‘A Great British Tradition’ runs the wording around this 600-year-old pub. However, the Red Lion’s character is defined as much by its location (it’s the closest pub to Downing Street) as its history.
Fuller’s took over the place in 2009, but aside from a predictable and by no means unwelcome increase in the number of Fuller’s beers on tap, change has been conspicuous by its absence: the decor remains traditional and woody, images of politicans past continue to look down on the drinkers, and the food still has few aspirations beyond sustenance.
MP-spotters are more likely to find their prey down the road at the St Stephen’s Tavern, leaving this place to a mix of tourists and civil servants.