In London later this week. Meeting a few old friends for a beer near the event venue. Not interested in drinking in the hotel bar as a) it’s soulless and b) it’s about a million pounds for a pint of poncy lager.

Fancy a nice pub that does a good range of ales, maybe food, and that doesn’t feel the urge to play music at something below the pain barrier. I was going to say ‘with a beer garden’ but looking at the forecast that’s not going to be a showstopper 😉

go MP spotting 🙂
http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/london/westminster-arms

good for wine, gentle stroll away
http://www.gordonswinebar.com/

not too far to go to the CAMRA pub of the year. Great beers as you’d expect
http://www.harpcoventgarden.com/

I like the Kings Arms in Roupell Street (on the other side of the river) – maybe a 15 minute walk.
Westminster Arms is pretty drinkable, otherwise various pubs in and around Queen Anne’s Gate, the Adam & Eve in Petty France, other stuff out round the back end of Victoria heading to Pimlico.

how about here warning though you may run into Flash

Go with Stoner’s suggestion of the Harp. You need to walk up whitehall but it only takes 5-10 mins and has great beer. They do food but if they’re run out (happens) they let you bring in food from nearby takeaways etc.

Thanks all. Some good suggestions there. I’ll see if I can drag to the harp….

Ship & Shovell – Craven Passage
Two Chairmen Dartmouth St
Old Shades – Whitehall

All very short walks.

You could do the Ship * Shovell and Old Shades on your way to the Harp.