About The Golden Lion
The Golden Lion is a pub, live music venue and community hub in central Todmorden, West Yorkshire (www.goldenliontodmorden.com ). Housed in a Grade-II-listed building (originally a mid-18th-C coaching inn with an early-19th-C addition (britishlistedbuildings.co.uk )), it features classic Yorkshire stonework and a carved lion motif on the front (britishlistedbuildings.co.uk ). In Victorian times it even hosted town meetings (it helped raise funds for the nearby Stoodley Pike monument (www.jimjarratt.co.uk )). The pub famously fell victim to severe flooding in 2012 and lay empty until 2015; since then it’s been resurrected by local owners into a thriving live-music venue. Local press praise it as a “rare success story” and “small-town ingenuity” (www.vice.com ). Beyond music, the Golden Lion is known for its Bangkok-style Thai menu and selection of real ales – one reviewer raved about the “excellent Thai food and cask ales” on offer (www.tripadvisor.ie ). Oddities add to its charm too: some patrons joke that it is the town’s “most haunted building,” and the upstairs “gig room” is unofficially open all night (fans sometimes even camp there in sleeping bags (www.vice.com )). In short, the Golden Lion is a cosy historic pub by day and a quirky, energetic music club by night.
Events and Programming
The Golden Lion’s calendar is famously eclectic. Events run almost nightly, spanning genres from Scandinavian jazz to punk to electronic dance. High-profile acts have graced its small stage – local promoters have booked legends like Jarvis Cocker and Kevin Rowland (both appearing as guest DJs) (www.yorkshirepost.co.uk ), as well as techno veterans Andrew Weatherall and Andy Votel (www.vice.com ). Headline electronic nights have featured the likes of Mr Scruff (bandfinder.uk ) and Roman Flügel (bandfinder.uk ), and even folk/indie stars (ex-Chumbawamba frontman Boff Whalley (bandfinder.uk )). Other events include comedy open-mic nights, immersive “Quad Tod” surround-sound concerts, Northern Soul and brass-band sessions, plus neighborhood DJ and dance parties. Locals emphasize that the mix is second-to-none – “rockabilly next to rural disco from Brittany… only at the Golden Lion,” as one resident put it (www.yorkshirepost.co.uk ). The pub also marks special occasions: for its 10-year anniversary (Feb 2025) it held a multi-night festival of DJs and bands. Ticket prices vary with the act – small local shows are often £5–£10, while visiting stars may charge £15–£25 – and sellouts are common on big-name nights. (For example, a spring 2024 event was explicitly advertised as “Ages 18+” (www.ticketfairy.com ).) In general, events at the Golden Lion are mostly standing-room general admission, with no assigned seating.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Golden Lion events are typically sold online in advance rather than at a local box office. The pub’s website and social-media mailing list announce on-sale dates and links to authorised ticket outlets. For popular gigs, it’s wise to purchase as soon as tickets are released – many shows do sell out. Prices depend on the act: local bands might charge under £10, while national headliners can be £15–£25. If a show isn’t sold out, a few tickets may be sold at the door on event night, but don’t count on it. There’s no staffed ticket office on site, so your best bet is to buy via the venue’s official channels or reputable UK ticketing sites. All tickets are full-price (no student or senior discounts are standard). Note that many events enforce age limits and ID checks: for example one gig poster clearly showed “Ages 18+” on its tickets (www.ticketfairy.com ). In short, plan ahead – sign up for alerts, book early, and have your ID ready at the door.
Seating and Layout
The Golden Lion is an intimate space – capacity is only about 100 people (www.skiddle.com ). The layout is basically one big rectangular room. The small stage sits at one end of the pub, and most shows are general admission. There is a short row of tables and chairs along the rear and sides (one reviewer even noted the “hard chairs” in the place (www.tripadvisor.ie )), but at peak hours the crowd often stands or moves freely. For DJ nights you may spill upstairs to an additional loft area or side space for dancing, but the main action is on the ground floor. Best spots depend on preference: being close to the stage puts you right by the performers (and the speakers), while milder fans might hang back near the bar or alcove tables. There’s no special VIP area or reserved seating – it’s all about the music. In short, don’t expect numbered seats; arrive early if you want a chair. Since the venue is old, watch your head on low beams during gigs, and be prepared for a classic pub ambience rather than a formal theatre setting.
Getting There and Parking
The Golden Lion is located on Fielden Square, in the heart of Todmorden town centre (Postcode OL14 6LZ). It’s very near the canal and opposite the old market area. Public transport access is good: Todmorden railway station is only about a 5–10 minute walk away (roughly 0.3 miles along Union Street), with TransPennine trains to Manchester (~50–60 mins) and Leeds (~60–70 mins) stopping there regularly. Several bus routes serve Todmorden – notably the Halifax–Todmorden–Rochdale service (No. 590) – with stops on Halifax Road and nearby streets. By car, there is on-site parking: Fielden Square has a public car park signposted “Golden Lion” and offers free off-street parking (www.tripadvisor.ie ). (On-street parking in Todmorden itself is mostly pay-and-display during the day, though many spaces are free in the evening.) Taxis and ride-shares can drop you right outside on the square. In practice, most visitors simply walk from the station or town center. Plan your return journey too: evening buses are less frequent so you may need a taxi or night bus for late shows.
Inside the Venue
The interior of The Golden Lion is relaxed and unpretentious – think rustic pub with a stage in the corner. Décor is simple: wooden floors, tables and a bar, with music posters on the walls. One reviewer summed it up as a very “friendly atmosphere” despite the basic furnishings (www.tripadvisor.ie ). The main bar serves a range of drinks (several cask ales are usually on tap) and the full menu of Thai food is available at the table. (Many gigs coincide with the kitchen, so you can order a curry before the music starts.) Service is informal but attentive. There’s a disabled-access restroom on the ground floor as well as a regular one just off the main room. No cloakroom is provided, so patrons typically keep coats on their chairs or at the bar. During shows you’ll often find guests mingling by the stage or at the bar; the mood is communal and friendly. In short, expect a cosy pub vibe – good music in a down-to-earth setting, just as several reviewers noted (www.tripadvisor.ie ) (www.tripadvisor.ie ).
Nearby Amenities
The Golden Lion sits in Todmorden’s historic town centre, so there are several amenities within walking distance. The pub itself serves food, but if you arrive early you could grab lunch or dinner at nearby cafés or takeaways – the streets off Fielden Square have small eateries (sandwich shops and cafés) for a quick bite. A few minutes’ walk away are other pubs (for example, The Shepherd’s Rest and local hostelries on Halifax Road) if you want a pint beforehand. There are also shops (like a Spar convenience store) and a bakery in town for snacks. If you need accommodation, Todmorden has a couple of guesthouses and B&Bs within a mile, but many out-of-town visitors stay in nearby Hebden Bridge or Halifax, which have more hotels. After a late show you can flag a taxi from the square or walk to Todmorden’s taxi rank. Note public transport is limited late at night, so arrange your trip home in advance. In general, plan to arrive at least 10–15 minutes early to find your way around and secure any parking or seats.
What Makes This Venue Special
Several factors give The Golden Lion a unique character. Firstly, it’s an old coaching inn repurposed as a club – its Grade-II-listed stone exterior and quirky lion emblem stand out in the market square (britishlistedbuildings.co.uk ). Locals even talk about its haunted reputation and paranormal stories (www.vice.com ). Inside, events here truly buck the conventional pub-night trend: for instance, the owners founded their own in-house vinyl record label to support the community (with all profits reinvested in the pub (www.halifaxcourier.co.uk )). The vibe is famously eclectic – one promoter summed it up: “I’ve played rockabilly next to rural disco from Brittany… That can only happen at the Golden Lion!” (www.yorkshirepost.co.uk ). This spirit of local initiative hasn’t gone unnoticed – critics call it “one of the small-town ingenuity and community spirit” incarnate (www.vice.com ). Even artists appreciate it: guest DJs like Andy Votel praise the Lion’s “forward-thinking, multicultural” feel, and music stars have been wowed by its intimacy. In short, it’s the combination of historic charm, creative programming and community ownership that makes The Golden Lion a beloved, one-of-a-kind venue in Yorkshire.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan to arrive early, especially for sold-out shows, since the venue is small. Doors usually open 30–60 minutes before showtime, and line-ups start shortly after. Once inside, there’s no formal dress code – casual attire and sturdy shoes (for late-night dancing) are fine. Remember to bring photo ID if you want to drink (most night events require 18+); your ticket or wristband will be checked at entry. We recommend earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud sound, as some events can be very loud in the compact space. Keep personal items to a minimum (large backpacks are often not allowed due to limited space) and note that there is no coat check – coats are typically draped on chairs or behind the bar. If navigating by car, follow the “Golden Lion – free off-street parking” signs to the Fielden Square lot (www.tripadvisor.ie ). Finally, feel free to enjoy the pub’s Thai menu before or after the show (it stays open on event nights). As a quirky bonus tip: true die-hards sometimes pack a sleeping bag and crash in the upstairs “gig room” after all-night parties (www.vice.com ), but for most visitors staying overnight isn’t necessary. Bottom line: come with an open mind and energy – and get ready for an evening that many regulars say they’ll “definitely be back” for (www.tripadvisor.ie )!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of shows and music can I expect at The Golden Lion?
The Golden Lion hosts a very wide range of events. You might see jazz and folk concerts, punk and rock gigs, DJs spinning techno or disco, and themed nights like soul or world music. It’s common to have folk one night and dance music the next. Local promoters often book experimental and diverse acts, so expect something different: reviewers say nights can range from protest folk to Breton disco in one evening! (www.yorkshirepost.co.uk ).
How do I buy tickets, and is there a box office?
There is no traditional box office at the pub. Tickets are sold online via authorised outlets only, and are usually only available in advance through the venue’s official channels (website, mailing list or event platforms). For popular gigs, tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s best to book when they go on sale. A few tickets may be left at the door if the show isn’t sold out, but don’t rely on door sales for big acts. There’s no discounted or door-price category – buy ahead for best results.
What is the capacity and seating arrangement at The Golden Lion?
The venue holds roughly 100 people (www.skiddle.com ), so it’s very intimate. It’s primarily general admission (“standing room”), with only a few tables and chairs around the edges. There are no reserved seats or VIP areas. For a music event, most people stand near the stage or mingle by the bar. If you need a seat, arrive early to grab one of the few chairs – otherwise it’s common to stand or move around freely during shows.
Where is The Golden Lion located and how can I get there?
The pub is at Fielden Square in Todmorden (postcode OL14 6LZ). By train, Todmorden station is about a 5–10 minute walk away (via Union Street). Regular trains connect Todmorden with Manchester and Leeds. By bus, local services (such as the Halifax–Todmorden–Rochdale route) stop nearby on Halifax Road or in the town centre. By car, follow signs to Fielden Square – there’s a free car park on the square (www.tripadvisor.ie ). It’s very central, so if you’re staying in Todmorden you can also walk from most parts of town.
Is there parking available, and is it free?
Yes. Fielden Square has a public car park where patrons can park, and it’s free of charge – a listing even notes “Free off-street parking” available on the square (www.tripadvisor.ie ). On-street parking (metered) is also on nearby side streets during the day (but usually free after early evening). If you plan to drive, look for the “Golden Lion (free parking)” signs at the square. The pub’s entrance is effectively on the raised walkway above the car park.
How close is it to public transport?
Very close. Todmorden railway station is about a 5–10 minute walk (roughly 0.3 miles) from the Golden Lion. Several buses also serve the town centre, with stops near the square or on Halifax Road. The main bus station is a short stroll away. After gigs, note that late-night buses are less frequent, so check timetables or arrange taxis ahead of time for the return trip.
Is The Golden Lion wheelchair accessible?
The ground-floor bar and performance area are wheelchair accessible (no steps from Fielden Square into the main bar area), and there is a disabled-access restroom on-site. However, there is no elevator to any upper levels. If you need special accommodations, it’s best to notify the venue in advance so staff can assist you on event night.
What kind of food and drink does The Golden Lion serve?
The Golden Lion is known for its authentic Thai cuisine served in a pub setting. You can order dishes like curries, noodle soups and stir-fries during open hours or events. The bar also serves a selection of local cask ales, international beers, wine and spirits. In fact, visitors often praise the “excellent Thai food and cask ales” available (www.tripadvisor.ie ). There are usually vegetarian options on the menu. The kitchen stays open into the evening, so you can enjoy a meal before or during a show.
Are there age restrictions or dress codes for events?
Most evening events at The Golden Lion require patrons to be 18 or over (the pub’s license is for adults). Indeed, event tickets often explicitly say “Ages 18+” (www.ticketfairy.com ). For earlier all-ages shows the venue will indicate if kids are welcome. As for dress, there is no formal code – casual attire (jeans, t-shirts, etc.) is perfectly fine. Just wear something comfortable for standing or dancing – sturdy shoes are a good idea on the wooden floor. In short, plan as you would for a relaxed pub night.
Can I bring cameras or record the performance?
Personal mobile phone photos are generally allowed in most pubs like this, but professional photography or video recording (large cameras, tripods, flash photography) is usually not permitted without prior approval. As a tip, if you want pictures, keep it casual. Most people focus on enjoying the show, so expect that big equipment or tripod setups will be turned away.
Are bags or search policies in effect?
The Golden Lion usually does a brief bag check at the door. Large backpacks are discouraged, but small bags or clutches are fine. In general, avoid bringing big items. There is no cloakroom, so your belongings need to stay with you (chairs can hold jackets or small bags). The venue’s priority is safety and space, so carrying only what you need is best.
When should I arrive for a show?
Most events start around 8–9pm, with doors opening about half an hour to an hour earlier. To get a good spot, arrive at door opening time. If seating is important to you, arriving early will help secure one of the limited chairs. For very popular gigs, fans sometimes queue outside before doors open. In summary: aim to show up at least 20–30 minutes before the advertised start time.
Can I eat at The Golden Lion, and do they have vegetarian options?
Yes – despite being a pub, the Golden Lion is effectively a Thai restaurant. The menu includes curries, noodle dishes, and more, and vegetarians/vegans will find options (e.g. tofu or vegetable curries). You can order food anytime during open kitchen hours, including right before a show. Prices are reasonable. There’s no outside food allowed, so most people eat from the menu. Don’t expect typical British pub fare here – it’s all Thai-style dishes, which many patrons rave about (www.tripadvisor.ie ).
Is there a coat check or locker?
No, The Golden Lion does not have a formal cloakroom service. Guests usually leave coats on the back of chairs or hang them on hooks if available. Since space is tight, light layers are recommended – you may finally shed extra jackets once the room warms up. If you bring a large coat, just keep it with you at your spot in the seating or standing area.
When is the last train or bus after concerts?
Public transport in Todmorden is limited late at night. TransPennine trains to Manchester and Leeds typically run until around 11pm–12am, but schedules vary (check current timetables). The 590 bus has a last run often around 9-10pm. If your show runs late, it’s a good idea to check return transit times in advance or arrange a taxi ahead of time. Rideshare or local taxi numbers are available in town for safe late-night travel.
The Golden Lion, Todmorden venue information, concerts, events, tickets, seating, transport, accessibility, food, parking, history, architecture, FAQ.
