The Lion

The Lion reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

1. CM

   CharlotteM

   London6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on September 28, 2019

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Have been a few times over the years and wanted to review our Saturday night - as soon as we walked in we could tell it was very busy and they were very short staffed. Usually a recipe for disaster however the staff were all incredibly polite (whilst literally running around to serve everyone) and explained that they were short staffed and apologised in advance. Couldn’t fault any one at all, yes service was a little slower than usual but we were in no rush at all, and having been forewarned we weren’t too bothered anyway. Huge shout out to Claire who was our server for being so friendly and even going back to the kitchen to check if they had enough calamari for us both to have it - I know if I’d have been that busy I wouldn’t have gone off to check. Thanks guys, fab food as always! Can’t wait to come back 😊
   

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2. J

   Josephine

   Los Angeles12 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on May 6, 2019

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   The waitress was a bit abrupt. The food mediocre . We didn’t get that feeling of warm welcome
   

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3. P

   Phoebe

   Kent1 review

   1.0

   Dined on March 17, 2019

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   My friends and I arrived 5 minutes before our booking - very standard and we're told we were 'too early' (rude) and to go and sit at the bar and wait as our table was still full and to set up a tab - then to not set up a tab - then to set up a tab (rude). No one was at the bar to serve us (rude). Half an hour later, no one had come over to seat us, so my friend went up and only then did the door host then seat us (rude). Having been sat down 15 minutes (rude) and I asked for a drink twice (rude - we are now 45 minutes into our booking) when someone did come over this was to tell us to move as it was the only disability accessible table (which we would be more than happy to move for) but there was no please, no sorry no anything - she just said 'we're going to have to move you' (rude). I was absolutely horrified at this rudeness. We then moved and I asked for my drink a third time (rude) and honestly, by the time our order was taken we had been there a full hour (rude). This was a Sunday evening so I didn't want to be there as late as we ended up being (hence why I made a booking!) and also - the majority of the restaurant was empty so why on earth they couldn't just sit us at another table is beyond me. I have worked in restaurants myself for years and I am generally very understanding of waiters and restaurants but none of this behaviour is acceptable or explainable. In summary, we booked it meant nothing, we waited an hour to even order, staff were beyond rude at multiple points and extremely unaccommodating and we were generally treated like we were almost a burden to be there? I genuinely was horrified at the service I received - I have never experienced anything like it. I cannot condemn this place enough - it was absolutely appalling.
   

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4. JC

   JaneC

   Kent1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 14, 2019

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Great meal and service as always, the lovely ladies were very helpful when Opentable booked a table that wasn’t available!!
   

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5. AG

   AlbertG

   Kent7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on January 27, 2019

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent service food was very good would certainly recommend
   

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6. PR

   PeterR

   London1 review

   2.0

   Dined on October 14, 2018

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Open table booking had not registered and no space in restaurant. Initially put us in unused area of restaurant that was almost deserted but laid up. Upon trying to order at bar told not serving where we were shown to sit. Decided to stay as late to go elsewhere and ate in bar area. Food was good but not hot. Even extra gravy was warm. Overall we won't rush back.
   

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7. PK

   PeterK49

   Kent2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 22, 2018

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Lunch at the Lion after walking up from Lullingstone Country Park Visitor Centre. A very good menu choice and service on a very busy Sunday. Very atmospheric interior, and an attractive garden environment.
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Kent6 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on April 19, 2018

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   We arrived to be told no food outside as no staff People were complaining about lots of things and lots of people let the bar without even ordering a drink. I love this place but every time I go there seems to be a lack of staff. Not sure why I keep returning.
   

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9. SC

   SimonC

   Kent1 review

   2.0

   Dined on March 14, 2018

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   Have been to the Lion on numerous occasions and also on special occasions but myself and my partner will not be returning based on our last visit on 14/03/2018. Service was lack lustre and the food was sub-par. Shame as it holds some important memories for the 2 of us. Curt tone from the staff with not even a smile when greeted. Everything we asked for felt like a chore. Toilets blocked. Food order wrong. Beautiful surroundings but customer service has dimished it.
   

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10. JM

    JillM

    London5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on December 20, 2017

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3

    On arrival the staff said they had no booking, even though we had received a confirmation from Open Table. They said that this often happens with Open Table bookings! They did find us a table however and we only had to wait 10 minutes - if they had been fully booked, we would have been disappointed.
    

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