What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Red Lion, Parliament Street
Review
About
Right in London's political heart The Red Lion is a stone's throw from Number 10. It's been the favoured watering hole of the political elite for centuries.
Features
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Digital Payments
Discover
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Visa
Wine and Beer
Location
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 10:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Contribute
4.0
1,674 reviews
Excellent
665
Very good
664
Average
179
Poor
48
Terrible
118
Neil H
Guildford5 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
Having read some of the recent reviews and having arranged a group lunch for 15 colleagues I was somewhat nervous but there was no need to worry. Totally recommend the Harlequin beer which was very well kept. As to lunch, I’m not a great fan of preordering but totally get it for a large group. Every course which arrived was 100% accurate and the requested additional gravy and additional custard was delivered without a reminder required. The quality of the food was also top notch - yes it is relatively expensive but those complaining should recognise that a central London location, right next to the Cenotaph, has significant fixed overheads. Recommendations include fisherman’s pie and the slow-braised beef and ale pie.
Have no problem recommending this for a large group although be aware that the bar area is small if you were thinking of drinking before your meal and the weather is not being kind enough to make sitting outside an option.
Written October 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quietman70
Reading988 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
If the was a good rating rather than very good or average then that is what I would put as it is not quite very good. Starting with my dislikes, firstly and the ting I hate the most is including the service charge in the bill, I reserve the right to choose whether to tip and how much. Portion size of the sides was pitiful for the price, a slither of carrot and parsnip along with 5 sprouts and 3 half roasties was deemed satisfactory for the overpriced pie. It’s a bold statement to say you have one of the best fish and chips in town when this is far from the truth. The batter was overcooked and a tad greasy and one of the group left all the batter behind. The toilets were disgusting, no toilet paper and there was the occasional waft of unpleasantness into the dining room. It’s a shame as all these could be easily remedied. On the positive side the location is amazing nestled between Downing Street, The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The staff were wonderful, nothing was too much for them and they interacted brilliantly with the baby in our group, service was prompt and unobtrusive. The food was generally good though there were issues with the batter as mentioned and the custard was uncomfortably lumpy.I may visit again depending on the circumstances but it wouldn’t be top of my list in London for the prices.
Written December 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizzie W
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • business
In October, I arranged two group lunches at the Red Lion, and I had the pleasure of joining the meal on the Wednesday. The feedback from my group was extremely positive, and I can confidently say I had a great experience as well. The food was excellent, and the service were efficient and friendly. We had a tight schedule with visits booked after the meals, but the team were very accommodating, ensuring we stayed on track and didn’t run late. I was really impressed with the private room we had - it was exactly what you'd expect from a classic English pub.
Sofia, the General Manager, was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process, making sure everything ran smoothly. She was flexible and responsive to any last-minute changes, even right up until the day before.
A big thank you to the team for making these two group meals such a success!
Written November 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hussien
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • solo
I had the unfortunate experience of dining at this restaurant, and I can confidently say it was one of the worst meals of my life. The food was absolutely disgusting – cold, bland, and clearly not fresh. My dish tasted like it had been reheated multiple times, and the smell was downright off-putting. The service was just as terrible. The staff was rude, inattentive, and seemed annoyed when we asked basic questions about the menu. It took forever to get our food, and when it finally arrived, half the order was missing. Avoid this place at all costs – it’s a complete waste of time and money.
Written November 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire Mitchell
Westward Ho!2 contributions
May 2024 • family
The manager and staff at this place other than a couple of young barstaff are the rudest I've ever experienced.
When I enquired as to a drink being different prices every time I'd ordered the same drink (3 times).
I was treated like a piece of dirt. Bellowed at and belittled by the bar manager.
The prices are way over the top £2.30 for a dash of Pepsi max. £9.95 for halloumi fries which there were 6 x 2 inch pieces in the middle of a saucer.
Obviously because of the location, original features and history of the pub, it will always be busy and they can charge top end prices. This does not mean that it's ok to be heavy handed and humiliate customers though.
Ruined my day out to London
Written May 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas Preinl
Wiesbaden173 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
We were a group of 25 people, sitting tight at three tables. The food was pre-ordered by internet, served rather fast and it was tasty, so far so good.
What I have not experienced in hundreds of restaurants around the world, was the behaviour of the waiter. Because he regarded us people as a group, he REFUSED to accept individual payment at the end.
He printed out the bill for 25 people, throw it at our table, saying: "You figure that out yourself." - I doubt he would have acted like this with fellow britons, but with a peaceful and polite group of German literats, he behaved rude.
So the obedient German herd tried to calculate each person's costs, but did not know the price. Asking the waiter like: "How much is the salad?" - the waiter refused to help, saying: "I am not reading the menue for you". He put the menue on the table and had the tourist calculate.
Instead of doing his job, he stood there watching the poor tourists trying to figure out their share of bills with service fees and taxes etc.
and on top he probably cheated, because after putting together all the money, 200 pounds were still missing. The difference was "explained" with some bottles of still and sparkling water, but even for westminster water should not cost so much.
Another "collection" was run until the waiter was presented with nearly thousand pounds cash in his hands. THEN he was pleased with his customers.
I wonder whether this waiter is the pub owner, because no employee could act like this.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FidelisLux
Manteca60 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
Basing this on only a single visit and one dish, the food was good and the service excellent. We both ordered the fish and chips - a massive, though slightly greasy (in this singular experience) piece of well-battered fish and perfectly seasoned chips. A very good and slightly sweet curry sauce is available for a bit extra. Beer was good (Fuller's ESB). Servers were polite and responsive. As for location and history, one couldn't ask for more - across from Downing Street and very near Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, etc.
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatfat59
Rotherham20 contributions
Feb 2025 • family
Just arrived home from a fantastic weekend in London, which was topped off with a visit to the Red Lion for Sunday lunch. Our family of four chose different meals from the menu, each meal was served to a high standard, hot, very well presented, perfectly cooked and service with a smile. From the moment we walked in we were made very welcome by all the staff, we will certainly call again when in London without a doubt.
Thank you team Red Lion…..
Written February 17, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzan A
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • family
I had a terrible experience at this restaurant. The service was extremely slow, and the staff was rude and unprofessional. We waited over an hour for our food, and when it finally arrived, it was disappointing. The dishes were bland and poorly prepared, and it was clear that they didn't use fresh ingredients. To make matters worse, the portions were small for the price.
Overall, it was a frustrating and unpleasant experience. I do not recommend this restaurant, and I will not be returning.
Written August 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Serial_Reviewer
Doncaster242 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
Venue: stunning if you want to experience a traditional London pub with history. It transports you back in time and is full of atmosphere. Be warned, it’s extremely busy, but they do have tables upstairs.
Staff: mixture of friendly and accommodating to those that are fed up of tourists blocking their path and will tell you to move.
Food: I had the burger and it was honestly one of the nicest burgers I’ve eaten. My son had the coronation chicken sandwich and again it was very nice. Portions are on the smaller side and prices are definitely in the higher end for the food quality, but you are paying for a premium location. Would visit again.
Written September 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
g53536
59 contributions
Sep 2024 • couples
We started indoors on the ground floor, just off the street, after being encouraged to take outdoor seating. It was a hot day so we opted to go inside. Still hot and it was a bar environment. After noticing an upstairs dining option I went up the narrow stairs and found a very pleasant dining room, air conditioned very nicely. We each had great lunches, fish and chips with mashed mint peas and sirloin roast. The roast came with a popover, root vegetables (carrots, parsnip, cabbage + potatoes), and an excellent gravy in a small pitcher. Great meal in a very nice space with fine service!
Written September 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francisco GP
Madrid772 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
I do not know if the illusion of being the first place I ate in London clouded me, and it was not, but I loved this place.
We did not have a reservation, and shortly after arriving we were taken to the lounge to eat, where we were served by a genuinely nice server, who recommended quite correctly the quantities and what to order.
The restaurant has its charm because apart from being very beautifully decorated, it is located right in front of 10 Downing Street.
The server recommended the restaurant's fish and chips and categorized it as one of the best in the city, whether it is true or not, it is in my top three, and it is necessary.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lijiao Z
69 contributions
Mar 2023 • family
Before my trip, I learned this restaurant from an influencer in YouTube. This is one of the three most prepared places I planned in my itinerary but turned out to be the worst dining experience for my two weeks in London. The only good thing about this restaurant is the location. Washroom was filthy with tissues piled on the floor. Took us 43 minutes to get our burger and steak/ale pie and the food was just average. I asked the waiter why the two tables after us got their food quickly and his answer was the burger took a while long while to cook, which is quite a bs. Every table has a glass bottle water the restaurant charges around GBP2.7 and my bad for not making clear to ask for tap water instead of water, though you may receive the same result to get charged. As a tourist, I felt ripped off for such a poor meal and service. Just walk another 5 more minutes to Covent garden for much better options and avoid this one!
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karin7892016
Maastricht270 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
We ordered a beef sandwich, but the beef consisted mainly of sinew and was not edible, yuck. Definitely not worth the UKP 11,50 I was charged.
Furthermore a service charge was added to the bill, the menu however does not mention any additional charges whatsoever. I do not mind paying a service charge but I would like to be informed of the actual charge before I order. So no, not a good experience.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jo952
Hove42 contributions
Sep 2024 • friends
Absolutely awful service and appalling food , this is a real tourist trap but the food and service isn’t an indication of English pub food . They are rude to serve you if you ask for a drink and then the food is inedible. I have been to many Sunday lunches and although i didn’t eat one here I wouldn’t recommend it based on the food that I tried and wanted to throw away .
Poor performance for London
Written September 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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