Heverlee 0623
Heverlee 0623

About us

We are a family run pub in the heart of Rainford Village serving the community with Great Beer and Freshly prepared Home cooked served daily. We are locally known for extensive range of seasonal cask ales. We have a wonderful secret beer garden with fantastic floral displays.

Facilities

Beer gardenCar parkDisabled facilitiesFamily friendlyFoodOutside areaSmoking areaWiFi freeKaraokeLive musicQuiz nightsFootballRugbyTerrestrial TV

Pub reviews

Reviews

4.2/5

Stephen Jones

2 months ago

I've never been to Rainford before, so yesterday, I took a trip and realised just what I've been missing. And now I'm kicking myself for not going there a long, long time ago. Boy oh boy have I missed out. You see, six months ago I had to go see a Consultant at the Fairfield Hospital in Crank, So I drove past Rainford to get there, and I drove past Rainford coming home. It was as simple as that, I had no need to ever call in. Until the Consultant told me that he often drives all the way from Lytham to go visit this top little eaterie in Rainford: "it's called The Golden Lion, Mr Jones. You should go and check it out" he muttered. Well, my eyes were fixed on the Motivational Poster he had on his wall. "Once a year, go someplace that you've never been before" I wish I'd paid attention and driven back through Rainford then, but oh no, I zipped along the M58 and headed out towards the safety of Southport. But it's niggled away inside of me ever since. "Why oh why would a world renowned Consultant drive all the way from Lytham, just to go eat lunch in a gastro pub in Rainford?" It still didn't jerk me out of my lethargy until yesterday, when I saw another motivational poster that reminded me of the one I'd stared at in the Consultants room 😮 "Never put off until tomorrow those things you could be doing today". Hence my trip from Ainsdale to Rainford as the gales of Storm Jocelyn ebbed away. Turned out to be the best decision I've made this year. And now I bitterly regret putting it off, and I'm trying to find a reason to go spoil myself there on a regular weekly basis (God help the poor staff) 🤦‍♂️ But you know, they're the best part about The Golden Lion. Every one of them had that warm, inviting personality. Really genuine and kind. And I want to adopt my young server, Liv. She went so far out of her way to make the whole 'Golden Lion Experience' really special for me. Nothing was a problem. Yes, her smile, her warmth, her kindness and her very genuine interest made the whole experience worthwhile. So instead of being a food critic, I actually sat back and relaxed, and OMG I enjoyed it so much. Yes, the food is every bit as good as my Consultant said it would be, but I really need to go back and try something more substantial, because as gorgeous as the steak ciabatta was (and those caramelised onions Chef Lenny blessed it with, were 'to die for' on their own), but I'd blundered in at an awkward time (schoolboy error 87c) which was 'too early for my dinner', and a tad 'too late for my lunch'. But it didn't ruffle The Golden Lion staff at all, and I've been to lesser restaurants where they simply won't serve between 2pm or 5 o'clock. Which brings me back to the gorgeous Liv, who helped me decide on "a little something to go with my delicious Ciabatta" (I secretly thought she'd be sorry she asked 🤣) but she was an absolute dream, who brought me a pot of tea, a delicious raspberry cheesecake, a much needed fresh OJ and that speciality Malbec which has got me still smiling and raving about it 24 hours later. I can't wait to go back next week and try out the main course menu. But instead of rushing off, I actually sat and savoured the moment this time. And staying there an extra ten minutes gave me the chance to chat with Chef Lenny to quiz him on "how his steak was so tender" and what his secret was to getting those caramelised onions so sweet and delicious? Turns out he treats every customer exactly the same. And it works. His Steak Ciabatta knocks the Miller & Carter Ciabatta off Number One Spot, so well done young Lenny. And thank you young Liv (I told her to tell her mum she should be really proud of her, and she should, she really is that special). The food is top class but the staff know how to make you feel really welcome, and the next time I pop in, it will simply be to enjoy the whole experience again, it really is that good. A hidden gem that Consultants travel all the way from Lytham to hang out in. What a find. I simply must go back. In a taxi. For a little more of that Malbec. Five Star (PLUS) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(+)

Jennifer Harrison

2 months ago

The pub is perfectly adequate for people who have no dietary requirements or allergen requirements. Golden Lion is recommended on a gluten free eat out app and so I felt this would be a good choice. I put this on my booking, made every server aware of the situation but for the first time in 2 years was severely glutened and unwell for days. I called and spoke with the manager who apologised and stated they would speak with the kitchen but no call back to explained the situation and state what they may do next. All other food was nice. Servers young and seemed a little inexperienced but pleasant on the whole. The pub is clean and modern and as I said fine if you have no additional requirements.

Adele Mcdonnell

3 months ago

Good food. Staff very helpful and friendly.

Molly Marshall

3 months ago

Visited today for the first time - a group of friends travelling from all over the NW and Rainford seemed pretty central. What a delightful find The Golden Lion was! Gorgeous decor, helpful and friendly staff and fabulous food at a reasonable price. Highly recommended by us all. We will be back!

Angie Lomas

1 year ago

This is a hidden gem!! The décor right up my street! The serving staff gave us 100% extremely polite and attentive. Then the food wowzer!! Absolutely beautiful and very reasonably priced too. I will definitely be returning, with the kids too, the menu looked fab for them ❤️

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Opening Times

Mon11:00 – 00:00
Tue11:00 – 00:00
Wed11:00 – 00:00
Thur11:00 – 00:00
Fri11:00 – 01:00
Sat11:00 – 01:00
Sun12:00 – 00:00
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Heverlee 0623
Heverlee 0623