Review The Golden Lion - Port Isaac

Nice pub, good food, tasty beer and good service. This is a busy place so getting a table might be tricky for walk-ins, but worth a stop if you've come to Port Isaac. A great selection of St Austell beers and a decent menu. I went with the fish and chips which was very nice. I really thought the fish was fresh tasting and loved the chips. The other dish is ham eggs and chips, and boy was the ham fantastic, really thick and full of flavour. Price wise it was about average for the area with food being about £15-18 for mains. Well worth a visit!

This is a charming pub in a beautiful location overlooking Port Isaac, Cornwall. The staff are really friendly here and very welcoming of pets. We dropped in for late lunch and ordered several small plates, of which I'd recommend the Squid, sardines, prawns, and Oysters. These were really light, but very tasty. For mains, we got fish and chips and muscles, and they've got to be the biggest portion I've ever had! They were fresh and massive. Everything was served with nice bread. Overall, the service was great, and the food was too excellent, I definelty recommend stopping by here for a drink and bite to eat.

The "Crab and Lobster" of Port Isaac, Red Lion has a classic British pub feel. Stop in for a pint after a nice walk about or anytime for a great lunch and/or dinner. My husband and I both went to enjoy the classic fish and chips for dinner and were amazed at the size of the fish we got! One piece was definitely enough, and I especially loved adding the vinegar for a bit of tang.  The chips were served hot and crispy and in the right amount. There's seating on multiple floors, including a small outdoor patio area that fills up fast, but the main floor is bright and cozy, and the bartenders were very friendly and engaging. Since there aren't a ton of restaurants in Port Isaac, there's a good chance you will find yourself here. Enjoy it! The drink, the food and the people are amazing and make you feel welcome.

Awesome pub. Fab food , lovely staff and the setting is just perfect. Sir on the balcony looking over port isaac slipway and beach. Famous port Isaac , home to Doc Martin and fishermans Friends. Don't miss out. It's our Happy Place.

Excellent pub. We only had a drink, but like everyone it reminds you of Doc Martin & Fishermean's Friends.. Lovely village and well worth a visit. A word of warning if your mobility is a problem there are very steep hills around the village.

This is a proper coastal pub. Excellent views overlooking the harbour and good selection of Cornish Ales. Staff friendly.

Must vist if you love Fisherman Friends & Dr Martin, friendly staff, amazing drinks. Went down to the harbour bay, enjoyed going across the rock pool to the caves to explore

Bookings are done via the website. The restaurant itself is very popular. The food is amazing and prices are fair. The staff are really friendly and very helpful. Orders are given at the bar by the patrons and not the staff. Ventilation could be a little better as it was very hot even though the windows were open. An oscillating stand up fan would have made a difference. The view over the harbour is quite spectacular. All in all,a great place to eat and socialize with friends or family.

Stunning place. 1st time in port Issac but definitely not the last. The Golden Lion is a lovely pub with amazing views of the harbor. We will be back.

Never disappoints. Lovely atmosphere and very talented chef! Best Sunday roast we've had anywhere!

Having moved to Tintagel in Cornwall during lockdown, we first visited The Golden Lion, Port Isaac in March 2022. What a fantastic find! On our first visit, we walked through the door on a busy Sunday afternoon where Port Isaac locals and visitors alike were enjoying the views over Port Isaac harbour while listening to live music in the bar. We were warmly greeted by the landlady, Lisa. Although she was right in the middle of service, she took the time to welcome us and find us a great table in the snug area. We were settled beside the bar, with an open fire to keep us warm – perfect! Fans of Doc Martin will recognize the pub from the series. It’s beautifully charming and characterful, with several roomy areas downstairs, an upstairs dining area and a balcony looking out over the harbour. Build in the 18th century, it has an old world nautical feel, where you can imagine swashbucklers and pirates enjoying a flagon ;-) The restrooms are clean and spacious. The pub is nestled in the heart of the sights and shops of the village. We enjoyed that first afternoon immensely. The bar hosts a fantastic choice of local beers and cyders, lots of spirits, including local Cornish gins and a great menu of wine choices. The food was scrumptious. Fresh seafood and mussels, sandwiches, pies, burgers and daily specials. Since our first visit, we’ve returned on many occasions and have always enjoyed the flavourful dishes from the menu. We love the atmosphere at The Golden Lion. Lisa and the team are always so friendly and welcoming. It is a proper local village pub, with a warm smile every time you return. We visit the pub regularly and always ensure that we bring friends to visit when they come to see us in Cornwall. As locals, we are so lucky to have such a great place to visit. Support local and make sure you put The Golden Lion on your itinerary. You will not regret it!

Was not expecting anything exciting but shared the best fish and chips I’ve had with my family. Perfectly cooked and really tasty. Also great choice of drinks. If you can grab a table outside looking over the beach and Port Isaac while you enjoy your meal.

We’ve visited Port Isaac at Easter for over 20 yrs and spent many an afternoon and evening in here. We hadn’t eaten here that much previously but they have a new Team in charge now and ‘Wowsers’ have they transformed the menu. It’s Spanish/Cornish themed and they do Tapas too. It all looked great but for our first meal off the menu it had to be Fish & Chips and it was just delicious. Based on this meal we have booked in again and we will try the Tapas. If you fancy a dessert go for the Lemon Meringue, and just try a resist licking the plate afterwards. 👍👏👏👏😋😋😋 PS it was so delicious I forgot to take a photo of it 🙄

We’ll we’ve been visiting The Golden Lion for years and it’s had highs and lows food wise but the Location is incredible. New owners from Saturday night and the crew have hit the ground running Cornish Inns 5th pub from what I’ve gleaned from website. Rachel and Jessie have been absolutely fantastic and super friendly and helpful, we’ve visited three times so far first night nibbles and a pint on the house and a meal upstairs last night and bar menu tonight which was gorgeous. The upstairs restaurant serves “ Sharing Platers” and mix and match small plates. In the bar areas more traditional pub food but everything we’ve tried has been superb! I’ll try to add couple photos of the bar Ham Egg and Chips and the Sausages and mash. They have Hicks Tribute and Proper Job on tap so all in all perfect combination of location food and Ale. 10/10 , we are regularly in Port Isaac and will be returning for sure!

Lovely location, friendly staff and drinks reasonably priced. Great views of the bay

Title: A Quaint Pub Experience with a Dash of Doc Martin at The Golden Lion, Port Isaac Rating: ★★★★☆ Located in the charming coastal village of Port Isaac, The Golden Lion offers visitors a delightful pub experience, complete with a subtle connection to the beloved television series, Doc Martin. With its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and a touch of local charm, this establishment captures the essence of a traditional English pub. Upon stepping inside The Golden Lion, you'll be greeted by the warm glow of low-hanging lights, rustic wooden beams, and the comforting smell of home-cooked food. The interior exudes a timeless charm, transporting you to a bygone era. The pub is tastefully decorated with nautical accents, giving a subtle nod to Port Isaac's fishing heritage. The staff at The Golden Lion are attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the menu. Whether you're a local or a visitor, they'll make you feel right at home. The service is prompt and friendly, ensuring that you're well taken care of throughout your visit. Now, for the Doc Martin enthusiasts, The Golden Lion's connection to the famous television series adds an extra layer of allure. As you may know, Port Isaac was the backdrop for the fictional village of Portwenn in the show. Fans will be delighted to discover that The Golden Lion served as the inspiration for the fictional pub, The Crab and Lobster. While Doc Martin himself may not make an appearance, the pub's connection to the series adds a touch of excitement for fans to relish. Of course, no pub experience is complete without good food and drink. The Golden Lion's menu offers a variety of classic pub fare, including hearty pies, fish and chips, and delicious burgers. The ingredients are fresh, and the dishes are well-prepared, paying homage to the local flavors and traditions of Cornwall. Don't forget to try their selection of local ales and ciders, which perfectly complement the food and add to the overall authenticity of the experience. A visit to The Golden Lion wouldn't be complete without taking a moment to explore the picturesque village of Port Isaac itself. Stroll along the narrow streets, lined with whitewashed cottages, or take a leisurely walk along the scenic coastal paths. The pub's location offers a perfect vantage point to soak in the tranquil beauty of the village and its stunning harbor. While The Golden Lion may not be a place where Doc Martin himself frequents, it captures the essence of the show and the spirit of Port Isaac. So, whether you're a fan of the series or simply seeking a quintessential pub experience in a lovely coastal setting, The Golden Lion is sure to leave you with cherished memories of your time in Port Isaac. Note: Please be aware that due to the evolving nature of businesses, it's always a good idea to check the latest information, such as opening hours and menu options, before visiting The Golden Lion.