Pub in London SW1
Horse & Guardsman
16-18 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DYClosest station: Charing Cross, about 2 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,604 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Horse & Guardsman
Genteel, vintage haunt set in a former bank serving typical pub grub & desserts, plus draught beers.
Until 2020 this was a 1995 Wetherspoon bank conversion, formerly the premises of bankers Messrs Cocks Biddulph & Co (later to be absorbed by Martins Bank and finally Barclays Bank), the building was designed by Richard Coad and built 1870-73. In November 2021 the premises reopened as a McMullen's outlet, a “premium bar serving traditional British classic food”. The ale range is from McMullen and the food offering is wide and includes pub classics, Sunday roasts, and sandwiches.
The venue is split-level with a range of seating including high stools, banquettes, and comfy chairs. Fairly inevitably for a pub with this name, wall decorations include a giant picture of "Scotland for Ever", Lady Butler's famous 1881 painting of the charge of the Royal Scots Greys cavalry at Waterloo on 18 June 1815. There is also an interesting map of London created for visitors to the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch: & brunch 10am to 2pm
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant
- Real Ale
- Function Room: Mezzanine areas are bookable
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking: Pavement
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- McMullen
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 3953 8000
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,604 ratings
4 out of 5Nicki Styleson Google, August 2024
Popped in to have a drink whilst in the area. Recommend NOT using the app as the order never arrived. We had to chase it up, and the order had gone missing. Hot drinks on the app are in the food section, not with drinks. Staff sorted it out, but it all took a long time. Nice looking pub/restaurant. Close to Trafalger Square. Friendly staff Clean Toilets downstairs, nicely decorated and clean. One hand drier did not work.
5 out of 5Melissa Plateron Google, August 2024
Popped in after seeing MJ the musical for dinner. I has fish and chips and my friend had ham, egg and chips. Went upstairs to the restaurant area as bar area crowded and noisy. Lovely service and lovely food. Only negative I got a manky piece of lemon on the plate so didn't feel comfortable squeezing it over my fish.
5 out of 5Bob Kellyon Google, July 2024
Typical English pub located a couple buildings away from Trafalgar Square in London. Large bar area and a restaurant with 2 floors in the back, all indoors. Lots of wood paneling and historic British decor. Good wine selection which is better than many pubs. Wide selection of draught beer as well. The food is quite good, including the baked Camembert cheese appetizer, and of course the fish and chips. CBLT sandwich and Hunters Chicken are very good. Worth stopping by for a bit. Cheers!
4 out of 5Ted Olczakon Google, August 2024
Ordered a number of appetizers, olives, nice; chicken 🐔 tenders , way overdone; mini sausage, decent; brie, nice but a charge for additional bread. Chicken burger ok, fries dry. Three pies, nice tastey items. Steak frites, delicious. Fish and chips, nice piece of fish, overcooked batter. Fries dry. Service a bit slow on uptake, but more than satisfactory.
5 out of 5Mark Son Google, September 2024
First try of Fish n Chips in London was a treat. Easy and fast service in a pub with great atmosphere and friendly staff. Other meals looked a treat too being delivered to nearby tables. Highly recommend.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.