The lion is my living room away from home! I really like this place, it's a nice place to meet friends for a beer after work or to watch the game.
I like sitting upstairs, I find it a little less crowded and the downstairs bar has a tendency to feel like you're standing in a hallway but that being said it's still far and away the best place to have a beer in the neighborhood.
The lion is also one of my favorite places to grab a bite I would say everything on the menu is pretty good, other then the fish and chips and the burger which are awesome, everything else is good and I can assure you that you won't be disappointed.
The service has always been good the wait staff always very nice and ready with a suggestion on what's good to eat or what type of beer to drink. The system of waiters, waitresses and busboys ensures that you get good service even when they're packed on Friday and Saturday nights.
The decor has modern pub written all over it, with all sorts of faux British decorations all over the walls. The first floor layout is a little odd if you want to stand at the bar since you will be in the space that serves as the hallway that leads to the back of the pub but upstairs is great and if given a choice I enjoy sitting up there.
The only caution I would give, is that if you're looking to have a quiet dinner where you can have a conversation with your dinner companion this may not be the greatest place. It tends to get very noisy in the evening, making conversation difficult without yelling. Drop in on a game night for a beer I know you'll be sold too.