The Golden Lion Restaurant

Someone from this business manages this listing.

1,073 reviews

#4 of 24 Restaurants in Newport -Trefdraeth££ - £££, Bar, British, Pub

+44 1239 820321+ Add website

Hours

Sun

12:00 - 22:00

Mon

17:00 - 22:00

Tue

17:00 - 22:00

Wed

17:00 - 22:00

Thu

17:00 - 22:00

Fri

17:00 - 22:00

Sat

17:00 - 23:00

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

1,073 reviews

#4 of 24 Restaurants in Newport -Trefdraeth

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub, Welsh

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner

features

Location and contact

East Street, Newport -Trefdraeth SA42 0SY Wales

+44 1239 820321

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Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?

Yes

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Details

Manage this business?

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub, Welsh

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Dog Friendly

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4.5

1,073 reviews

Excellent

741

Very good

237

Average

Poor

Terrible

EVictoria

South Wales13 contributions

Lovely meal out

Sept 2020 • none

We very much enjoyed our Sunday evening meal; we felt the staff were brilliant in every aspect, social distancing and procedures (sanitisers, one way system, table service & payment) were excellent and the food was, as always, very tasty. The tables were quite busy outside but we were seated inside the restaurant with only a few other tables occupied; this was a lovely atmosphere and plenty of space. The waitresses were efficient and our food came quickly, both meals (the gammon and Thai veg curry) were delicious and plentiful. We look forward to returning.

Written 14 September 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DaydreamingDragon

Abergavenny41 contributions

We were led to expect better

Jan 2020 • none

We ate here on the recommendation of friends but out of our group of 9 only 2 really rated their dishes. The vegetarian shepherd's pie was particularly poor value: £13 or £14 for about a centimetre of lentils/veg topped with a thick layer of potato. It was the local lamb that won the day for two of our group.

Written 26 January 2020

Ella H

3 contributions

Delicious and big portions

Sept 2020 • couples

We ate here as a treat on our final night of our holiday in Newport and definitely saved the best until last! Fresh, beautifully presented food even on a Sunday night when we all know the kitchen staff would have been flagging! Portion sizes really generous but every bite delish. We couldn’t fit any dessert in after our amazing mains with a side of veg, which was excellent value for money, albeit slightly disappointing not to try the sticky toffee. We’ll be back again soon for a pudding!

Written 14 September 2020

PHILIP R

Oxford2 contributions

Chips or New Potatoes?

Aug 2020 • none

Just OK. Starters lacked bread to mop up sauce(gnocchi). Melba toast for mackerel pate insufficient. Generally, appetizers were “flimsy” and insubstantial. Main courses were mixed, burger was great, spiced haddock was tasty though there was a 10 min delay before the accompanying chips arrived. Thai green curry was pleasant but didn’t excite. Lamb chops really good, though veg harder than al dente. Tandoori hake was nice idea, though lacked spice. Crispy mussels were lovely. Generally, service was disappointing. Suggest some staff training. eg.Empty glasses left on the table all evening. Salt, pepper and condiments took time to turn up.

Written 28 August 2020

RobDavis12

Cardiff227 contributions

Great place for lunch after a New Year’s Day beach walk

Jan 2020 • none

After a walk along the beach at Newport this was an ideal stop for lunch. The pub and it’s restaurant are popular, so there was a short queue waiting for it to open. The staff were very polite and helpful and we were in luck for a table of four in the bar area. There was a good selection of pub fare, slightly limited for gluten free meals but what was available was lovely. Between us we had Thai Green curries, slow cooked beef cheek and mash, Vegetarian burger & chips. Vegetarian and Vegan options were available. One of our party had eaten here before and recommends the Sunday lunches. A very good lunch with lovely food and service.

Written 2 January 2020

Paul H

Crawley419 contributions

Excellent as always.

Aug 2020 • family

Always a pleasure to dine at the Golden Lion. The service tonight was good especially as the staff were dealing with the strange world of pandemic. Arrangements worked well and although it was raining we dined outside under a gazebo which proved most satisfactory. Food was delicious as always. Highly recommended.

Written 19 August 2020

CarolineT

Leicester2 contributions

Disappointing

Jun 2021 • couples

A slightly disappointing visit to what could be a lovely restaurant. The service was the biggest let down. We were seated and then after 20-30 minutes no one had been to take a drinks order. I understand covid means that tables need to be disinfected, but surely not before attending to your current guests. The food was unremarkable, but not bad in anyway, I had a specific dietary requirement which was dealt with, but the changes to the dish were not communicated to me, I found out once it arrived. After eating we advised the waitress that we wouldn’t need anything further and requested the bill. Another 10-15 minutes passed and no bill arrived and we couldn’t get any of the waiting staffs attention. A couple arrived who needed a larger table to accommodate their lovely dog, so we advised that if they can bring our bill the couple could use our table. The waitress agreed, yet still another ten minutes passed by. Eventually I had to go to the bar and request our bill for the 3rd time. I do appreciate that there was a sign out front requesting waiting staff, but there were at least 5 members of waiting staff in the bar area at all times. All seeming to have different roles. None of these roles seems to include customer service.

Written 25 June 2021

Fleur R

8 contributions

A classic Pembrokeshire venue that has sadly changed its quality

Jun 2021 • family

I have been going to the golden lion since I was a teenager, I’m local and it always had the best atmosphere for a pint or some tasty food. Although they have always served some kind of pub grub the quality was always really good and we went there specifically for food. I have been back twice in 2021, one for lunch with family and another for a dinner with friends and both times I was sadly disappointed. The food wasn’t that tasty, I had steak that was a bit bland, a tiny portion and the potatoes were underdone. It wasn’t enough to actively make the waitresses life annoying but it was enough for me to be a bit sad. The pudding was also unimaginative and was basically a little jar with chocolate in it that tasted really processed. The second time I went I had fish and chips and that was better but still not the kind of presentation/ingredients and taste I remember. The garden renovation is fabulous and a real asset to the place. I wish they just concentrated on what made it brilliant. It was individual and not a chain pub vibe, it used to be somewhere I actively recommend and now sadly I choose other pubs.

Written 9 October 2021

Lynn K

Bolton32 contributions

Tables to small.

Jun 2022 • couples

Our first time at the Goliden lion,we thought we would visit while on holiday in Newport. We could not fault the meals,they were gorgeous. All staff very polite and helpful. Our only problem was the tables,we are both quite tall. The tables had sides all around them,which meant our legs were banging on them when we moved.My husband was so uncomfortable eating his meal,we didn't stay long at all which was a shame. So please think of your guests who are taller and give them a bit of leg room while eating there dinner...

Written 24 June 2022

Darren T

1 contribution

Not as good as before

Oct 2021 • none

Have stayed here many time before with family and friends, but my last visit with a group of friends wasn’t as good. The main problem was that we weren’t allowed to sit at a table in the bar. We were told that all the tables are now pre-booked for food and we were told the only option was to sit outside in the covered garden area . As residence of the pub we thought this was extremely poor service. Later on in the evening (10-30pm) after returning to the pub we were told they were closing and we had 2 options 1) buy drinks and sit outside 2) take drinks to our rooms. When booking we were not informed of these arrangements . It is a real shame that the pub has chosen to employ this policy as our group will NOT be returning.

Written 5 November 2021

Drew I

Oban170 contributions

Beyond pub grub

Jul 2021 • none

Four of us ate here on the last night of our holiday. We all had the same choices from the specials menu. The crab starter was beautifully presented and accompanied by a small smoked salmon tian and dots of flavoured Mayo and dressing with a slice of crisp bread spread with Welsh seaweed paste. Our mains was a fillet of hake topped with Welsh rarebit. Someone in the kitchen knows how to lift their game with special items. There is also a range of classic pub food items including Thai curry and burgers which from other reviews are equally as good. The staff are willing and friendly. Nice craft beers and a decent wine list.

Written 4 July 2021

GKTravellers

Harrogate1305 contributions

Fab burgers in buzzing atmosphere

Jul 2022 • none

With no availability in the main restaurant we booked for the bar. This typically old quaint pub with low ceilings and wooden beams was buzzing from our arrival 'till departure. We chose and thoroughly enjoyed the burgers topped with cheese, bacon and onion relish and served with tasty fries at £15.50. The service was exemplary with lots of smiles while demonstrating super efficent and professional skills.

Written 6 July 2022

Daphne M

Cardiff250 contributions

The Pride of Newport!

Jun 2021 • none

We were lucky enough to snatch a quick weekend away at the Golden Lion in June. It was a complete delight. The food and service were second to none. Having visited many times over the past two decades we never fail to be impressed with the continued improvements we enjoy each time we return. On this occasion the garden and outside space had been completely remodelled to provide a fantastic open air restaurant complete with church pews, outdoor heaters, Welsh blankets and cushions and sympathetic lighting and planting. As lockdown continues to ease this was a wonderful place to relax and socialise. The quality of the food was exceptional and as always the lovely team at the Lion provided a warm welcome - nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend.

Written 6 July 2021

John W

Chesterfield95 contributions

Great food and atmosphere.

Aug 2021 • family

After having a fantastic week in Newport we wanted to celebrate with a meal on the last night with our grandchildren. Everywhere was extremely busy lucky to get a table for four and a dog in the marque. Not disappointed the service was very friendly and provided a warm welcome. We arrived slightly but were soon at our table with drinks. The order for food was taken soon after and the starters of Focaccia and olives and mozzarella cheese were fantastic. All the mains didn’t disappoint the GL burger, Thai green curry, tempura battered haddock and kids tomato, basil and cheese were of great quality. Only needed to finish the evening with some great deserts, lemon posset, strawberry cheesecake and vanilla ice cream, completed a great meal and evening. Would recommend a visit to everyone.

Written 20 August 2021

Thecatsmother

Penarth179 contributions

Lovely food, lovely staff !

May 2021 • family

Excellent service from start to finish, extremely helpful staff. We sat in the bar for an early evening meal ( we booked a few days in advance & they managed our fit us in - Diolch!) . Funny few minutes trying to work out whether a 6ft 4 ex rugby player or our 9 yr old daughter was better placed on the pew, we all ordered different burgers and settled on the 9 yr old! Whoever thought of a chicken Kiev in a burger needs congratulating - same goes for an onion bharji in a bun - absolute genius! I wouldn’t usually go for a meat burger but it was a delight (chicken), same for a lemon posset (not what I’d normally order). Everything was brilliant & we will definitely come back.

Written 3 June 2021

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