Where to eat near Westminster: pubs, afternoon tea and markets

Westminster is a district of government offices and grand monuments, not of restaurants, and it can be hard to find a good meal right by the sights. But walk a few minutes, or ride one or two stops on the Tube, and you will find historic pubs, peaceful cafés, classic afternoon tea and one of the best food markets in the world. Opening times change, so check before you go.

Historic pubs

Westminster has some fine traditional pubs, many in Victorian buildings close to Parliament. Look for the pubs along Whitehall and Parliament Street, and around Victoria Street and Storey’s Gate. Many serve classic pub food, such as fish and chips and pies, and a traditional roast on Sundays. Order and pay at the bar; table service is not usual in pubs.

Cafés in churches and museums

• St Martin-in-the-Fields: the Café in the Crypt, under the church on Trafalgar Square, is good value and atmospheric.
• Westminster Abbey: the Abbey’s café, in the medieval Cellarium, is ideal before or after your visit.
• The galleries: the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain all have cafés or restaurants.

Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea, with sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and cakes, is a London tradition. The grand hotels around St James’s, Piccadilly and Victoria serve some of the most famous teas, and some have dress codes and book up weeks ahead. For something different, an afternoon tea bus tour serves tea on a double-decker as it drives past Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Borough Market and the South Bank

Borough Market, by London Bridge, is London’s best-known food market, with stalls selling cheese, bread, street food and much more. It is three stops from Westminster on the Jubilee line. It is busiest on weekends, and some traders do not open every day.

On the way back, walk along the South Bank, where riverside restaurants and food markets have views of the Thames and St Paul’s.

Covent Garden, Soho and Chinatown

For the widest choice, walk about 15 minutes north to Covent Garden, Soho and Chinatown. You will find everything from theatre-land set menus to noodle bars, and many places stay open late.

Tips

• Service charges: many restaurants add a service charge of about 12.5% to the bill. Check before you tip again.
• Pre-theatre menus: restaurants in the West End often have good-value set menus in the early evening.
• Lunch on the go: sandwich shops and supermarkets near Westminster and Victoria are the quickest and cheapest option for a picnic in St James’s Park.
• Book ahead: for popular restaurants and afternoon tea, especially at weekends.