The Golden Lion, pool in Croydon

Photo: CAMRA / WhatPub

The Golden Lion: Pool & Snooker in Croydon, London

FreeWalk-inPool tableLeague pubDartsBeer garden

144 Stanley Road, Croydon · CR0 3QB · Mo-Th 16:00-23:00; Fr 14:00-23:30; Sa 12:00-23:30; Su 12:00-21:30

The Golden Lion is a traditional back-street local on Stanley Road in Croydon, and it is the kind of two-bar boozer where the pool table earns its keep. It is a Croydon & District Pool League venue, so the table sees real league play, and you are welcome to walk in for a game when matches are not on. Expect a friendly locals' crowd, two dartboards (one tucked in its own alcove with a trophy cabinet), and a quaint rear beer garden for warmer evenings.

There is no entry charge and no booking. Hours run shorter on weekdays, opening from 4pm Monday to Thursday, with earlier starts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you want the table to yourself, come early or midweek before the league teams arrive. Drinks are keg lager plus John Smith's and Guinness, the cask handpumps having been retired.

The pool setup

There is one indoor pool table, and it is a working part of the pub rather than a token feature. The Golden Lion plays in the Croydon & District Pool League, so the table hosts proper league fixtures on match nights and draws a crowd that knows the game. Outside those nights you can walk in and play casually. Alongside the pool there are two dartboards, one set in its own alcove with a cabinet of trophies, so this is a games-minded local through and through. No booking system, just turn up and put your name down.

Good to know

Entry is free and there is no charge to use the table beyond the usual coin or staff-managed play. Weekday hours are tighter, with the doors opening at 4pm Monday to Thursday, while Friday opens at 2pm and the weekend from noon. Sunday winds down earlier at 9:30pm. The bar runs keg lager along with John Smith's and Guinness, as the cask handpumps have been removed. There is a quaint rear beer garden plus front seating, and the pub is dog-friendly.

Who it suits

This is one for people who want a genuine locals' pub rather than a polished bar. If you like your pool with a bit of league atmosphere, friendly regulars and a games room feel, it fits. Groups can play casually on quieter afternoons, but check ahead near match nights when league teams take the table. It is an easy walk-in for a relaxed game and a pint without spending anything to get through the door.

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Common questions

What is The Golden Lion in Croydon?
It is a traditional two-bar local pub at 144 Stanley Road, Croydon, with an indoor pool table, two dartboards and a rear beer garden. It is a member venue of the Croydon & District Pool League.
Is the pool free at The Golden Lion?
The pub is free to enter with no admission charge, and pool is played casually on the single indoor table. There is no booking fee to walk in and play.
Do I need to book or can I just walk in?
It is a walk-in local pub, so no booking is needed. Just turn up and put your name down for the table, though league match nights can tie it up.
How many pool tables does it have?
There is one indoor pool table. The pub also has two dartboards, one in its own alcove with a trophy cabinet.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Thursday 4pm to 11pm, Friday 2pm to 11:30pm, Saturday noon to 11:30pm, and Sunday noon to 9:30pm.
Is The Golden Lion good for a casual game of pool?
Yes, on quieter weekday afternoons you can usually get on the table easily. Near league fixtures the table is busier, so come early if you want a casual game.

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