The Golden Lion

2011 Update
Do Sharps own this pub now? Several Taps but only Doom Bar and Cornish Coaster to choose from.
They seem to have smartened up a little bit inside and with the food menu, but I’m taking a star off because of the suddenly badly restricted beer choice. I can find both these beers easily in London!
2009
I had heard that this was the local’s pub in St Ives. I guess I felt a bit out of place at times.
This is very much a pub of 2 halves. I initially enjoyed a pint of ale in the old fashioned from room, which was quiet, civilized and some old music was on in the background. 3 ales on pump to choose from. I didn’t realize there was more to the pub until I set out in search for the toilet.
The back of the pub is completely different. It is much younger, more vibrant. Bright lights, a pool table and an outside area feature. Plus some additional ales to the ones in the front bar. I realized I had actually been here years beforeI just didn’t realize it was the same placewhich is pretty cool actually!
I do have to recommend this pub because if you don’t like one of the rooms, the chances are the other might appeal to you. And you can have a cracking pint of ale, whichever you choose.

Don’t be put off by the front bar, it looks like a pub for one man and his dog, but it’s friendly mix (even if they are a tad mad). The back bar is a 20 something area especially later in the evening. The small paved garden is a mix of both and it’s nice to get a seat out side in St Ives, but the views not up to much!

This pub can serve all walks of life, really. The front bit is the proper pub that would suit elderly/​people who don’t enjoy loud noise but prefer sitting there for a nice conversation. The other side of the pub which is parted by the big door is a venue area where customers can hang out at the bar, play pool game and they have live music sometimes. The back bit is outdoors, for smokers obviously.
The first thing come up in mind when talking about Golden Lion is a very good selection of cider, by the fact that St. Ives is a town of cider drinkers, this pub is such a bonus. They also have ales and some good names of whisky.
Staff are hands on and very friendly, some of them could be very funny too.