11 Best Pubs in Westminster, London: Local Drinks Guide

Westminster is one of London’s most historically rich areas for a pub visit. The streets around Parliament, Whitehall, and Millbank have been lined with taverns and alehouses for centuries — and today the area still delivers some of the most characterful drinking in the capital. 

Whether you are a tourist looking for a pint with a view of Big Ben, a local after a proper real ale, or someone in search of a gastropub Sunday Roast, Westminster has a pub that fits.

This guide covers the 11 best pubs in Westminster, ranked and described with practical information to help you choose the right one for your visit.

How to Choose the Right Pub in Westminster

For tourists visiting the landmarks: St Stephen’s Tavern and The Red Lion (Parliament Street) are the most convenient options. Both sit within a two-minute walk of Westminster tube station and the Houses of Parliament, and both have Division Bells that connect them to Westminster’s political life.

For a riverside drink: The Morpeth Arms on Millbank is the standout choice — it sits on the north bank of the Thames with direct views across to the MI6 building in Vauxhall. Head upstairs to their Spying Room for the best vantage point.

For real ale enthusiasts: The Buckingham Arms and Old Shades both maintain strong cask ale programmes with traditional interiors that haven’t been over-renovated.

For a full meal or Sunday Roast: The Blue Boar is the top pick in 2026 — it won Best Pub & Bar in Greater London at the National Pub & Bar Awards and serves a Sunday Roast with live music every week.

For a hidden gem: The Grenadier in Belgrave Mews is one of the most characterful pubs in all of London. You’ll need to know where it is — it’s tucked behind Wilton Crescent down a cobbled mews — but it rewards the detour.

Historic and Political Pubs in Westminster

These are the pubs most closely tied to Westminster’s identity as the seat of British government. All are within walking distance of Parliament Square.

1) St Stephen’s Tavern

✨ Best For: Tourists, history lovers, post-sightseeing pints

St Stephen’s Tavern has been a Westminster institution since 1875 and remains one of the most significant pubs in the area. Positioned directly opposite the Houses of Parliament on Bridge Street, it is the closest pub to Big Ben and arguably the most famous pub in Westminster.

The interior is Victorian throughout — ornate tiling, carved wood, and etched glass that has survived largely intact. The pub’s most distinctive feature is its original Division Bell, which rings to alert MPs that a parliamentary vote is imminent. Politicians have eight minutes to return to the chamber once the bell sounds, which means the pub has always attracted a crowd of MPs, journalists, and civil servants who know exactly how long they have.

Prime Ministers including Baldwin, Churchill, and Macmillan have all passed through its doors. Today the pub balances its historic character with genuine hospitality for visitors. The food is traditional — fish and chips, pies, and British pub classics — and the ales include their own Badger and Outland beers.

2026 note: St Stephen’s continues to be one of the most-reviewed pubs in Westminster on Google, holding a 4.3 rating from over 6,000 reviews.

📊Rating: 4.3 (6,873 reviews)
📍Location: 10 Bridge St, London SW1A 2JR, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 20 7925 2286
🌐Website: St Stephen’s Tavern Website

2) The Red Lion, Parliament Street

✨ Best For: Political atmosphere, history buffs, civil servants’ local

The Red Lion on Parliament Street is one of the most historically significant pubs in Westminster and arguably the main village pub of the area. There has been a pub on this site for over 500 years. The current Grade II listed building dates from the 1890s and has changed little since — portraits of Prime Ministers line the walls, chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and a Division Bell connects the pub directly to the parliamentary vote system.

Owned by Fuller’s, The Red Lion attracts a loyal crowd of civil servants, journalists, politicians, and tourists. It is often busy regardless of the time of day, but that is part of its character. If Westminster functions as a village, this is its main square.

The menu covers traditional British pub food, and the ale selection is solid throughout. Its location on Parliament Street — between Westminster tube station and Trafalgar Square — makes it one of the most convenient pubs in the area for visitors.

📊Rating: 4.2 (5,121 reviews)
📍Location: 48 Parliament St, London SW1A 2NH
📞Contact: +44 20 7930 5826
🌐Website: The Red Lion Website

3) Two Chairmen

✨ Best For: 18th-century heritage, quiet afternoon pint, real ale

Two Chairmen is one of Westminster’s most beautifully preserved historic pubs. The building dates to the 18th century and its original features remain largely intact — exposed wooden ceiling beams, traditional open fireplaces, and leaded glass windows that filter the light into the bar. A detailed wall mural is one of the more unusual interior features and gives the pub a character you rarely find in central London.

The name refers to the sedan chair carriers who once operated in the area and would gather here between jobs. That sense of history is still present today. The pub sits on Dartmouth Street in a relatively quiet corner of Westminster, which means it attracts a steady crowd of regulars rather than the tourist spillover that some of the Parliament Street pubs receive.

The staff know their ales, the food is good pub cooking, and the atmosphere stays genuinely convivial in the evenings. It is a particularly good choice for an afternoon drink if you want to settle in without the crowds.

📊Rating: 4.4 (1,763 reviews)
📍Location: 39 Dartmouth St, London SW1H 9BP
📞Contact: +44 20 7222 8694
🌐Website: Two Chairmen Website

4) Old Shades

✨ Best For: Traditional real ale, local atmosphere, Whitehall location

Old Shades sits on Whitehall just steps from the political centre of Westminster and has the feel of a pub that has not had to try too hard for decades — because it does not need to. The wooden panelling, tiled floors, and leather banquette seating create a traditional interior that is genuinely comfortable rather than performatively heritage.

The pub draws a reliable mix of civil servants, tourists, and locals. The real ale selection rotates and the staff are well-informed about what is on. It is not a gastropub and does not try to be — this is a place where you come for a proper pint, not a tasting menu.

Its Whitehall location makes it a natural stop after visiting the Churchill War Rooms, Horse Guards Parade, or the Cabinet Office. The atmosphere stays lively at lunchtimes and early evenings, then settles into something quieter as the night goes on.

📊Rating: 4.7 (5,079 reviews)
📍Location: 37 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 20 7839 8577
🌐Website: Old Shades Website

Traditional Neighbourhood Pubs in Westminster

These pubs are less tied to the tourist trail and more embedded in the day-to-day life of the area. They are the kind of places locals return to week after week.

5) Buckingham Arms

✨ Best For: Real ale, neighbourhood regulars, leaded-window charm

The Buckingham Arms is a Fuller’s pub on Petty France that consistently ranks among the best-loved neighbourhood pubs in Westminster. The beautiful leaded windows are the first thing you notice from outside — they give the building a warmth and character that sets it apart from the plainer frontages on the same street.

Inside, the pub has a spacious layout that handles busy periods well without ever feeling impersonal. The ale selection is reliably good — this is a Fuller’s house, so London Pride and ESB are constants, alongside rotating guest ales. The food covers solid British pub classics and is a reliable option after a day of sightseeing.

The Buckingham Arms sits next door to the Fabian Society and close to the Ministry of Justice, which gives it a natural base of politically minded regulars. It is a short walk from both St James’s Park tube station and Wellington Barracks, making it easy to incorporate into a longer Westminster walk.

📊Rating: 4.6 (1,787 reviews)
📍Location: 62 Petty France, London SW1H 9EU, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 20 7222 3386
🌐Website: Buckingham Arms Website

6) Morpeth Arms

✨ Best For: Thames riverside views, unique history, Sunday Roast

The Morpeth Arms is one of Westminster’s most distinctive pubs by virtue of its location alone. Sitting on Millbank on the north bank of the Thames, it offers a direct line of sight across the river to the MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall — a view that is as London as it gets.

The building’s history adds considerably to its appeal. The pub was originally built to serve the workers and wardens of Millbank Prison, one of London’s most notorious 19th-century penitentiaries. A section of the original prison corridor survives downstairs and is open to visitors. Locals say it is haunted, and the atmospheric space below ground gives some credence to that claim.

The ground floor bar is traditionally decorated with Young’s ales on tap and a menu of British pub food made with seasonal produce. The first-floor Spying Room — their private event space — offers elevated Thames views and can be hired for private gatherings. The Sunday Roast is one of the best in Pimlico and regularly books out.

2026 update: The Morpeth Arms is screening all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live across three screens this summer, with group food and drink packages available. Book ahead for match days.

📊Rating: 4.3 (1,691 reviews)
📍Location: 58 Millbank, London SW1P 4RW
📞Contact: +44 20 7834 6442
🌐Website: Morpeth Arms Website

7) Grafton Arms

✨ Best For: Pub dining, local crowd, Victoria Street convenience

The Grafton Arms sits on Strutton Ground in a part of Westminster that is slightly removed from the tourist flow, which means the crowd here is more authentically local. The pub functions equally well as a traditional boozer or a sit-down restaurant, so it suits both a quick pint after work and a full meal.

The interior blends traditional elements with a comfortable, unfussy modernity. The food menu is solid — pub classics with good sourcing — and the drinks selection covers ales, wines, and spirits without overcomplicating things. The Victoria Street location keeps it accessible from Victoria tube and St James’s Park tube.

It draws a steady mix of office workers from the surrounding government buildings and neighbourhood regulars who have been coming for years. Not a landmark pub in the way that St Stephen’s Tavern is, but a reliable and genuinely local one.

📊Rating: 4.3 (1,409 reviews)
📍Location: 2 Strutton Ground, London SW1P 2HP
📞Contact: +44 20 7222 7310
🌐Website: Grafton Arms Website

Modern Westminster Pubs and Gastropubs

These pubs combine Westminster’s pub heritage with contemporary food, drink, and hospitality. They are the best options for a full evening out or a special occasion.

8. The Blue Boar

✨ Best For: Sunday Roast, Bottomless Brunch, award-winning gastropub dining

The Blue Boar at the Conrad London St. James hotel is the highest-rated gastropub in Westminster and one of the most talked-about pubs in the area in 2026. It won Best Pub & Bar in Greater London at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2022 and has continued to build on that reputation with consistently strong food and a well-run drinks programme.

The concept is a modern take on the classic London pub — the kind that takes British pub dining seriously rather than treating food as an afterthought. The menu centres on proper pub classics with quality produce: the Beef Wellington is made fresh and sliced to order, the Sunday Roast is served with live music from 7–9pm, and the Saturday Bottomless Brunch (prosecco, cocktails, or alcohol-free options, with brunch dishes including waffles, duck hash, and steak and eggs) has become one of the most popular weekend bookings in Westminster.

The interior is comfortable and relaxed — this is not a hotel bar that happens to have a pub attached. Dogs are welcome, the beer list covers craft and international options alongside British ales, and the wine list is broad.

2026 update: The Blue Boar has launched a new spring Bottomless Brunch menu for 2026. Book in advance — Saturday sessions fill quickly.

📊Rating: 4.4 (2,051 reviews)
📍Location: 37 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom
📞Contact: +44 (0) 203 301 8080
🌐Website: The Blue Boar Website

⏰ Open daily 12pm–11pm; Bottomless Brunch Saturdays; Sunday Roast with live music Sundays

9. The Grenadier

✨ Best For: Hidden gem experience, historic character, Bloody Mary

The Grenadier is one of the most atmospheric pubs in all of London, not just Westminster. Getting there is part of the experience — the pub sits at the end of Wilton Row, a narrow cobbled mews tucked behind Wilton Crescent in Belgravia. There are no signs pointing you towards it. You either know where it is or you find it by luck.

The pub dates to 1720 and was originally the officers’ mess for the First Royal Regiment of Foot Guards stationed nearby. It still has the low ceilings, dark wood, and military memorabilia that give it the feel of a place that has been drinking here for three centuries. The alleged ghost of a Grenadier guardsman who was flogged to death for cheating at cards is said to be particularly active in September — which has done nothing to harm its reputation.

The Bloody Mary is considered one of the best in London and draws a dedicated following. The food is traditional pub cooking and the ales are well kept. It is a short walk from Hyde Park Corner tube and makes a natural pairing with a walk through Green Park or St James’s Park.

📊Rating: 4.6 (2,581 reviews)
📍Location:18 Wilton Row, London SW1X 7NR, United Kingdom

📞Contact: +442032052915
🌐Website: The Grenadier Website

10. The Feathers

✨ Best For: Post-sightseeing casual drinks, covered beer garden, Victorian charm

The Feathers is a large Nicholsons pub on Broadway near St James’s Park tube station and makes a reliable choice for anyone who has spent the day on the Westminster tourist circuit and wants a reasonably priced pint in comfortable surroundings. The Victorian building is handsome — high ceilings, wooden floors, and open fireplaces give it a classic pub feel without the fussiness of the more heritage-focused options nearby.

The covered beer garden is a genuine advantage for London weather — you can drink outside year-round without being at the mercy of the rain. The food menu is standard pub fare, the cask ale selection is solid, and the service is efficient. It gets busy around the tourist rush hours but settles down in the early evening.

📊Rating: 4.6 (2,581 reviews)
📍Location:18-20 Broadway, Greater, London SW1H 0BH, United Kingdom

📞Contact: +442072270921
🌐Website: The Feathers Website

11. The Silver Cross

✨ Best For: Central location, historic building, Whitehall walk

The Silver Cross has been licensed as a pub since 1674, making it one of the oldest licensed premises in London. It sits on Whitehall between Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square, which puts it in one of the most-walked stretches of street in the capital.

The building has been considerably modernised inside compared to some of its older neighbours, but the location and the history remain compelling reasons to stop in. It is convenient for visitors who are moving between Westminster’s political sites and the Trafalgar Square area and want a pint without committing to a full sit-down pub visit.

The drinks selection is broad and the pricing is reasonable given the Whitehall address. Its Google rating of 4.3 reflects a pub that delivers what it promises reliably rather than one with standout ambitions.

📊Rating: 4.1 (4,162 reviews)
📍Location:33 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom

📞Contact: +442079308350
🌐Website: The Silver Cross Website

What Makes Westminster Pubs Unique?

Westminster’s pubs stand out for their deep historical roots and political connections. Many feature traditional Victorian architecture and serve as gathering spots for politicians and civil servants.

Architectural and Historical Significance

You’ll find some of London’s most historically important pubs in Westminster. Many buildings date back centuries and showcase traditional British pub architecture with wooden panelling, low ceilings with exposed beams, and rickety furniture.

The area’s pubs often occupy Victorian-era buildings that have served the community for generations. These establishments frequently feature “gin palace” interiors with beautiful decorative elements that reflect their long history.

Westminster sits near Parliament, so many pubs have division bells installed. These special bells alert MPs when they need to return to the House of Commons for votes.

You can hear these bells ringing in several traditional pubs throughout the area. The architectural details make these pubs feel authentic rather than manufactured.

Original features like stained glass windows and carved bar fronts remain intact in many establishments.

Atmosphere and Local Culture

Westminster pubs serve as political meeting places where MPs, civil servants, and journalists gather. You’ll often find yourself drinking alongside people who work in government buildings nearby.

The Buckingham Arms and Walkers of Whitehall are particularly popular with political figures. These venues maintain a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that suits their clientele.

The pubs balance their roles as both tourist destinations and local establishments. You’ll experience a mix of visitors exploring the area and regulars who work in Westminster’s government offices.

Many Westminster pubs focus heavily on food service, feeling more like gastropubs than traditional drinking establishments. This reflects the area’s professional crowd who often combine business meals with drinks.

Tips for Visiting Pubs in Westminster

Westminster’s location near major attractions means timing your visits and understanding local customs will help you make the most of your pub experience. You’ll want to know when pubs are busiest and how to blend in with the locals.

Best Times to Visit

Weekday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm offer the quietest atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of seating and can chat easily with bartenders.

Early evenings from 5pm to 7pm get busy with after-work crowds, especially near government buildings. Politicians and civil servants often stop for drinks during this time.

Weekend lunchtimes are perfect for traditional pub meals. Most Westminster pubs serve food between 12pm and 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Avoid Friday evenings after 6pm if you want a quiet drink. Pubs near Westminster Abbey and Big Ben fill up with tourists and locals celebrating the weekend.

Thursday nights tend to be livelier than other weekdays but less crowded than weekends.

Pub Etiquette in London

Always order at the bar rather than waiting for table service. Queue politely and wait your turn without pushing forward.

Buy rounds when drinking with others. Each person takes turns buying drinks for the whole group.

Don’t wave money or shout to get the bartender’s attention. Make eye contact and wait to be served.

Keep conversations at reasonable volumes. Westminster pubs often attract businesspeople and locals who prefer quieter atmospheres.

Mind the closing times. Most pubs stop serving at 11pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends, with last orders called 30 minutes before.

Conclusion

Westminster is one of the most rewarding areas in London for a pub crawl. The history is on the walls, the ales are properly kept, and almost every pub in the area sits within walking distance of a landmark you were planning to visit anyway. Whether you are working your way from St Stephen’s Tavern down to The Morpeth Arms along the Thames, or discovering the hidden character of The Grenadier down its cobbled mews, the pubs here reward curiosity.

Looking for a flat to rent near Westminster’s best pubs? JF Property Partners offers quality rental flats throughout Westminster Borough, many within walking distance of these brilliant local establishments. Contact us at info@jfpropertypartners.com or call +44 7457 427143 to discuss available flats.

Visit our website to explore available properties. You can also get in touch directly through our contact page to discuss your specific requirements in this vibrant area of London.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous pub in Westminster?

St Stephen’s Tavern on Bridge Street is widely considered the most famous pub in Westminster. It has operated since 1875, sits directly opposite the Houses of Parliament, and features an original Division Bell that alerts MPs to parliamentary votes. Prime Ministers including Churchill and Macmillan have visited.

Which Westminster pub is closest to Big Ben?

St Stephen’s Tavern is the closest pub to Big Ben, located at 10 Bridge Street — under a minute’s walk from the Elizabeth Tower. It is the natural first stop after visiting Westminster Bridge or the Palace of Westminster.

Which pubs in Westminster have a Division Bell?

St Stephen’s Tavern and The Red Lion on Parliament Street both have Division Bells. These ring when MPs must return to the chamber for a vote — they have eight minutes from the bell to reach the division lobbies. Both pubs have served as a last-chance drink spot for MPs on their way back to Parliament for well over a century.

Are there any Westminster pubs with Thames views?

Yes. The Morpeth Arms on Millbank is the best option, sitting directly on the north bank of the Thames with unobstructed views across to the MI6 building in Vauxhall. For something more unusual, the Tattershall Castle — a moored boat near Embankment — offers drinks on the river itself, though it is technically in the London Borough of Lambeth on the opposite bank.

What is the best pub for real ale in Westminster?

The Buckingham Arms on Petty France is a Fuller’s pub with a strong real ale reputation and a traditional interior. Old Shades on Whitehall also offers a rotating selection of cask ales and is popular with ale enthusiasts who want a no-nonsense drinking environment.

What is the best gastropub in Westminster in 2026?

The Blue Boar at the Conrad London St. James hotel is the top gastropub in Westminster in 2026. It won Best Pub & Bar in Greater London at the National Pub & Bar Awards and is known for its Sunday Roast with live music, its Saturday Bottomless Brunch, and its seasonal British pub menu.

Are Westminster pubs suitable for tourists?

Most Westminster pubs are accustomed to a mixed crowd of tourists and locals, particularly those near Parliament Square and Whitehall. St Stephen’s Tavern, The Red Lion, The Buckingham Arms, and Two Chairmen are all tourist-friendly — close to the main landmarks and experienced at handling visitors who may not know London’s pub etiquette.

Is there a hidden gem pub in Westminster?

The Grenadier in Wilton Row is widely considered the best hidden gem pub in Westminster and one of the most atmospheric pubs in London. It is tucked down a cobbled Belgrave mews and is not signposted — finding it is part of the experience. The Bloody Mary is among the best in the city.

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