Pub in London SW1
Red Lion
48 Parliament Street, London, SW1A 2NHClosest station: Westminster, about 2 min walk4.2out of 5 on Google, from 4,797 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Red Lion
Westminster pub with elaborate ceiling, politicians' portraits and illustrious former clientele.
Tall, narrow, corner pub, close to Parliament Square, and rebuilt in the late 1890s. The name is ancient, and a brewhouse named the Red Lion very close to this site has been dated back more than 500 years. The present Grade II listed pub retains several original features from its rebuild including a carved mahogany bar back, a patterned ceiling, and etched glass to the rear. Spot the portraits of former prime ministers in the main bar; there is also a cellar bar and an upstairs dining room.
Following a makeover the pub became part of the Fuller's Ale & Pie chain. There are three handpumps on each part of the bar. Unsurprisingly given its tourist and parliament location this pub is often crowded. Breakfast is served at weekends in summertime but no alcohol before 10am on Saturdays or noon on Sundays. The extensive food menu inludes not just pies, but other pub favourites plus sandwiches, and small plates such as haggis scotch egg.
The pub was honoured in 2022 on the 25th anniversary of National Pubwatch, when it was featured on a special commemorative coin. A previous licensee, Raoul De Vaux, had been a co-founder of the organisation.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Outdoor Seating: Narrow benches outside
- Sports TV
- Family Friendly: Children until 5 (9 upstairs)
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch: & summer weekend breakfasts
- Serves Dinner: Early evening only at weekends
- Restaurant: Upstairs
- Real Ale
- Real Heritage Pub
- Disabled Access
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Newspapers
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Fuller's
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7930 5826
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.2out of 5 on Google, from 4,797 ratings
5 out of 5Beatrice (disposableteeen)on Google, June 2024
Best fish&chips I’ve had in London. The pub is in a beautiful and historical location and the food is great. The only complaint is that the kitchen closes earlier than stated here, last orders are taken by 21.30. It would be best to write it on the website/google account.
1 out of 5Chris Williamson Google, June 2024
I’m guessing this is a tourist trap and so I get it, but I have no idea how it gained over a 4-star rating. They like to cram in the guests that’s for sure. The service was lackadaisical at the best, indifferent at its worst. After roughly being nodded in the direction of our table, we and a lot of the other tables were mostly left to substantial waits between brief table visits. It didn’t help that they only had one person handing “the dining room”. And this wasn’t “order from the bar” territory. The menu boasted a revolving series of cask ales and specials. When asked about this, we were…
5 out of 5Ash Von Google, June 2024
Really loved everything we had. The fish was so buttery (and huge!) and the steak&ale pie was rich in flavor. Definitely worth it to go here. You may want to reserve a table in advance.
5 out of 5Monet Shepherd Oteroon Google, June 2024
My partner and I loved our dining experience here. We were fortunate someone was leaving as we arrived so were seated outside on a great evening for it. The host and the servers were all very friendly and helpful. The food was delicious and highly recommend their version of a pina colada! If you really want to eat here, I suggest making reservations, we will be the next time!
5 out of 5Richard Diljohnon Google, May 2024
Lots of history. Fantastic food. Line up to get in is worth it. A must try. If you want the typical English dishes done right this is the go to. The scotch egg was a first for me and it was fantastic!
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.