Red Lion, SW1

Randomness Guide to London - Red Lion entry

This remains one of the few “real” pubs in Central London. There are no unnecessary mechanical distractions – such as televisions, one-armed bandits or jukeboxes. Tucked away down an alleyway near St James's Palace, you don't often see any tourists in here; in fact, as much as any pub in this area can be, it still seems to be mainly a locals' pub. The furnishings are fairly ordinary, which is no bad thing in a decent pub. It has large(ish) leaded windows that let in as much light as possible bearing in mind that it is situated in an alleyway. St Austell Tribute and Adnam's Bitter on when I was in there – I had the Tribute that was very good. Highly recommended – I shall definitely return.

Hidden away down a side passage between Pall Mall and King St, this is a single carpeted room with wood panelling and a number of plates displayed all around on a high shelf. There are a few horse brasses, small pictures and cartoons, and some copper jugs and steins hang over the bar area. The bar is in the corner giving a kind of L shape to the room. Seating comprises pew type benches with cushions and small stools. St Austell Tribute and Adnams Bitter on the two pumps.

The Red Lion is tucked away out of site down Crown passage just off Pall Mall. And you could easily miss it if it wasn't for the sandwich board usually placed on Pall Mall advertising this place as "London's oldest 'village pub'" That may be stretching it a bit, but it's a very nice place and well worth searching out. Fine dark wood exterior with decorated leaded windows. Inside the ground floor interior is very small and not so impressive being fairly plain, but comfortable enough and has a good collection of pub orientated pictures and cartoons on the walls to give the room a bit of character. The stairs to the downstairs gents also requires you to keep your wits when descending. Has two hand pumps dispencing Adnams at St Austells Tribute. The Adnams was off , but fortunately the Tribute was a very nice pint during my last visit. It's hidden location means it does not attract tourists but still becomes very busy and crowded during work days with local office workers as it was on this particular evening with standing room only. And apparently it attracts the odd member of parliament who make the journey across St James Park. Closed on Sundays but a good place on a Saturday as its not so busy and scores highly as an atmospheric boat hole for a quick pint.