Sheps snaps up MPs' local

Shepherd Neame has bought a pub a stone's throw from the House of Commons for an undisclosed sum.

The Westminster Arms, near Whitehall, even features a division bell so MPs and political journalists can dash back to the house in time for the vote.

The pub's existing managers Gerry and Marie Dolan — who have played host to an eclectic range of customers including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bob Geldolf and Prince Edward — will continue to run the managed house.

"People from all over the spectrum have been customers for a long time" said Gerry. "We get a lot of famous faces in here but we treat all our customers the same and pride ourselves on serving quickly because that's what most of them are looking for."

In keeping with its historic setting close to Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade and St James's Park, the pub serves a traditional lunchtime menu of steak and kidney pudding, cottage pie and fish and chips alongside a few more modern favourites in the Queen Anne dining room on the first floor.

The upstairs restaurant seats 38 diners and food is also served in the basement wine bar, which features intimate wooden alcoves.

Both the restaurant and basement wine bar are available for hire, with regular wine tasting groups making use of the lower bar.

The Westminster Arms serves a wide range of cask ales, including Shepherd Neame's Bishops Finger. and house wines.