Indications are that the building is pre 1770s when fire broke out in the Black Lion stables in 1773. The report stated that many horses were scorched and died of a consequence, 1782 a sale ad appeared in LJ “Large commodious Inn, greatest part new built in Humberstone Gate in the tenure of Thomas Smith, known by the sign of the Black Lyon, now called the Bulls Head, stabling for 30 horses” This report fits also the first records of licensees of Old Black Lion so far are 1850, so it could be the re named Bulls Head has reverted to the Old Black Lion, it all fits but more research is needed as reporting is scarce for this period and often inaccurate.
Black Lion Yard stood at the rear of the pub the LC described the tenants it 1834 as’not the abode of a very peaceful colony’
A beer only pub owned by Needham & Crick which applied for a wine licence in 1879. Transferred to LBM in 1891. Ansells purchased LBM c 1952. Part of the building fronting Yeoman St (then Nelson St) was a blacksmith’s.
The 1970s saw the Old Black Lion refurbed for a younger crowd. Many of the pubs in Humberstone Gate were once the centre for building workers and the locals but the surrounding streets of the Wharf Street area – vanishing under major ‘slum’ clearance – meant dwindling trade: the old fashion boozer was under threat. The breweries decided on a new ‘look’ and the Old Black Lion became the Pickwick.
The Pickwick, circa 1970s, the name is between the two Ansells signs. Fortunately, the wonderful tiled relief work of the Black Lion wasn’t obliterated – just as well as within ten years the pub had reverted to the Old Black Lion.
The pub was opposite the Palais de Dance and became popular for a drink before entering the dance hall. Double Diamond keg was the latest drink rage, which like the Pickwick soon fell out of favour. People realised that, along with Watney’s Red Barrel, these pasteurised fizzy beers had no flavour.
After the Pickwick, the pub reverted to the ‘Old’ or just Black Lion again. In 1998, the name changed to Skandals.
The Black Lion is friendly, has a Caribbean clientele music and food flavour
Street Artwork on Skandals’ side wall Yeoman St.
Some past licensees included 1850 Wm Smith, 1855 Wm Blatherwick, (1859 Thomas Grey was helping brewer Samuel Draper, when Grey found his wife Mary a servant drunk. Grey followed Mary upstairs and according to his wife assaulted her, landlord Wm Blatherwick corroborated the fact by saying she was in a beastly state of intoxication, Grey was given 2 months hard labour for assault) Wm Blatherwick died 1861 wife Sarah Blatherwick took on the licence next sessions 1862.
1869 Thomas Potter, 1873 T Smith, 1888 Harriet Lee, 1894 Wm Lee, 1901 George Dennis, 1906 Harry Oswin, 1932 Francis Scott. 1956 John Dance.