Golden Lion

You're on King Street in St James's, that stretch where suited types spill out of offices and tourists wander between theatres. The Golden Lion sits right in the thick of it, a traditional pub that doesn't try to be anything fancier than it is. Inside, you'll find dark wood, the kind of worn carpet that's seen decades of footfall, and enough space at the bar to actually order a pint without performing gymnastics. It's a Greene King operation, so expect their usual lineup of ales—nothing experimental, but decent enough—and the sort of pub food that's competent rather than memorable. What keeps people coming back is the no-nonsense vibe and the fact it's genuinely local-feeling despite the tourist traffic nearby.