ABOUT US
There's always a great range of cask ale on our ever-changing hand pumps. We also offer a selection of ciders, draught lagers, whisky, gin, wines and spirits.
What We Do
About The Lion Tavern
Cask ale
A constantly varying selection of the finest cask ale can be found across the 8 hand pumps on our bar. We pride ourselves in sourcing a wide selection of ales and ensuring every pint is perfect.
Great ciders
We’re also known for our varying cider selection. Some of our regular ciders are Weston’s Rosie’s Pig, Weston’s Old Rosie, Lilley’s Fire Dancer and Symonds, with occasional guest ciders.
Locally sourced pork pies
An ideal companion for your pint – Proper traditional pork pies from Coward’s of Frodsham, served cold with mustard and brown sauce.
Large selection of Whisky
We have both whisky and whiskey! Several varieties of Scottish single malt and Irish are always available.
Local Gin
We regularly stock up on local gins from Liverpool and sometimes further afield. Our selection constantly varies – when it’s gone, it’s gone!
Wines and Spirits
We also offer a range of wines and spirits.
Pork Pie and a Pint for only £6.20*
Affectionately known by our locals as the Lion’s “All Day Breakfast”, buy any pint of cask ale with a locally sourced pork pie for only £6.20*.
Free Jukebox
We think we’ve created one of Liverpool’s most eclectic jukeboxes. Whether you’re begging for The Beatles, pining for some Pulp, craving The Clash, or dreaming of Doris Day, we’ve got something for you.
We're dog friendly
We welcome well-behaved dog owners – and their dogs too!
Multi Award-winning Pub
We’re a CAMRA Pub of Excellence
We are extremely proud of the awards we have collected from Liverpool CAMRA in recent years, recognising all of the hard work our management and our fantastic team of bar staff put in to bring you the best beer we can lay our hands on, and keep the quality just right.
Liverpool CAMRA Pub of Excellence
Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the Year
Liverpool CAMRA Pub of the Year
Liverpool CAMRA Pub of Excellence
Liverpool CAMRA Locale Pub of the Year
Where it all began
Our History
The Lion Tavern is thought to have started trading around 1840. The pub takes its name from The Lion locomotive, one of the original steam trains on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The locomotive returned to Liverpool after being loaned to Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, and has been exhibited at The Museum of Liverpool since it opened in 2010.
The current layout of the Lion dates from 1915, when the pub’s owners, Cains Brewery, extended the original building and laid out the current floor plan of public bar and two lounges along an L-shaped corridor. A similar format was used in other establishments, most notably the Stork in Birkenhead, the Edinburgh in Crosby and the Prince Arthur in Walton. It was at this stage that the pub gained its most ornate features – Art Nouveau tiling, the ornate stained glass cupola, decorative woodwork bar and cut glass window panes. The ‘C’ of Cains can still be seen today, painted in gold above the bar.
Where it all began
Our History
The Lion Tavern is thought to have started trading around 1840. The pub takes its name from The Lion locomotive, one of the original steam trains on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The locomotive returned to Liverpool after being loaned to Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, and has been exhibited at The Museum of Liverpool since it opened in 2010.
The current layout of the Lion dates from 1915, when the pub’s owners, Cains Brewery, extended the original building and laid out the current floor plan of public bar and two lounges along an L-shaped corridor. A similar format was used in other establishments, most notably the Stork in Birkenhead, the Edinburgh in Crosby and the Prince Arthur in Walton. It was at this stage that the pub gained its most ornate features – Art Nouveau tiling, the ornate stained glass cupola, decorative woodwork bar and cut glass window panes. The ‘C’ of Cains can still be seen today, painted in gold above the bar.
Prior to 1915, the pub’s layout was quite different. At this stage The Lion was a smaller building than it is today, with additional entrances in the bar and a single parlour at the rear extending into what is now the toilets. The News Room was originally not part of The Lion but a separate pub next door, occupying the space between The Lion and The Railway.
The two lounges were originally separated from the corridor, their walls being removed in 1967 when the new toilets and a dumb waiter were added. Although no longer in operation, the original brass bell pushes used by customers to attract the attention of the bar staff remain in place above the seats in both lounges.
Both pubs were owned by a Richard Herdman in the early 1840s, who is the earliest recorded licensee of the premises, and is noted in the Ale House Registers for 1841 in the Public Record Office.
Do you have more information about The Lion Tavern’s history, or any old photographs of our pub? We would love to hear from you! Email us at info@theliontavern.co.uk
Opening Hours
MON – SAT
12:00pm – 11:00pm
SUN
12:00pm – 10:00pm
General Enquiries
You are welcome to email us if you have any questions. We can take advance bookings when circumstances allow, but please be aware that we don't serve food.