cynthia_booker

My sister and I, two middle-aged American women, are going to London in a few days and staying for a week at Premier Travel Inn County Hall (based on recommendations here and at other sites.) I have printed out several lists of restaurants, pubs, etc. in the area. Does anyone have any particular favorite, for any reason, character, fond memories, better than average food or atmosphere? I believe I have read every post by Ben Haines, and printed out several of his walks, so we are reasonably prepared, or inspired, at least.

audere_est_facere

Just over Westminster Bridge are two pubs in Parliament Square - St Stephens Tavern and the Red Lion which are both good - nice old pubs.

Both also have division bells in them so that MPs can rush back for parliamentary votes.

the area immediately around your hotel is a bit of a dessert pub-wise. There's a slug and lettuce and an all bar one - neither of which I'd recommend (they're both chain pubbs)

cynthia_booker

Thanks very much for the recommendations. I printed out the information on both at FancyAPint and look forward to a visiting them. (I thought the reference to slug and lettuce was slang for 'lousy place' and then saw them listed also at FancyAPint!!)

wombat7

I would second the recommendation for St Stephen's - had a couple of pints there last week - so nice that things are now non smoking

A little further along the embankment (by Blackfriars bride) is the The Blackfriar - interesting pub with a good selection of guest ales - which you can sup before you buy

audere_est_facere

The Blackfriar is well worth a trip in itself for its incredible interiors.



http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=154

cynthia_booker

The photos of Black Friar at pubs.com are amazing. So now we have 3 fine pubs to visit on our 7 evenings. Thanks very much, but this brings up another question: which is the more reliable site, pubs.com or fancyapint? I like them both but what do I know?

audere_est_facere

Another pub that's easy to get to from your hotel is a bit of a tourist trap, but it is well worth a visit is the george:

http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=187

NeoPatrick

The very old and historic Lamb and Flag is off Garrick Street in Covent Garden. It sits back in a little "court". The pub is popular with locals and is a nice one. The food serve upstairs is very good and all prepared there. Order at the food table, take a seat and they bring it to you.

http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/l.../lamb-and-flag

Royal

We have stayed at the Travel Inn County Hall twice on visits to London.

Good area and reasonable hotel.

Both times we had a nice evening at The Albert pub which is on Victoria St. just over Westminster Bridge and about a 15min walk. They have a pub which serves bar meals on the main floor and a nice restaurant upstairs on the second floor. The food is quite good and overall a very nice pub.

LCBoniti

Bookmarking

mnapoli

The Blackfriar Pub is smoke-free, has pretty good food, and great architecture. It's one of our favorites!

audere_est_facere

All pubs are smoke free now - and have been since July 1st. You will see the bedraggled snoutcasts huddled outside still - but inside is smoke free.