Drinks are fine. Service always good but bit slow around these busy days. Location is great at the corner of Covent Garden market.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in January 2025. See the latest on Google Maps.