Best Bars And Pubs In Westminster

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.

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 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.

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 DJ sets and live mix sessions throughout the week.

Food-wise, there's plenty to play with: £15 to £20 set menus, express pasta lunches from £10, and a roster of indulgent afternoon teas, from the South African-inspired Traditional Afternoon Tea to the playful fish and chips version, plus bottomless prosecco upgrades. There's also cocktail tastings, cheese-and-wine pairings, Champagne safaris and even paint-and-sip sessions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.