The White Lion

4.1 ( 227 reviews )
Checking... 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM See Hours
£10–20
Newbottle St, Houghton le Spring DH4 4AN, United Kingdom
+44 191 512 0735
The White Lion, nestled in Houghton le Spring, is rapidly becoming a beloved local pub, lauded for its exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere. Customers rave about the generous portions and the home-cooked quality, with standout dishes like the Sunday roast being especially highlighted. Maria Catlin’s glowing review captures the essence of this venue, emphasizing not just the delicious meals but also the exceptional service provided by the friendly staff. The White Lion combines hearty classics with a lively ambiance, offering weekly entertainment like live music and karaoke, making it a hub for both relaxation and fun. The pub’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident, as seen when they accommodated guests past food service hours on Mother’s Day, ensuring a memorable experience. Among the menu highlights are the traditional breakfast options like the Wimbledon Breakfast, and delectable desserts such as the Sticky Toffee Pudding and Chocolate Brownie, which leave diners craving more. This spot isn't just a bar; it’s a community gathering place where families and friends create lasting memories. Whether you’re stopping by for a pint or a full meal, The White Lion promises a delightful culinary experience that guests are eager to return to.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has bar games
    • Has great beer selection
    • Has great wine list
    • Has live music
    • Has live performances
    • Good for watching sport
  • Popular for
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Has dancing
    • Serves food
    • Serves food at bar
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed

Reviews For The White Lion

Maria Catlin
May 25,2025
This is the best local pub we've been to by far..the food is exceptional for the price you pay it's fresh food and they don't skimp on portions the Sunday lunchs are also amazing...the service by the staff is also exceptional there all friendly and very willing to help...The white lion also have live music karaoke and entertainment for children we wouldn't go anywhere else my husband even proposed to me there with the help of Katie the manageress and the staff ..so if you want quality fresh food good atmosphere and helpful staff I recommend trying out the white lion
Beth Henderson
May 17,2025
All I can say is what a AMAZING place the white lion is for food especially the Sundays dinner and if you want to chill the pints are refreshing I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND keep doing what your doing
Melissa Adams (beelody)
May 13,2025
Amazing atmosphere, friendly staff and quality prices. The food is all home made and the portions are well worth the prices that they are! The events that happen weekly aswell are top notch. Love coming here with the family
Milla Peacock
Apr 26,2025
We came from TikTok but will come back for the food and hospitality. We cannot recommend this place highly enough, we had booked for food at 5pm on Mother’s Day when we arrived we heard that they stopped food at 4 but the kitchen had stayed open to serve us. The food was outstanding. The staff were so accommodating and genuinely lovely all with a smile on their faces. My husband and I both come from a background in hospitality and know that a good pub is hard to come by. But this place is incredible. After speaking with the landlady about the history of the pub and their recent success, and a lovely chat with Ryan (who very kindly brought out some hot sauce for my husband to try) we will 100% be back. The staff genuinely care about their customers and their experiences, and even with the rise due to TikTok they are still humble and genuine. The 40 minute journey was definitely worth it and we will be coming back for my husband birthday (all he wants is a Parmo ) Thank you again for the amazing service!!
Liz Alderson
Apr 15,2025
Just been here, absolutely lovely meal, husband had curry, said best he has had in a long time when eating out, I had slow cooked beef chips and gravy, lush,
Luke Barker
Apr 10,2025
Really cheap steak night deal both had fillet steaks for 40 altogether with 2 pints of Cruz campo, great value for money and really tasty meal with steak cooked perfectly. Would have liked to have tried the specials but only steak night menu available, will be returning for some of the specials next time.
Caitlin Johnston
Apr 1,2025
Popped in for lunch after seeing the TikToks made by the chef (at least I think he’s the chef- whoever makes the TikTok) with my parents. Prices are extremely reasonable. The food came to less than 40 for a double cheeseburger, a chicken burger, a chicken curry and a portion of halloumi fries. A slight wait on food but well worth it. Thank you, three very happy people and hopeful regulars if I can keep driving from Washington each week.
Neil Powell
Mar 2,2025
I traveled from London for a family event and I really wish this was my local. The staff are very friendly and seem happy, which really contributed to the atmosphere. The pub is well laid out as a music venue and there's a great selection of beers, with Czech lager and a well kept cask ale. The beer garden is creatively designed, with an old post box and graffiti art that reflects local history. I will definitely be going back, even if it is a seven hour drive.

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Asian House
(287 review)
Asian House
  • 2349 Village Square Pkwy, Fleming Island, FL 32003, United States
Chinese restaurant
+1 904-579-4247
VJ's Burgers
(448 review)
VJ's Burgers
  • 1804 Buena Vista St, Duarte, CA 91010, United States
hamburger restaurant
+1 626-359-3402
Taylor's Bar & Kitchen
(659 review)
Taylor's Bar & Kitchen
  • Peasholm Gap, Scarborough YO12 7TN, United Kingdom
Restaurant
+44 1723 362450
Long Doggers
(1805 review)
Long Doggers
  • 2870 Post Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935, United States
American restaurant
+1 321-751-4448
Bianka Restaurants BR
(346 review)
Bianka Restaurants BR
  • 11575 Coursey Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, United States
Fine dining restaurant
+1 225-408-8206
M’s Daily Dose
(109 review)
M’s Daily Dose
  • 110 S Broadview St unit b, Greenbrier, AR 72058, United States
Coffee shop
+1 501-679-2812
Held's Bar
(140 review)
Held's Bar
  • W13298 Co Rd C, Deerbrook, WI 54424, United States
bar
+1 715-623-2743
Pines Public House & Eatery
(575 review)
Pines Public House & Eatery
  • 11002 Nicholas Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, United States
Restaurant
+1 443-513-4688
Sukhothai Thai Restaurant Express
(499 review)
Sukhothai Thai Restaurant Express
  • 7664 Tezel Rd #105, San Antonio, TX 78250, United States
Thai restaurant
+1 210-314-1106
8-Bit Bites
(544 review)
8-Bit Bites
  • 268 Main St, Johnson City, NY 13790, United States
Hamburger restaurant
+1 607-203-1656