Often cited as the most popular pub name in the UK, the most famous Red Lion of them all is probably this one in Westminster. This isn't for its attractive turn-of-the-century features, etched glass or surfeit of mahogany, but because its the nearest pub to Downing Street.

So often is it frequented by MPs and various politicos that its televisions show the BBC Parliament channel, instead of the usual sport. Apparently, it even rings a division bell to alert the more right honourable customers of an upcoming vote. In usual media attention-grabbing style, it was also the place where Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell happily announced an end to UK's antiquated licensing laws (even if ironically the Red Lion was refused a late licence itself).

The pub's small size and quantity of besuited regulars means its often very busy, even if a cellar bar and upstairs dining room help alleviate the pressure. Still, its worth a look out of peak times and you never know when some tidbit of political gossip might be overheard.

CLIENTELE: Civil servants, politicos, a few tourists, the odd MP or two (no pun intended)
NEAREST STATION: Westminster station
FEATURES: real ales, separate restaurant