One of the most important areas in London, let alone the country, Westminster is better known for its iconic landmarks (such as Westminster Hall) and the politicians that grace its streets. And when you're not perusing nearby sites or chatting shop about the UK's affairs, there's a great range of pubs and bars in which to refuel. From Whitehall's traditional wooden boozers through to more modern additions near Victoria, we've rounded up the best places to drink in Westminster.
After a stunning rooftop bar in Westminster? Then head to Market Halls Victoria for multiple venues across three floors. Soak up some incredible views while cosying up under heaters, with fully stocked bars to suit whatever occasion brings you there.
Part of the nationwide chain, All Bar One has garnered a reputation for classic cocktails and tasty comfort food. The Victoria location is no different, with the airy bar offering more than 70 bottles of wine, along with several wine-based cocktails. And if you're looking for a pretty beer garden in the city, they've got that too.
The Phoenix is a Westminster pub fronting the likes of real ales, craft beer and traditional British fare, all just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace. Better yet, their covered beer garden in the West End is ideal for alfresco drinking and dining all year round.
One of the best pubs in the area for real ale, Buckingham Arms has appeared in CAMRA's guide every year since it's been published. Not far from St James' Park, the boozer has plenty of quirky features, from a mural wall through to stained glass features on doors.
Set in 13th Century cloisters, Cellarium Cafe & Terrace makes for a delicious break after exploring nearby Westminster Abbey. The all-day space is perfect for afternoon tea or a working lunch, with deli sandwiches and sweet treats on offer too.
A neighbourhood pub that's become a popular post-work spot, The Barley Mow is a great choice for a quick pint or casual bite to eat. They've got everything from chicken and chorizo pies to plant-based burgers on the menu, with a cracking choice of Sunday roasts as well.
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Bringing village vibes to Pimlico, The Marquis of Westminster is a homely pub that's perfect for a lunch pit-stop. The menu is more British than a plate of fish and chips, with comfort food in the form of fish finger sandwiches, cheese burgers, and sausages and mash.
A short walk from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, The Feathers is a cheerful boozer that churns out crowd-pleasing grub and cask ales. Housed in a gorgeous Victorian building, it's got all the hallmarks of a traditional pub - with open fireplaces and leather chairs.
Bbar is a destination for a wide range of occasions. Cocktails are the headline, with over 60 on the list (happy hour runs Monday to Friday, 4pm to 6pm, with £7 cocktails, £5 pints and £6 wines), alongside live sports screenings throughout the week.
Food-wise, there's plenty to play with: £30 pre-theatre menus, juicy burgers, British classics and even cream tea. Plus, their outdoor terrace is great for alfresco dining.
Counting Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament as neighbours, Red Lion's walls have heard many a political secret in their time. The traditional boozer is packed with quirky features, from chandeliers to politicians' portraits. Grab a pint of ale, one of their British pies and see how some of the most important people in the country drink at this pub.
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Decked out in white tile walls and wooden floors, Victoria Taps in Westminster is known for its cracking selection of craft beers, real ales, premium lagers and spirits. They also offer artisan cocktails, or fantastic coffee if you're not drinking, alongside delicious hand-stretched pizzas or burgers to keep you fuelled as you enjoy live sport here, or just kick back in their comfy leather booths.
A stone's throw from the Palace of Westminster, don't be surprised to see a famous face or two at Marquis of Granby. The spot is named after an 18th Century war hero, and is pretty old school, with a huge oak bar and clackety furniture. As one would expect, the food here is hearty pub grub - you can't go wrong with one of their pies.
Situated in Trafalgar Square, Walkers of Whitehall is a bustling pub with a menu of British classics. Think fish 'n' chips, plant-based burgers or sausage and mash, all freshly prepared in the open kitchen. What's more, this traditional boozer maintains the original vaulted basement ceilings from when it was a bank, adding a little history to your visit.
Not one for a quiet night, Munich Cricket Club is hard to beat if you're looking for an after work knees up. The Bavarian-inspired spot is a nonstop party of oompah bands, steins of beer and some impressive German cuisine like pretzels or bratwurst.
A stone's throw from the Houses of Parliament, The Clarence is a lively boozer with a grand dining room on the first floor and a bustling bar area downstairs. You can expect a great selection of ale, wine and Champagne here, alongside a menu of British favourites and specials that change daily.
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The Loose Box is nestled a few streets away from Pimlico station, with a friendly atmosphere and cosy booths. This relaxed pub also boasts one of the best beer gardens in Westminster with a menu to match - think hand-stretched pizzas and Italian-inspired sharers.
Tucked away in the OWO Courtyard, Café Ciel serves up a splash of old school cocktail bar glamour just outside the city. All elegant art deco stylings and bold prints, it's the perfect place to grab a drink with friends, take a business lunch or settle in for live music on a Saturday night.
Take the time to taste your way through its painstakingly put together signature cocktail list, from the Cafe Bamboo to the Madeline Gimlet. When its time to refuel, take your pick from the likes of French toast, sweet pancakes, toasts and tartines.
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Fronting one of the best beer gardens in the West End, The Tattershall Castle allows you to look out over the Thames from the outdoor deck of a boat as you drink. And if you head inside, you will find a fully stocked bar and plush velvet booths for the colder months.
Fancy a battle over some beers? Arcadia Games is a Dungeons & Dragons, TTRPG, and board game space just off the Strand, in the heart of London.
Get down here for daily beginner-friendly one-shot D&D sessions set in the bar's very own persistent world - no experience needed. There's plenty to keep you refreshed while you play, from local beers and themed cocktails to toasties, nachos and chicken stew.
Not far from Tate Britain, The Morpeth Arms' walls are decked out with portraits of the illustrious and great. Head into the 'Spying Room' for views of the MI6 building and the Thames, not a bad backdrop to work through a great choice of cask ales, craft beer and a long wine list.
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Found just a short walk from Westminster Abbey, The Speaker is the perfect place to hole up, whether it's for after-work drinks or a pitstop between sightseeing. The cosy yet trendy space is pouring out tasty tipples galore, including ale, beer and wine.
Head to Westminster bar TH@51 and you'll sip your way through an experimental cocktail menu in swish surrounds, all while overlooking a glorious Victorian courtyard. The drinks list here uses ingredients from different landscapes, including mountains, deserts and urban gardens.
