The Lion serves Black Sheep beer, and a very nice pint it is too. They also had one from the southwest, Traveller? Begins with a T. All the usual suspects. There is a fairly large outside bit where smokers can congregate, and some nice padded leather seats to sit in if you’re quick enough. The bar is large but feels very intimate, nice wooden surrounds.
I saw Stewart Lee perform here, on the regular comedy night, he is very funny, but i had to put my name on a returns list, so i was sitting at the very front. He has put on weight, so that Richard herring and him have almost changed people (if only herring would have a daughter named Leanne) but he is still the funniest man you can be in a room with. He did this wonderful bit about an old comedy record from the states he’d never listened to but was nevertheless his inspiration. Very very good. Worth the fiver.

A pub in the bustling heart of Stoke Newington. With large oak tables and chairs, this pub is friendly and warm in the day with Sky Sports and informal personal service. In the evening this theme continues with the magic of candle light. Small candles are lit throughout the pub and the lights are dimmed, punters can sit in this semi-darkend pub and enjoy each others company (an ideal setting for a first date!) The Lion also allows its drinkers to order in takeaway free of charge (talk about an added bonus and a cheap night out!) from the diverse restaurants that occupy Stoke Newingtons vibrant Church Street. There is also an outstanding Juke Box in the pub which has an extensive library of songs to choose from. The Lion is reasonably cheap and is a cozy chilled night out, ideal for a casual, easy going night out with friends.