please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
It's a Thursday evening i've been at a conference all day and need a stiff drink. I come out of the conference centre turn to my left and i see the Westminster Arms. It would be rude not to make my first visit to this traditional Shepherd and Neame pub.
It's very busy outside but luckyily there's room at the bar to order and stand. I'm greeted by 5 bar staff who are working quickly and efficiently
On the bar for ale drinkers are 7 taps all offering Sheps ales. The several pints of Goldings I have during the course of the evening are all very well kept.
Large mirrors adorn the walls giving the impression the pub is bigger than it actually is. As i said earlier this is a very traditional pub.
There's also an upstairs dining room & downstairs wine bar, so plenty of oppertunity for this pub to cash in and during my visit it certainly was.
I'm really unsure why i haven't been here before as it's a cracking pub.
Very close to Westminster Abbey & St James's Park.
|
Pub off Parliament Square that's full of thrusting civil servants. Quite light and airy and not too busy, but busy enough to create an atmosphere. Beer was mainly Shepherd Neame, and although I'm not a fan of Master Brew (eeeeurghhh) or Spitfire, the Whitstable Pale Ale was very quaffable and at £3.85 per pint is reasonable value for the local area.
While not outstanding I'd go there again if I was in the vicinity.
|
We visited this pub on a Sunday lunch time with my baby daughter and mother in law. We found the owner rather unpleasant and grumpy. The food portions were minimal and the quality very very very poor. If it wasn't for the location and it's history it should be closed. Maybe an ok place for night drinks
|
A rather nice pub, can get rather crowded in the evenings due to the regulars of public servants and MPs. I found the atmosphere rather nice and the landlord just adds character and is always willing to talk about football or anything else. Another great thing is that I once stopped in there on the way to a football match in full football regalia and there were no eyes turned in shock or anything like that at all.
|
Shepherd Neame pub tucked away just around the corner from Westminster Abbey. The bar area has no tables whatsoever. Upright drinking is the norm here. Although there are several stools around the edges. Bare wooden floorboards provide a moody like atmosphere. The presence of a division bell gives an idea as to the clientele. Downstairs appeared to be being used by tourists for a spot of lunch on my visit yesterday. There also seemed to be an upstairs room that was closed. Wimbledon tennis was being shown on the small TV in the corner. Beers available were Canterbury Jack, Master Brew, Bishops Finger & Spitfire. Kent's Best and Late Red pumpclips were turned round. Other than that the drinks range was fairly limited. With the limited range and the lack of seating, I wouldn't go out of my way to return.
|
Can't believe I haven't bothered reviewing this one given the number of drop-ins I've made over the last decade. I found that on my most recent visit, after some months, the place had been given the most minor of makeovers, which preserved the character of the interior but spruced it up with a good lick of paint and subtle decor improvements.
The Arms used to have a fairly broad array of cask beers which I always tried to enjoy, though sometimes the quality varied - likely a function of attempting to stock 7 pumps when in fact 4 would've been more suitable. Saying that, 6 featured on Tuesday night, all Sheps now of course, and the Canterbury Jack was on decent enough form. It goes without saying that this pub was never competitively-priced, but realistically one does not go to Westminster for that. Take some comfort in the fact that they are routinely extracting maximum ackers from some of the richest members of society - namely MPs, who at any other time in the electoral cycle tend to be part of the furniture here.
For those who care, there is a TV screen showing football, or possibly cricket depending on the season.
|
Its recently been refitted and looks better. Beer is generally good and the staff are characters. The French bar man dislikes everyone, the Irish Landlord has never lost a bet on a horse in his life or missed a putt at golf. The Lady Diana Memorial Lake in the gents has gone in the refit but watch the sink tap if you have light trousers. Pricey but the staff provide the entertainment whilst drinking good ale.
|
The pub itself is nice and full of character, albeit lacking in seating. Prices are extortionate however- �3.45 for a pint of ale (Late Red)! At that price I would expect it to be perfectly kept, but I've had much better in other Shepherd Neame pubs.
Overall a 6.5 but reduced to 5 on account of the prices.
|
A Shep Neame pub just off Parliament Square the Westminster Arms is a single room with an impressive backdrop to the bar. Although the room is quite small it also has quite a high ceiling. I normally like SN pubs but this one has no seating other than a few high stools next to ledges round the wall. Hence it lacks the cosier atmosphere normally found in their pubs. Ok for a quick one after work but I am not likely to return here.
|
Always a pleasurable pub. Tres bien.
|
This was originally called Red Lion. The front bar was called The Big Ben bar.Before the monstros building opposite A Conference center,You sit /stand and see BIG BEN, Used to be frequented by Labour backbenchers.The Frenchman is a real HOOT.Never had a bad pint Westminster bitter was usually good value.brewed in Wales I believe.
|
Went in there for a lunchtime meal. Upstairs room was full, and being staffed by only one girl. She was coping, but having to work very hard!
Despite it being only 1pm., the specials were all 'off'! A pint of Bishop's Finger was well kept and this washed a barely adequately presented meal down well.
|
I think that I counted seven Shepherd Neame ales on during my visit here last Thursday. The usual Neame draught selection of Oranjeboom, Hosten Export, etc. was also available. The pub is your normal smallish London boozer and although I didn�t venture upstairs I did spot signs for a 40 seat restaurant.
There are a couple of screens in the bar, but I saw no sports advertised so I would be very surprised if Sky Sports was available. I�m not a big Shepherd Neame fan and my Spitfire wasn�t the best I�d ever had. I didn�t ask for a different pint as I thought the governor would bite my head off.
I don�t think that I�ll be going back here again.
|
The pub has recently had the whole cellar refitted, so all the beer tastes much cleaner and brighter. The "crazy frenchman" is Francois and he used to work on the ocean liner France. Knows his stuff and his "rudeness" is very definitely tongue in cheek. Tell him your birth date and he will tell you what day of the week it was. Ladies are often asked if they are 18..
|
Despite this being the closest pub to my office, I have steered clear in recent years as it was always far pricier than its competitors however, with the rain pouring and this being the only place within reach without taking a good soaking, I made my first visit here for about 2 years. It always had a decent selection of ales and guest beers so I was somewhat surprised to see 7 Shepherd Neame pumps lined up with pretty much the full range on show (Spitfire, Kent�s Best, Bishops Finger, Master Brew, Late Red and 2 pumps with the new Canterbury Jack). My second surprise was that a pint of Canterbury Jack was �2.90 which is in real terms is cheaper than when I last visited and certainly no more expensive than many other pubs in the area. The pub itself has changed very little. The single room main bar is simply furnished with very few seats, mainly tall stools and ledges. The high ceiling and light coloured walls give the bar a spacious, airy feel although it is not actually that big. There is a plasma screen at the rear, usually with Sky News but they do show footy on occasions. There are a couple of wall cabinets with books and musical instruments and a wonderful large Westminster Arms patterned mirror to break up the plainness. Being so close to the Palace of Westminster, it is popular with politicians (a division bell soon gets them scurrying off) and it also gets its share of inquisitive tourists until they realize there is nowhere to sit apart from the 2 or 3 tables outside on the pavement. Downstairs is Storey�s Wine Bar (never been in) and upstairs is the Queen Anne Dining Room (also never been in). The staff can be a bit oddball, especially the crazy Frenchman who comes over as someone out of �Allo �Allo. He may appear to be incredibly rude but behind the fa�ade is a quite a charismatic barman and he has pretty much been part of the fixtures and fittings here for many years. I always liked the Westminster Arms apart from the prices so I�m glad to have it back on my radar.
|
Great, traditional working pub. Marvellous French fella serving the pints for years. Good oh!
anonymous - 29 Sep 2008 00:57 |
One of my favorite pubs; fine selection of bitter brews:Adnams especially. Landlord of good Norman stock, 1066 and all that. When very busy, knows what I want and passes me my pint whilst part time drinkers and uncivil servents faff away ordering their wants. A must have pub address to have in your beer book chaps!
anonymous - 25 Sep 2008 09:57 |
Apparently the pub has now been acquired by Shepherd Neame.
|
Staff can be a bit surrly, but that seems to be part of the offering here. Beer is always in good order, and if you can find a space to stand or sit, it is very pleasant.
|
Small, usually busy and thus difficult to find somewhere to sit. Reasonable selection of real ales, but a strange approach to customer service from some of the staff (who seem to take a request to top-up a glass to give you something close to a pint as a personal affront). Handy for the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the QEII Conference Centre.
|
First visit here for many years and it was nice to see it hadn't change much. Stood outside and the beer I had was very drinkable. Could do far worse.
|
Visited the Westminter Arm for the first time last Wednesday Evening. Wasn't sure what to expect after reading previous reports about the Landlord.
Firstly it had seven real ale hand pumps on the bar but only three were on. Fortunately of those that were, the Adnams Bitter and Broadside were very drinkable. The Moustachioed Irish one was busy socialising with regulars all night so cannot confirm or deny the reports below. But the rest of his staff were efficient and courteous and also dished out till receipts, so you were well aware you were paying �3.00 for a pint of Broadside.
Did not go downstairs , so cannot comment on that or the food, but the upstairs bar was a very plesant location for a few beers. One comment is be aware of the push tap on the basin in the gents. Its very 'efficient' and it takes some skill to use it and come out not looking like you've had a major accident in the trouser area
|
I don�t do much drinking in this area but we had come out of a drinks reception nearby (red or white wine only) and someone recommended it for a �proper beer�. Spent a pleasant evening there although it was very busy with people spilling out onto the street. Good selection of beers with 4-5 Han pumps if I remember correctly. I think I was drinking Thwaits Double Century which was I good condition. Quite reminiscent of a City pub which is probably no surprise give its location in the heat of Westminster.
|
Suits pub closed on Sundays has around five real ales but mainly your usual selection think it closes early on saturday as well
|
Went there for a pint after ANZAC service. Lots of Ales, but the lager was not very good at all.
|
Great bar for a drink after work. Saw 6/7 real ales if that's your thing. The guiness I had was great. Prices are on the high end but not much more than I've seen in some total dives and considering its location can't complain too much. Can get extremely busy especially on friday evenings.
Barman behind the main bar on ground floor is somewhat of a local celebrity - mad frenchman, been there for years seemingly. Also landlord (a mad irishman) doesn't suffer fools gladly - saw one drunk twit very quickly leave bar with tail between legs after causing some trouble!
anonymous - 28 Mar 2007 16:03 |
Beer fine if expensive, place rather run down particularly downstairs. What a rude barman (possibly the landlord) if you scroll down to older comments this seems to be a common theme. Explains why I work next door yet have been there three times in four years.
Go to another pub. Recommend Speaker, Royal Oak or The Buckingham or the Barley Mow.
|
I popped in for a quick pint before staggering to the station and was quite surprised. Good service, nice beer, good selection and cheaper than my regular in Brighton. Completely empty downstairs when I went in so it was nice and quiet. Not sure what it would be like when it's packed as it is a bit small downstairs but nice when empty.
|
Interesting bar set up, a few outdoor tables give late pm relief on a hot day and Adnams on tap was great. Barman friendly enough to us Yanks.
|
A good range of ales but it is pricey. Can get very packed and the service isn't great. Definately better pubs nearby.
|
The pub is tourist attraction because of its location,we were very satisfied with the beer that we got on the top floor, but then we came downstairs to get something to eat. The service sucked, you have to get in line and order food,tables were dirty we had to ask to clean the table. The chef or the person who was preparing food was so rude and nasty, he didn't use gloves, wiped his sweaty forhead very frequently without washing his hands, scratching his head wiping his nose, touching his ears, awful. Oh my god, never saw something like that. Food was so fat, I got BLT that I had to throw the bacon out. Ouch... I would say the worst experince in London.
|
I ought to hate this pub. Obviously aimed at tourists, so you expect it to be full of them whinging about 'warm beer' - but it wasn't. Seven real ales, seven malt whiskies, seven dwarfs (er, persons of restricted growth) ... well, I made the last bit up. Besides, there are plenty of working folk around here and they must polish the bar with their elbows of an evening, same for people attending conferences in the nearby QECC and Methodist Central Hall.
So I don't hate this pub.
|
returned last week to find it outrageously packed and when I did order a couple of different beers they didn't taste very nice. disappointing visit.
|
Big fan of the booths downstairs, but this pub is a little on the pricey side and despite some niceish ales it somehow just doesn't feel right.
Incidentally, you don't have to be a civil servant to drink here but it certainly helps.
gcc24 - 11 Oct 2006 23:10 |
They have about 6 ales on I think. Upstairs is open with no tables but downstairs has some good little booths to drink in and they serve food (haven't sampled it). I will return to see if I really like it another day as I have no real opinion as yet.
|
not quite sure why it's got such positive feedback, apart from reasonable beer selection, as it's lacking in character. food downstairs is OK.
|
Had a pint of "westminster ale" which i was debating as 2 what brewery it came from. Came 2 the conclusion that it was prob somethin else rebranded 4 the tourists. No point asking the girl behind the bar as there did appear 2 be a bit of a language barrier!
My Rating 7/10
|
Small and full of bearded civil servants (men and women).
Real ale - but have tasted much better.
Staff seemed to be Katherine Tate fans - cause they certainly weren't bothered.
Not recommended - unless you like bearded ladies of course.
|
I visited this pub on the 13th of January 2005.The beer was okay although not quite a full pint and the barman did not utter ONE word,not a hello not even a thankyou.Shall not return,there is no excuse for rude or indifferent service.Rubbish!
|
This pub has brilliant deco and atmosphere, but the beer is terrible. At first glance it has a good selection, but they do not keep it very well. The first pint had lots of nasty sediment and was a bit stronger than it should have been, and after we had sent it back to get a different one, this again had too much sediment. At a guess I think their cellar temperature must be too high.
|
On the small side but a pleasantly old fashioned place, drinking in Westminster as it's supposed to be!
anonymous - 18 Apr 2005 17:26 |
Have had many great sessions in the WA. Downstairs is good as there really is an old style to it. Can get very busy on Friday evenings but hey everywhere that's any good round SW1 does. Recommended.
Paul - 3 Nov 2004 13:21 |
Very nice here I must say. wish they sold food on ground floor, much nicer. Food very expensive.
Glynn Rowlands - 26 Oct 2004 08:44 |
I ordered some chips on a Friday night in the cellar bar. Barmaid came over to my table and told me they were ready to collect from the bar. Felt this wasn't very good service.
df - 14 Apr 2004 16:04 |
This a great pub the beers are great, go downstairs to the the wine bar lunchtime the food is the best and so may I say is the lady and the guy who serves the food.The Best!!!
s norris - 1 Feb 2004 23:09 |
The best pub that i have had the pleasure of visiting in a long time. Its location is superb, the staff are very pleasant and the selection of Real English Ales is out of this world. I highly recommend this pub for anyone who wants a quick drink or a bite to eat. 10 out of 10.
Steve Moores - 23 Jan 2004 21:52 |
Interesting comments from Sean.
I have noticed man in moustache behaving appallingly to customers.
He is rude and spoils the pub.
Obviously thinks that it's location and captive clientele will still turn up whatever he does. Watch your change!
Steven Smith - 17 Nov 2003 09:12 |
slap bang oppisite my work,which is handy for a quick drink,bit pricy but good if ur in a rush to get back to work.
|
I loved this pub, lived there for a year or so whilst working as assistant manager around 1988. Great food and yes it's true about the place being haunted, Heard some very creepy sounds late at night! Was very quiet at weekend but filled up during the week with everyone being at work, served Roger Moore once he was in the restraunt.
|
So this pub is really good, is it? On the 5th August I entered the premises (13:10)- ordered a half-pint of Westminster Arms and gave the man with the moustache a ten pound note. He mumbled the price and went to the till to cash the money. Sure enough he came back with the wrong change, insisting that I had given him a five pound note. I calmly told him that I had given him �10. He didn't kick up much of a fuss because I made it clear I wouldn't tolerate this sort of abuse. When he re-imbursed my five pounds, he threw the money at me. So here's a top listed pub treating a decent citizen like a common criminal because the man with the moustache thought he could perform the mumbling trick. It's an old one -he mumbles the price so that you don't hear him properly, at the same time taking your money. This normally has the effect of you thinking what he has said and forgetting how much you gave him. But it didn't work in this case as I have several years experience in retail and was immediately put on my guard. If you visit this pub make sure you go in a group (groups are safer) and do not let the man with the moustache serve you. The treatment I was given was absolutely disgraceful.
|
I have been to the Westminster Arms several times. The food is fantastic with a wide variety of meals to satisfy everyones appetite. There is a great warmth about this pub, perhaps this has a lot to do with the management who are very friendly and always make you feel very welcome.
If you have a weakness for beer then this is the place for you. They have a wide selection of real English Ales in their main bar.
There is also a restaurant on the first floor which suposidly is haunted by a young boy whom so the story goes was burnt in a fire some 100 years ago and is still searching the floors for his family.
I would rate the Westminster Arms 10/10 as there are rarely such fine Pubs with a wine bar and restaurant in the one building around in London and not forgetting to mention its right in the heart of London.
|
Literally gobbing distance from the Houses of Parliament, it serves very good beer, and has a fantastic pseudo-French atmosphere.
I last visited this pub on the first day of Gulf War II, and found it to be a splendid refrain from all the shenanigans going on. This is a great pub for spotting famous folk walking past. Just five minutes into my pint, who was to come past but Neil Kinnock, God bless him. "I hate war", he insisted, "but I hate Saddam Hussain more". Typical damn ginger non-commital welshie politician.
|
