Every pub has a bar. Every pub serves drinks. But we believe the best pubs are about so much more than that.
They're the places where muddy boots are welcome after a countryside walk. Where dogs find a cosy spot under the table. Where strangers become friends over a pint, children play safely in the garden, and one quick drink somehow turns into an evening you never planned.
The Black Lion is full of little spaces, each with its own character and story. Whether you're here for wood-fired pizza, live sport, a quiet meal, a family celebration or simply to watch the sun set across the Essex countryside, we hope you'll find your favourite corner.
Let's take a look around…
While our traditional front door is full of character, most of our regulars head through the Sports Bar entrance from the High Street. During opening hours you'll always find this door open, so whether you're visiting for the first time or the hundredth, come on in and make yourself at home.
Whether it's football, rugby, racing or the biggest sporting events of the year, our Sports Bar is where friends gather, celebrations happen and rivalries are forgotten over a pint. If it's on ITV or BBC, we'll be showing it.
You'll also find our fruit machine tucked away here, should you fancy trying your luck before wandering through to the rest of the pub.
This is where stories are shared, familiar faces become friends and strangers never stay strangers for long. Pull up a stool, order your favourite drink and settle in.
As the evenings draw in and the fire begins to crackle, there's nowhere we'd rather be. Winter at The Black Lion is all about slowing down, settling in and enjoying good company.
Whether you're joining us for a relaxed lunch, an evening meal or celebrating with family and friends, our restaurant is designed for exactly that - bringing people together around the table.
Step through the side door and everything opens up. Fresh air, open space and some of our favourite corners of The Black Lion are waiting just outside.
Whether you're enjoying a quiet pint, sharing wood-fired pizza with friends or simply soaking up the fresh Essex air, our beer garden is a place where time seems to slow down. Find a seat, relax and stay a little longer.
Just beyond the beer garden you'll find our Family Garden, a quieter corner of The Black Lion with plenty of space to relax together.
We're already planning its next chapter too, with a dedicated children's play area coming soon. We can't wait to watch another part of The Lion come to life.
A true feature of The Black Lion, our traditional Cart Lodge is home to three very different spaces, each with its own character.
Hidden away behind the Cart Lodge is our Secret Garden.
It's quietly waiting for its transformation, and over the coming years we can't wait to turn it into another beautiful corner of The Black Lion for everyone to enjoy.
Watch this space…
Available for private hire, Arry's Bar is the perfect setting for birthdays, celebrations and special occasions with family and friends.
Named after Arry, one of The Black Lion's much-loved dogs, this little corner of the pub has recently taken on an even more special meaning. His memory lives on here, and we know many familiar faces will smile every time they see his name above the bar.
You can enjoy the sunset from anywhere in our gardens, but if you ask us, we'd recommend grabbing one of the high tables in the beer garden, ordering one more drink and watching the sun disappear across the Family Garden and over the fields beyond.
Follow the path through the gardens and you'll find a gate leading directly onto the surrounding public footpaths.
Whether you're setting off for a walk, returning from the countryside or simply enjoying a wander around the village, it's one of our favourite features of The Black Lion. Many local people use this path every day, and we love being part of that.
Take a look at our downloadable walking routes, coming soon.
Well-behaved dogs are always welcome inside the pub and throughout the gardens. Fresh water, treats and plenty of fuss are never far away, especially after a countryside walk. Read more on our dog-friendly page.
Every corner of The Black Lion has its own story, but the best part has always been the people. Whether you're a familiar face, visiting for the very first time or simply passing through, we hope you'll leave feeling like you've found your local.
The door will always be open, and we'll always be ready to welcome you.
HIGH RODING, ESSEX
Curious who's behind it all?
The Next Chapter
