The Lion Hotel has been a much-loved pub and restaurant in Farningham, the village where I live, for a long time. I have many fond memories of celebrating birthdays, mother’s/father’s days and exam results at The Lion when it was a Harvester and more recently a Vintage Inn.
The Lion has been a popular spot in the village since the 16th Century when it was the entertainment centre of the village. Even in the 18th Century the then named Black Lyon was the location chosen for all the important village meetings. Famously, The Lion was once paid a visit by Charles Dickens whilst on a trout fishing trip.
The locals, including me, were excited to see that a few weeks ago The Lion underwent renovation work and had a recent relaunch so I was excited to book a table for me, my mother, my sister and my close friend Amelia this past weekend so we could both enjoy the food and snoop around the new interior!
The exterior of the pub looks much improved with an attractive dark navy colour adorning the walls and larger windows having been added to the bar area.
Inside the wooden bar has been extended by a few feet and has been refinished in a lighter tone which goes with the general Scandinavian feel with wooden tables, plush leather booths in the bar area, paler walls and the use of cosy cushions and blankets to make the customers feel at home.
When shown to our table I admired the gorgeous upholstery on the backs of the new chairs which added a burst of colour to the interior. I also enjoyed taking in the array of local historical photographs, maps and lion-themed prints and nicknacks on the fireplace. The Lion feels very much like a local, country pub with a hint of sophistication.
As the food – the menu had undergone a few tweaks but mostly remained the same as prior to the renovation. I am super happy that Vintage Inn locations have a vegan menu.
I ordered the wild mushroom, beetroot and horseradish pasty served with beetroot hummus and a pineapple & ginger dressing. The pasty was delicious with a lovely balance off earthy beetroot and the sweet dressing with a pastry which was tasty but a little dry for my taste.
My main was the tagliatelle primavera – pasta served with asparagus, soya beans, broccoli & baby spinach, in a mint & basil pesto. I was dying to have this pasta dish once I had spotted it on the menu when I booked the table. It was very satisfying with well-cooked tagliatelle and delicious, nutritious veggies in a herby sauce.
I treated myself to a pudding, having left like something comforting I ordered the Bramley apple pie composed of a warming apple compote in a vegan shortcrust pastry served with raspberry coulis and soya custard. I enjoyed the hearty pastry, gently spiced apple filling and delicious custard (you can’t have apple pie without custard!)
Overall I was impressed with the renovations. I love the Scandi style and I felt right at home among the minimal but comfortable decor and furniture. The food was delicious and the service (although a little slow) was with a smile and good humour we have come to expect from the establishment.
I award The Lion Hotel 5 out of 5 stars and I look forward to going back again soon.
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