The Red Lion, SW1

A CAMRA Heritage Pub, which most certainly looks the part, with numerous original late Victorian features having survived for more than a century. But it is always crowded, being where it is in Whitehall almost opposite Downing Street. Expensive – of course – Pride at £3.25 a pint (tasted OK), and a pretty naff coffee (she said!) at £1.80 is expensive even by London standards. Worth dropping in for a good look at the place, but probably not worth a repeat visit.

Dubbed the Prime Minister's Local due to its close proximity to Downing Street, the Red Lion naturally has a Parliamentray flavour with many politicians present, either in person or adorning the walls in picture form. The classic Victorian exterior is bedecked with flower baskets and is quite an enticing sight. The interior is one long, narrow room but divided into two distict areas by a wooden screen. There are planty of ornate traditional features, notably the burgundy moulded ceiling, dark wood paneling, bar frame and patterned windows but overall it seems quite basic with bare floors and none of the soft furnishings that blight such places. There is actually little in the way of tables, just a couple of high tables at the very front and rear with the rest of the pub being stools along a ledge or standing at the bar. At one end is a small food bar above which are several shields. There is a further dining room upstairs and also a cellar bar but I have so far never ventured into either. If the weather is OK, there are some seats outside under pull down blinds but it is a busy and noisy road so don't expect peace and quiet. Naturally, being in a tourist hot spot, it can get busy, especially lunctimes, but I have always been served promptly. My recent visit was the first since the pub has changed hands to Fullers and the beer selection has definately suffered. Originally there were 6 ales with some decent guest beers but my recent experience saw just 4 Fullers ales (Chiswick, Pride, Bengal Lancer and Gales Seafarers). Given that there is a Fullers pub 300 yards away (the Sanctuary) with a more extensive range, their takeover of the Red Lion means less choice for the consumer which doesn't sit well with me. The prices here are quite high but certainly not as bad as some of its neighbours. There is a small TV and piped music but it is generally a pub for the babble of conversation and MP spotting although it is a place that does get uncomfortably busy.

Upto 4 Real Ales in the GBG since 2000. Large beer garden alongside the river. Food available, caravan hook up points. Part of LocAle.

Not much to say about this pub. Ok if you like crowds, mostly tourists or men in suits. Prices reflect the area, a pint of London Pride £3.05. Has a dining room upstairs and a cellar bar, guess where, downstairs. Update. Ale on sale Polar Beer (£3.20 pint), Deuchars, & GK IPA + 2 others. Bought a pint of England Glory, £3.50.