please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Walkers's multi-level, subterranean environment and prime location have the potential to make this a first class venue, but sadly this potential is not realised. Food was expensive and the beer was a huge disappointment - the Pedigree was completely off, while the London Pride was only just drinkable. The staff were clueless, although they were clearly hired for their looks rather than their knowledge of real ale. It was crowded, noisy and generally unsatisfying; there are better venues nearby. I would come back at lunchtime when in Whitehall, but it wouldn't be my first choice and I wouldn't include it on a crawl.
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Although I have sympathy with alot of the negative views below about this place, I have to say I really like it.
Has nothing to do with the attractiveness level of the barmaids obviously.
mrse1 - 24 Jul 2009 13:37 |
I have always thought of this place as a magnet for pretentious, fast stream civil servants, anxious to impress their equally pretentious peers. To some extent, I was right, as one power dressed and overdressed young woman proudly and vocally announced to everybody within a 3-mile radius, that she was able to trace her roots to a mistress of Edward VII. [Now we know the secret of a good interview technique for a senior role in Central Government].
On the plus side, it was rather more cosmopolitan than I had expected. However, the sound waves of those few loud and conceited voices unfortunately polluted the entire establishment and the way they addressed the polite staff was utterly disgraceful. Rather a shame, but not entirely unexpected. Still, I imagine that if Prince Harry can find a free window in his hectic schedule, he would absolutely love the venue - as well as the 'talent'.
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I went there on the 30th December, i.e. a working day but between Christmas and the New Year so things were quiet. I was quite impressed. The Lord Moon over the road was packed out so we were looking for somewhere else and it was an oasis of peace and quiet. No complaints about either the food or the beer.
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A very strange place frequented by Fast Stream Civil Servants. Very hot and packed downstairs, busy bar upstairs. I never quite know what to make of the place - neither good nor bad, but lacking in atmosphere. The problem I think is that it doesn't know whether its a wine bar, restaurant or pub. The beer is OK and so is the food. Better that the Moon on the Mall or the Silver Cross, on a par with the Clarence, but beaten by the Shades...
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I used to love it in here, but alas the pool table in the downstairs bar has been replaced by hoards of pen pushers talking shop. It was so busy that I couldn�t be bothered to fight my way to the bar. Ruined in my opinion, but they must be raking in the reddies!
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A pub for people who dont like pubs. For civil servants who think theyre classier than the scumbag CS grades like meself who live in the Moon.
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Crowded in the upstairs bar and out on the street, but much more civilised in the main bar downstairs. Far fewer tourists than in the nearby Silver Cross, Old Shades or Clarence. Not a very inpsiring choice of beer, but the Pride was decent enough.
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As I "useless" civil servant, I'm still inclined to agree. Have only been once and it was a very expensive pint squashed into to a downstairs bar full of fellow civil servants
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This place has got to be a joke, overpriced and over rated.Full of useless civil servants trying to be cool
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Nice bar tucked away off Whitehall. By far the best place around to get a drink. Not alot on offer beer wise, just Pride, but it's always kept well.
The food can be a bit hit and miss i've found. The upstairs bar has a fantastic atmosphere of an friday evening.
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Best drinking place in Westminister by far. Food is ok so best to stick to the booze. Reasonably priced for the location and never as packed as the Silver Cross next door (which is one of the worst pubs in London)
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Best place in Whitehall, quality food , good prices, friendly staff and a great atmosphere, a place to visit
anonymous - 16 Apr 2007 16:06 |
Went here on a Friday night at 6.30, very busy. No seats downstairs. Took 10 minutes to get served. Having said the Speckled Hen was good and the wine okay. Some nice seating areas for when it was not as busy. We ate there as well, that was disappointing. Small portions and pretty bland. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Overall, average pub in a good location. Worth poping in for a beer, but eat elsewhere.
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I like it here. Kind of modern and very friendly.
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Decent atmosphere, OK beer, crap wine and the food is nowhere near being up to scratch. The food barely seems to meet its description on the menu and can be a bit bland. A shame as its location and atmosphere are good.
anonymous - 18 Dec 2006 00:13 |
Recently stopped here for a drink and a bite to eat. Was served the smallest open sandwich ever created - it was 5 and half quid too! However, service was friendly and the place is agreeable enough - just steer clear of the overpriced and disappointing food.
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Although, I agree that the drinks are a little more expensive than other nearby pubs, the service is fantastic!
It was only earlier this week that we were offered a a couple of free drinks because "our food had taken so long" - but to be honest, we didn't feel that it had taken too long at all!
I always get served there far quicker than the other pubs in the area, and the barmaids are very friendly.
I certainly consider Walkers as my local.
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has got a lot lot better after refit. its even quite good sometimes now.
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Walkers comes in for some harsh criticism. And TBH most of it's a tad unfair. Seems to come in and out of fashion very quickly, especially with DEFRA twonks. Personally I've always liked it in there. Beer is good, never had the food though. Very nicely tucked away from the main drag of Westminster Village, so not too many tourists - and they always, always drink upstairs.
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In there last Friday (3 Feb). Beer ok, staff were nice (especially the well endowed lady behind the bar) - strange mix of punters (not many over 21 it seemed) - but fairly easy to get a seat on a Friday. It emptied out pretty quickly. So can't complain (not with my bad back anyway)
I wouldn't go there by choice again - but it tries hard !!
It used to be a wine bar, then a bar (with Pool Table ect), then a Wine Bar and I think its now a Bar again (on three levels).
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Used to be great place, has gone both upmarket and downhill at the same time in the last year. Pricing themselves out of good and regular custom when there are so many viable alternatives nearby.
gumpy - 30 Oct 2005 17:33 |
Saw this bar in the game 'The Getaway' so had to try it out. Main bar downstairs has plenty of space, comfy sofas and a good wine list. Great meeting place for a night out.
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I had my Birthday party and the service was excellent. Staff good, beer good, I will recommend to all
simon - 15 Nov 2004 18:11 |
I had my wallet stolen in this bar - the staff caught the guy stealing from another person's bag but threw him out rather than calling the police and/or checking to see if he had already pocketed anything. Not helpful.
x - 27 Oct 2004 08:41 |
I prefer Walkers under the old ownership as they were a lot more friendlier and down to earth also used to run an excellent Quiz on wednesday nights. It's the only pub I know in Whitehall that had a pool table and quiz machine in to use. Although the new owners have done a good job with the deco etc, the drinks have become pricey and it's a bit too upmarket for me.
Colin Dee - 22 Oct 2004 14:56 |
I love this pub
Good place for a midweek drink - it is my meeting point with 2 best mates - nicely tucked away so feels a touch locally and isnt a bog standard all bar one type place
Simon - 11 Oct 2004 14:42 |
Tucked away off Whitehall, just before you get to the Silver Cross, this is quite a nice little basement bar. Pool table and quiz machine for the sporty, plenty of booths for the romantic... Worth a look.
Pauly H - 13 Jan 2003 12:29 |
