The Westminster Arms, SW1

10 am opener, which can be handy. It was for me, but thinking maybe a little too early for beer (and it is Shep's) I asked for a coffee. I could tell the barman was lying when he said they didnt do coffee. He just couldn't be arsed. Him and his work colleague then went on to slag off last customers very loudly. Which is fine, if they are politicians. I've never seen a pub with less furniture - a handful of high stools in a sea of wood. I know the reason for this. Many years ago, I was here and it was similarly empty. Then suddenly all the politicians came in en masse and it was a total scrum. The division bell, did not call them back. It hasn't been operation since 2010. Good things - the bar back is gorgeous.

This was once the Red Lion, but was rebuilt in 1913. Being close to the Palace of Westminster, it’s one of at least three pubs in the area to feature a Division Bell. There’s much wood panelling in here for vertical drinking to ledges. One of the more interesting aspects of the pub are the bevelled mirrors inset into the extensive wood panelling, likewise the ornate ceiling cornice. The bar back is intriguing, visible on the pub’s website and featuring the phone number of Westminster 365; is this real? Lighting is Victorian style, there are knickknacks above the main window, which features bullseye glass and TVs broadcasting banality with the sound off. Customers were painfully few in number, especially when compared with the crowds at the Two Chairman round the corner and seemingly either local office workers, with a couple of lost foreign tourists. Not that I’m a great fan of SN beers, but there were five reversed clips, then Master Brew and Spitfire at £2.70 a half and surprisingly decent. This is quite a nice pub, but the beer range is poor and the ambience isn’t great. It’s worth a stop for a look, but I’d prefer not to spend an evening in here, though it’s better than the offerings in the Petty France area round the corner.

Official site of The Westminster Arms - www.westminsterarms.co.uk

Official site of The Westminster Arms - www.westminsterarms.co.uk

A Shepherd Neame tied house,so be prepared to suffer their dull ales if you venture inside.The ground floor will have a lot of vertical drinking,there is a shelf to the rear.Downstairs is a wine bar ,while upstairs there is a dining room.Despite lots of wood panelling ,the interior felt functional rather than interesting. There are 7 handpumps,some unused,some doubled up meaning a choice on my visit of Masterbrew,Bishops Finger,Crossfire and Whitstable Pale (A dull brew and NBSS 1.5 )There was inefficiency amongst the bar staff who seemed unable to serve folk in order.A till problem then brought serving to a virtual halt. It's a bit of a scum when busy.Unless you really like Shepherd Neame beer,one to avoid in future.