Plan your visit to IMPA London

39 Dartmouth Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 9B

The Two Chairmen is situated in the centre of London, two minutes walk from Parliament Square and the Cabinet war rooms. It is also close to St James' Park tube station.

This fascinating ‘olde worlde’ pub is steeped in history and retains many features of the past, having been rebuilt in 1756. Its name relates to the time when dignitaries and statesmen would be picked up in a sedan chair and carried by two men to their destination.

The Taylor Walker brewery, famous for its traditional English ales, owns the Two Chairmen. As such you’ll find a range high quality drinks, whether you are a cask ale fan, love a chilled glass of white wine or a freshly ground cup of coffee. Traditional pub food is also served. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere is offset by a number of period features, among which are original oak beams and old fireplaces, along with a mural on the back wall depicting three scenes from the 18th century. This pub is truly a hidden gem.

9 Storey’s Gate, Westminster, SW1P 3AT

The Westminster Arms is much more modern than the Two Chairmen, though retains the quintessentially British style of the latter. Rebuilt in 1913, the pub used to boast a view of Big Ben, a view sadly lost when the QEII centre was built. It is of course still worth a visit, offering excellent views of Westminster Abbey alongside a comprehensive selection of Shepher Neame ales. There’s also a cellar wine bar and an upstairs restaurant that both serve good food.

48 Parliament Street, Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A 2NH

As far as location is concerned the Red Lion is hard to beat, situated midway between the House of Commons and Downing Street. It is the closest pub to No.10, although it's unlikely you'll see David Cameron supping a pint in here. The Parliamentary TV broadcasts and the division bell (rung when MPs are required to vote) do however betray the politicians that frequent the pub.

Politics aside, this is a classic late 19th century pub. The long narrow bar was once divided into public and saloon areas, with the counter running along the back wall serving both. The solid hardwood fittings are broken up by carving or insets of decorative glass. The etched and cut mirrors are beautiful examples of the craft. The remaining wall space is covered with interesting and amusing prints with a political theme.

The Red Lion serves Fullers and Gales beers and decent wines from the long bar and a good range of food. There’s also a cellar bar and small narrow upstairs dining room, as well as outside seating.

58 Millbank, Westminster, London. SW1P 4RW

For stunning views of the River Thames you need look no further than the Morpeth Arms, a sparkling clean Victorian pub owned by the Wills & Youngs brewery. The roomy and comfortable surroundings are furnished with etched and cut glass murals, old books, prints, photographs, earthenware jars and bottles. The bar serves house wines and beers as well as guest tipples. Food is served all day –something of a rarity in central London – so it’s a great place for a lunch or evening meal. The pub attracts a young crowd in the evenings. It also screens sports and, somewhat spookily, has a monitor to check for ghosts in the cellar!

46 Great Peter Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 2HA

Another pub with a name attached to the British Parliament. On the face of it, this is an ordinary corner pub, pine-paneled and decorated with caricatures of parliamentary figures. On further inspection, it is rather quirky. A sign in the window proudly says it has no TV, music or gaming machines. Instead, it boasts some well-kept cask ales, two of which are staples and the others guests which change on a regular basis. Coupled with good, home-cooked food and a friendly welcome, there is much about The Speaker to enjoy. Regarded by many Londoners as the best pub in the city.

18-20 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BH

The Feathers is situated in Westminster, a short walk from of St James Park Tube, Victoria Street and Birdcage Walk. This traditional pub has unique character and is revered for its eclectic range of real ales and good old English pub grub. The sign over The Feathers’ fine Victorian façade commemorate the feathers of the Prince of Wales, while the sculpted figures facing the pub are by Epstein and depict 'Day', with 'Night' represented on the other side of the building.

10 Bridge Street, Westminster, SW1A 2JR

Situated across the road from the Houses of Parliament, St Stephen's Tavern is a traditional pub beloved by guests. It is the closest pub to Big Ben. Because of its location St Stephen’s Tavern can become rather crowded, but that shouldn’t put you off sampling its fantastic range of ales and beers. The Hall and Woodland brewery, one of the few remaining regional breweries in the country and one with a 230-year history, runs the pub.

The pub itself was rebuilt in 2003 after lying dormant for 15 years. Many original fittings and features, some dating back to 1873, have been retained, including a division bell, which rings when MPs have two minutes to vote.