The Westminster Pubs Walking Tour

Westminster’s pubs are woven into the fabric of the area: an  eclectic range of bolt-holes and genteel, refined establishments to see  and be seen drinking in. The story of London’s more than 3,500 pubs  tells the story of the city itself, yet the ongoing threat to landlords  and their livelihoods is bringing these bastions of leisure and good  beer under increasing threat.

In the shadow of world-class theatres, railway stations,  markets and hotels – the Westminster pub walking tours will showcase  beautiful heritage hostelries compared to modern equivalents aimed at  the tourist and the commuter, as well as the social histories that  happened within them.

Highlights will include the Ship and Shovell, a Victorian  pub that is split in two; the lavish Lord Salisbury and its magnificent  saloon bar; The Harp, a beer-lovers favourite; The Coal Hole, once home  to a song-and-supper club and favoured watering hole of the late actor  Richard Harris; and the Nell Gwynne, a backstreet treat named after  Charles II’s favourite mistress.

Providing a fun way for enthusiastic urbanists to explore  the city, this tour will explore the architecture and history of the  London pub, their influence and cultural importance, as well as  providing a chance to explore the surrounding streets and go inside the  pubs themselves.