The Red Lion

Address: 48 Parliament Street, SW1A 2NH

Nearest Station: Westminster

Welcome: Good; Service: Good (SIT); Beer: Good; Toilets: Good

Cost of two pints and a vodka lemonade: £12.78 (London Pride)

Guest: Jim; Word: Fancy; Person: Prince Charles

Rating: 8/10

The Red Lion contains as many references to Westminster as it is humanly possible to fit into one pub.  To be fair, that’s understandable from a tavern located so close to the Houses of Parliament, but it’s hardly subtle – even the toilet doors are decorated to remind the visitor of 10 Downing Street.  Within the fairly classic style of a Fuller’s pub – think dark wood, gold, and massive chandeliers – are a number of Parliamentary additions, such as the portraits of Gladstone and Churchill which adorn the walls.  There are photos too of Wilson, Heath and Thatcher, each accompanied by associated paraphernalia: respectively, a pipe and a copy of Private Eye; sheet music and a baton; and a conical flask with the book Somerville for Women.  The staircase is also littered with pictures of Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster.  Even if actual MPs are unlikely to be found in The Red Lion supping a pint (their own bar is cheaper), the casual drinker cannot possibly forget that he is enjoying a beverage in the heart of Westminster.