Lion, Chepstow (Pye Corner & Lion)

An old pub built in 1644 where part of its structure is built into the town's Port Wall. A place where you could once sup Hancock's Pale Ale when this pub, then called the White Lion, was a Good Beer Guide regular. Effectively there are now two businesses sharing the same premises. Entry is through a covered passage, for the Lion pub turn right into the public bar for games and TV. This room is broadly in two sections with one having comfortable sofa seating and soft chairs. On the wall either side of the first entrance is an array of nine clocks, possibly giving the times for different time zones around the world, while on the other side are a selection of mirrors beside a serious looking bookshelf. The other section has a large round table and fireplace above which is a deer head with mounted candles on either side. Old black & white prints include one of the pub in its White Lion days. The single handpump dispenses a weekly guest ale, the same can also be found in the Pye Corner cafe bar on the left with a 'Coffee Republic' franchise boasting the best coffee in town! This bar offers a stylish environment and if you don't mind the likes of Jamie Cullum crooning in your ear, just relax and enjoy the general ambience. Interesting pictures are on the walls and books of all kinds sit on many shelves around the room. One particularly interesting feature is a pictorial record of all known Chepstow pubs (69), past and present, on a glossed wood relief. The menu lists lighter bites such as jacket potatoes and sandwiches from 12-3, while paninis are served all day. Sunday lunch is available. Go past the doors to either bar to find an attractive covered courtyard. Entertainment comes in the form of DJs every Friday & Saturday, karaoke every other Wednesday. The Lion opens at noon while Pye Corner opens its doors at 9:30am.