February 18, 2012
A Taylor Walker pub, handy for a pint and a bite to eat after a stroll in Kensington Gardens. The Black Lion is on Bayswater Road, just opposite one of the entrances to Kensington Gardens. There’s a rather touristy food menu, which was a bit pricey for what looked like standard fare, but it struck me as just the kind of place that many (non-beery) tourists would like. It’s been knocked through and refurbished, presumably to represent a “typical” Victorian pub, with bottle glass windows, etched glass panels, ornate dark woodwork, red leather banquettes, an impressive ornate ceiling (probably original) and an interesting beaten copper panel which, unfortunately, was partly obscured by a television screen. The beer isn’t very exciting (there are four hand pumps, one of which was off when I visited, offering staples like Fuller’s London Pride, Young’s London Gold and Old Speckled Hen) but it’s a pleasant enough place and the service was friendly. There’s a patio to the side, away from the road, and free wifi. (Visited 27 December 2011).

October 24, 2011
Typical english pub just north og Kensington Gardens close to Queensway. Not that cosey and only three cask taps and only to of them with beer. Boring bottle selection.

February 19, 2009
I’ve been staying in the Bayswater are for a couple of weeks now and have avoided this place despite its visual appeal from the outside. Finally made it in and stood around for a while before a desultory young lad appeared and poured me a London Pride. The only other real ale was Greene King but they were out. This is a real wayfarer’s stop given the area, so everyone is from somewhere else and no one stays for long. It appears that the service and quality (and price) fit the pattern.

September 11, 2008
After a long walk through the Kensington Gardens I had to stop for a pint. There wasn´t any special ale on tap so Hoegaarden Witbier was a good choice for a sunny day (6.8.2008).

August 6, 2007
The food is really good, and it is one of the better places to eat and drink in Bayswater. It’s just across the road from the path across the park to Kensington High Street. Queensway, Bayswater, is just a stroll away. Great place to stop.