This oak-beamed 17th century pub on the main A21 was built when Locksbottom was a village, rather than a part of Orpington. It contains several different eating areas, but customers are more than welcome just to come in and enjoy a pint. The pub also boasts a log fire and a walled garden. Children under 14 not allowed.
The pub hosts a variety of events, including a jazz night on the last Sunday of each month, and a Jam night on the last Monday. For up-to-date information about forthcoming events see the pub's Facebook site (linked above), or the blackboard to the right of the bar.
The pub is also convenient for the nearby Princess Royal University Hospital.
Instagram page is @yeoldewhytelyon
Historic Interest
Dating from 1626, this was originally called the "White Lion" and served as a coaching inn on the London to Hastings and Rye coach road. Its location at the junction of roads from Croydon and Orpington on Farnborough Common led to its importance as a stop for travellers. Once overlooking the village pond, the latter was overlaid by road widening on what is now the A21. In the 19th C, the pub also served as a magistrates court, where Charles Darwin was magistrate from 1857 until his death in 1882. Locksbottom (originally "Lock's Bottom") takes its name from the local landowner, who lived in a nearby farm in the 18th C. Its growth as a suburb occurred in the 1920s.
This Pub serves no changing beers and 3 regular beers.
Whyte Lyon (Ye Olde), Locksbottom