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.

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)

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!!)

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

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



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

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?

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

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

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.

Bookmarking

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

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.