User:Lacunae/35

Palace of Westminster bars, restaurants and

These days, there are several bars open at all times of day and night. 13 restaurants and 13 permanent bars (2002). MPs have 23 points of sale for meals and snacks, including eight bars, plus lords bars.

Within the Houses of Parliament there are 19 restaurants and cafeterias, nine bars and one coffee bar. 2 dozen one of the 28 eateries MPs have access to.

none of them needs a license to sell alcohol.

why on earth anyone would design a Parliament with so many bars. The answer is simple: the palace may look 500 years old, but most of it was rebuilt in the Victorian ear after a fire in 1834. At this time the private member’s gentleman's club clubs of the West End of London were in their hay day. As Barry built the palace, both MPs and Lords demanded similar facilities to those found in their clubs. This meant adding libraries, dining rooms and bars. In fact, the whole estate is now much more like a private members club than it is a Parliament—not least because almost all of these bars (On parliamentary estate) are closed to the public. though are now being opened to the public during parliamentary recesses as part of a programme increase public engagement, and reduce the need for subsidies to maintain income while the parliament is not in session. Until the 1770s, MPs had to eat outside the Estate, in taverns and restaurants in the surrounding area until Deputy Housekeeper John Bellamy developed in-house eating facilities, one of which retains his name today.

Licencing

Alcohol_licensing_laws_of_the_United_Kingdom

Bars and the Licensing Laws Bars in the House of Commons operate without a licence, and do not keep to the permitted hours laid down by the Licensing Acts. Wright and Smith, in their book on the Palace of Westminster of 1902, describe the bars as "illegal". There had been some doubt on the issue back to 1897, when an unsuccessful Bill was introduced. A case was brought in 1898 by a Mr Williamson against one Norris, an employee of the Refreshment Department, for supplying him (a stranger) with alcohol (brandy and soda) for payment (1s 0d) at the then bar in the Lower Waiting Hall. Chief Justice Lord Russell of Killowen threw out the action on the grounds that the servant, Norris, committed no offence of selling alcohol without a licence because of his status as a servant of the Kitchen Committee. He and Mr Justice Wills, however, expressed doubts as to the supposed exemption of the House from the Licensing Act 1872, but made no definite ruling on the issue. This point was resolved when A P Herbert, the author and semi-professional litigant, in May 1934 laid an information against the Kitchen Committee and Manager of the Refreshment Department for selling alcohol without a licence: the King's Bench decided it had no jurisdiction in an internal matter of the House. This case (R v Graham-Campbell, ex parte Herbert) has entered the canon of parliamentary law. In fact, because Members and staff of the House require refreshment of all kinds whenever the House or its committees are sitting, a major problem of the Department is the length of time its outlets must remain open. This applies to bars and cafeterias alike, and in both cases too, there is the concomitant problem of assessing likely demand. This may depend on such things as the incidence and length of divisions, whether the Whips are on, whether many Committees are sitting, and who is speaking in the Chamber.https://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-information-office/g19.pdf

Wonderful rake Alan Clarke, sadly best known to me via the Alan Clarke diaries and John Hurt, accused of being drunk at the dispatch box by Clare Short.

parliamentary priveledge

Drunkeness

Parliamentary law means individually or collectively MP's can't ever be accused of being drunk in the precints of parliament.

subsidy

There has been no subsidy on the price of alcohol since 2002, when a 45 per cent margin was imposed."Since the last general election (2010), even the 45 per cent profit cap has been lifted, and profit on some drinks dwarfs that figure.”

FoI changed this considerably...

House of Commons

Not to be confused wit the Bar, a brass rail on the floor of the chamber where new entrants must stand before they take to their green seats for the first time.

11https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4844803/westminister-bars-pubs-sex-scandal/

the Commons boasts many rooms, restaurants and facilities where alcohol is or can be served, but the House “operates four venues that are entirely, or substantially, bar services: the Strangers’ bar, the Members’ Smoking Room, the Pugin Room and Moncrieff’s”.

The Woolsack (formerly Sports and social club bar)

https://twitter.com/ned_donovan/status/1037627892992303104?lang=en located in the basement, is the most like a traditional British pub bar. technically a member's club, "sports and socialist" to some Tories, Mostly it is used by younger passholders, ancillary staff and police, not MPs.

Host to a litany of boozed antics, closed temporarily, taken back in-house, the enfant terrible of Parliament. Located some might say aptly next to the bins. Perhaps as Lett's ... rougher than a badger's arse. run by third party brought back in house, under the lords.https://twitter.com/elashton/status/928617873630744576

image unknown-https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/parliament-bar-shut-indefinitely-after-11650436

not strictly subsidised, but prices do not not need to cover overheads such as profit or rent.

man cave sign https://twitter.com/le_bassett/status/925833746791718912

in wake of HOC ME Too proposed rename FOI Woolsack, Trumpinton Arms, https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/renaming-parliament-s-sports-and-social-bar-risks-associating-the-lords-with-sex-assault-claims-senior-commons-official-warns-1-9396092

Strangers' Bar

nicknamed The Kremlin due to popularity with Labour MPs.

The bartop in the Strangers' Bar

Stranger's Dining Room.- originally a Peers’ Committee Room which was changed to a dining room in around 1867. By 1902 it had become the Irish Member’s Dining room, by 1914 Member’s Smoking Room and at some point between 1914 and 1938 it had become the Stranger’s Dining Room. The room is called Stranger’s Dining room as ‘Stranger’s’ was the term originally used to describe anyone who was not a Member of Parliament, and this was one of the few rooms where MPs could bring guests to eat.

In opposition to the more traditional Gentleman's club of the Smoking room a tory haunt, Strnagers' with draught ales more akin to a working men's club for the Labour MPs.

draught beer.https://www.parliament.uk/documents/foi/Strangers%20Bar%20Tariff%202014%2014233-2.pdf

Ran out of champagne when Peter Mandelson resigned as Northern Ireland Secretary.In good weather, drinks can be taken onto the Commons Terrace (which, in addition, has its own cafeteria).

there was once a little arrow nailed to the wall two inches off the floor - directions for MPs who were crawling out on their hands and knees.

Award winning Top Totty Ale banned after Labour feminist found bunny girl pump image offensive, sadly Top Totty has fallen victim to the PC mob and now forgoes the bunny girl and goes by the name 1Hop.https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/staffordshire/stafford/2018/09/20/offensive-top-totty-ale-gets-brewery-rebrand/ Tory MP Tracey Crouch tweeted: "Why is a beer called Top Totty offensive & now banned from Commons? Not as if it is called Middle-Ranking Totty."https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/staffordshire/stafford/2018/09/20/offensive-top-totty-ale-gets-brewery-rebrand/

On New Year’s Eve the only bar open is the Strangers Bar, which is accessible only to those attending the ticketed NYE event.https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/foi/foi-and-eir/commons-foi-disclosures/catering-services-retail/drink-sales---bars-20141/

reserve of the northern MP wondering what they were supposed to do in the house, and with their weekdays in London. with no real hope of career progression. Spads and career politicians

Members' Smoking Room

also known as Common's Smoking Room, one of the more exclusive bars. So grand it was derided as the "toffs' bar" by former Tory MP Richard Needham (himself the Earl of Kilmorey). Open only to MPs, it is not strictly a bar but a room with an alcohol "servery". Always busy before dinner ( G& Ts) and during late debates (claret). "Similar to the bar of a St James's club," says one habituÈ, "or it was until Labour introduced a television.most Tories over 50. "

Which brings us to another quirk of the Parliamentary Estate: smoking in the workplace https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/politicians-can-carry-on-smoking-as-they-dodge-their-own-ban-323342.html banned in the chamber and committes since 1694.https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/parliamentary-archives/explore-guides-to-documentary-archive-/archives-highlights/smoking/

"The Health Act 2006 introduces a ban on smoking in workplaces and enclosed or substantially enclosed public places from 1 July 2007. While the Act does not formally apply on the parliamentary estate, the Commission, on the advice of the Administration Committee, has decided that the House should comply with the principles of the legislation, as it is not desirable that those who work on or visit the parliamentary estate should be treated differently in this respect from those in other workplaces and public places. The Commission recognises, however, that many who work on the estate are unavoidably present for long periods, particularly when the House is sitting. It is therefore desirable to make reasonable provision for those who wish to smoke to do so, provided that the health and safety of other users of the estate is not adversely affected." With these principles in mind, the Commission has decided that smoking should cease to be permitted from 1 July 2007 in all internal areas of the House of Commons estate, including in bars and private offices. From that date smoking will, however, be permitted in four designated external areas: the Terrace, Commons Court (North West corner), North Terrace (between Portcullis House and Norman Shaw South), and in a designated area on the west side of Canon Row courtyard. Cigarette receptacles will be provided in these areas. “No Smoking” signs will be displayed at entrances to the buildings. I understand that the House of Lords Administration and Works Committee will report its recommendations shortly on the smoking policy for the Lords part of the parliamentary estate."-https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070320/text/70320w0003.htm#07032046000005

“The Smoking Room is nothing more than a clerks’ drinking hole,” explains a rebellious 2010 intake MP. “The whips encourage you to join their gang – but those who do, while undoubtedly receiving preferment, are identified to all as snivelling ‘yes’ men and women. They wanted me to join, but frankly I don’t see how sucking up to the whips will help my constituents.”

shadow of former self, 2011 Administration Committee suggested vending machines rather than staff, due to lack of takings.

Portcullis House

the Atrium, Portcullis House.

Main article: Portcullis House

Situated about the central atrium, which serves as perhaps what would be termed in a contemporary shopping cente, a food court. The fayre here offers pehaps a more modern notion of a workplace (check though still selling hard liquor).

• Debate: a Self service Food court style restaurant offering meals and light refreshments.

• Adjournment:Brasserie style restaurant serving light meals and bar service.

• Despatch Box: Speciality coffee bar with light snacks and refreshments.

Westminster Hall

Main article: Westminster Hall

Rooms and later additions off Westminster Hall.

Jubilee rooms

Jubilee room later addition onto Westminster Hall (1888) serves as a function room... damaged by a fire after 1974_Houses_of_Parliament_bombing and brought back into use by SIlver jubilee of Elizabeth hence name. Jubilee Cafe, located close to Westminster Hall and Jubilee room, open to all visitors, passholders and their guests, serves a typical coffee shop range of refreshments.

Inter-Parliamentary Union Room

Hosts such functions as Argentinian wine tasting and all=-party parliamentary beer group Czech beer tasting.

Function Rooms

Function rooms which can be variously configured for standing receptions, sit down meals presentations, meetings and

Pugin Room

events venue, view of thames, can host upto 20 diners, or other events with refreshments The Pugin room was re-named in 1978 in memory of Augustus Welby Pugin, used as a Peers’ committee room up to this point, but now it was turned into a reception room and bar for MPs and Officers of the House and their guests.-https://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-catering/pugin-room-history.pdf Used for intimate events and receptions in Parliament. Waitress service and a civilised air make this a favourite for MPs when entertaining constituency worthies or major donors

given up by Lords to Commons, on red carpet, but green furniture.-http://lordsoftheblog.net/2009/07/13/the-pugin-room/

“They serve alcohol in here, but I’m usually meeting constituents or colleagues over a tea, or winding down before or after a big meeting.You’ll be pushed to see this room as much of a pub, honestly.”

Churchill Room

Situated in the palace previously known as the Harcourt Room, The Churchill Dining Room, was initially created when three housekeepers’ rooms were combined with part of the Peers lower library corridor. In 1991, the ownership of the room was passed from the Lords to the Commons, and renamed

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alwyn_ladell/27049410545/in/photostream/

Former and other

Bellamy's Bar

opened in 1991 located outside the Palace of Westminster, but on parliamentary estate at 1 Parliament street. Bellamy's Bar (named after another long-dead functionary) has been turned into a creche for the children of MPs and staff. Until the 1770s, MPs had to eat outside the Estate, in taverns and restaurants in the surrounding area until Deputy Housekeeper John Bellamy developed in-house eating facilities, one of which retains his name today.

Bellamy's bar refurbished at a cost of 480,000 in 2007/8 only to be closed and turned into a creche at a cost of 400,000 in 2010.https://www.standard.co.uk/news/mps-spent-480000-on-bar-that-is-now-creche-6760742.html

Moncrieff's

Policmen's bar

Annie's Bar was established in a corner (small room adjacent to) of the members' lobby in the early part of the last century Flattened by the Luftwaffe and not rebuilt.

Formerly Annie's Bar, named after Annie Gilbert, a long-dead barmaid, where hacks and pols met on equal terms, (Entrance to the bar was limited to journalists and MPs, who joked that it was the only place in the Palace of Westminster where they could escape their constituents, or their wives.) has long since closed. The refurbished and cheerless press bar is now called Moncrieff's. re-named after a Press Association reporter in 2007 https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-houses-of-parliament-bar-and-restaurant-named-after-chris-moncrieff-109731516.html

Annie's Bar Named after a pre-war barmaid, it is open to MPs and lobby reporters, with the crucial difference being that journalists could buy drinks in this bar. -often put as MP's and Journos "meeting on equal terms" which seems somewhat euphemistic, though the rules followed the lobby, with nothiing being reported without permission. Airless and so small the pool table does not really fit. Some say it has a curse. The death of many regulars seems to bear that out. Regulars: old-time trade unionists and the indomitable Paul Routledge of the Daily Mirror. Neil Kinnock used to lead renditions of Cwm Rhondda.

Guido says closed.https://order-order.com/2017/04/27/hungry-hacks-mourn-moncrieffs/ Chris_Moncrieff

latterly opened up to any passholder.

or under central lobby.. It isn't an easy place for a stranger to find, even if he were permitted to enter it. But just for the record, if you treat the public entrance to the lobby from St Stephen's Chapel as six o'clock, at 11 o'clock you will see a dusty-looking glass door hidden behind a large bench. On the other side is a stark concrete stairway which curves downwards. At the bottom are a number of plain wooden doors. One of them opens into Annie's Bar.

Inside windowless Robert_Maxwell opened in 1968 in the cellars under either central lobby or the members lobby, by octagenarian Annie.

The new bar now closes at 7pm, and when it does, there’s nobody in there because it totally lacks atmosphere. Everybody goes to Strangers’ because it resembles a bar.

Annie's Bar, "risible" 1996 Channel 4 mini series named after it.

invaluable during the crisis years of the 70's "where those on the way up could rub shoulders with those on the way down" notoriousness during the 80's, meant it became regarded as the last place to get a scoop. In 1995 it moved to a windowless room below central lobby, and closed in early to mid 2000's Moncrieffs sits atop the press gallery- bar man getting so drunk charged same for all drinks from scotch to lemonade-stocktake totalled in the morning.

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The Lord’s bar, The Bishop’s bar, The Peer’s dining room, The Peer’s guest room, The Pugin room, The Terrace Pavillion, The Stranger’s bar, The Terrace Cafeteria, The Thames Pavillion, The Speaker’s State Rooms, The River restaurant, Bellamy’s, The Debate, The Jubilee room, The Adjournment, The Member’s Dining Room, The Stranger’s Dining Room, The Sport’s and Social bar, The Inter-Parliamentary Union Room, The Churchill Room, The Cholmondeley Room, The Barry room, The Home room, The Jubilee Cafe, The Atlee Room, Millbank House Cafeteria, The River dining rooms and Moncrieffs (the club house for journalists).

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It will join several post offices, as well as a travel agency and hairdressers, provided in the Commons.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mother-of-all-parliaments-to-open-first-nursery-1841983.html including a florist and a gym.https://www.politico.eu/article/boozy-politics-last-call-political-drinking-westminster/

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As for us mere plebs gaining access to these hallowed halls, during parliamentary recess, and to reduce the subsidy open up to paying members of the public.

Associated with the Lords

Lords’ Bar

riverside terrace of parliament

General bar. Open to all full Parliamentary pass holders and up to 2 guests. leads out onto the terrace. You won't see many peers here. It is popular with young political researchers as a singles' bar.

Bishops' Bar

Location: Principal Floor, on Bishops’ Corridor. The only bar off-limits to MPs. Members’ bar accessible to Members, Clerks at the Table, Black Rod and the Yeoman Usher. sells sandwiches

Peers' Guest Room

Handsome room where lords can entertain their ladies (and sometimes girlfriends).

Table service bar with morning coffee and afternoon tea also available.

Restaurants

Barry room

Location: Ground Floor, access via stairs off Bishops’ Corridor. Members’ restaurant accessible to Members, certain senior staff and up to six guests. an "indulgent" a la carte menu.

Home Room

Location: Ground Floor, south-east corner, access via Library staircases Members’ restaurant accessible to Members and certain senior staff. Peers and spouses only, "uncomplicated fare". of grills and light meals.

https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/venue-hire/lords/hire-your-venue/home-room/

Millbank House cafeteria

Basement, Millbank House House of Lords offices in Millbank House Open to all full Parliamentary pass holders and up to 2 guests. Self-service cafeteria serving light snacks and refreshments throughout the day with warm meals and salads at lunch.

Peers’ Dining Room

• Peers' Dining Room - The Peers' Dining Room can accommodate receptions for up to 250 people and dinners for up to 120 people for dinner on Friday and 80 on Thursday

Members’ restaurant, accessible to Members and certain senior staff with up to five guests. "refined cuisine". Formal à la carte and table d’hôte dining in a traditional style including the ‘Long Table’(Members only) which offers a daily menu

(Long Table)

Location: Principal Floor, on Bishops’ Corridor, must take the next seat available on the long table, dress code like a law firm, with a reminiscence of Oxbridge collegiate dining.

Peer's guest dining room=

Location: Principal Floor, on Library Corridor

Peers’ Guest Room

Location: Principal Floor, on Library Corridor

Lords Bar

Location: Ground Floor, access via Law Lords’ Corridor staircase

River Restaurant

Ground Floor, access via Law Lords’ Corridor staircase

Open to all full Parliamentary pass holders and up to 3 guests. Canteen food. The River Room is the principal state room of the House of Lords and is reserved primarily for functions sponsored by Members of the House on behalf of UKregistered charities.

Self-service cafeteria serving main meals and snacks and refreshments.

river room https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/lord-speaker/using-the-river-room/ The Room may also be used for cross-party parliamentary events, but not for meetings of All Party Groups.- 12.11.2018 18:00-20:00 House of Lords - Liberal Democrat reception Lord Stoneham of Droxford Parliamentary 80 https://www.parliament.uk/documents/lord-speaker/River-Room-statistics-October-December-2018.pdf

Function rooms

In addition to the outlets referred to above the House of Lords has 3 function rooms available for events sponsored by Members:

• Attlee Room - The Attlee Room can accommodate receptions for up to 60 people and dinners or lunches for up to 32 people.

• Cholmondeley Room and Pavilion Terrace

Reception area in the HoP, seated area in marquee on terrace The Cholmondeley Room can accommodate receptions for up to 250 people and dinners or lunches for up to 120 people. The Cholmondeley Room and connecting Terrace are the largest venues available for hire in the House of Lords.

• Reid Room

function suite to lords

Non-parliamentary estate

Bars close to parliament open to the public, which are frequented by members... Shouldn't pose a problem if like former MP Eric Joyce in 2013 you are banned from buying alcohol from any bar in parliament by the office of the speaker...

6 locations outside parliamentary estate host division bells, though from some locations a drinker would certainly need to be athletic to make it back to the chamber in 8 minutes to vote.http://www.mostlyaboutbeer.co.uk/a-call-to-arms-the-pub-division-bells-of-westminster/

St Stephen's Tavern

Bridge Street The 130-year-old institution had been closed for over 15 years before brewers Hall & Woodhouse, with a little help from English Heritage, financed a refurb. http://ststephenstavern.co.uk/ reopened in 2003. Grade II listed. 10 Bridge Street, SW1A. div bell

Red Lion

Main article: Red_Lion,_Westminster

The Red Lion is a Grade II listed public house at 48 Parliament Street, London SW1. div bell

Westminster Arms

Westminster arms fmrly Red Lion Storey's Gate.

9 & 10 Storey's Gate, SW1P. has a division bell tory and UKIP

Blue Boar

Broadway division bell

Marquis of Granby

Romney Street used to be a Tory haunt before Conservative Central Office moved from Smith Square. banned Farage https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2017/11/30/choppers-brexit-podcast-episode-30-nigel-farage-banned-giving/ div bell

Prince Albert

Victoria Street, div bell in upstairs dining lounge with restricted hours. The_Albert

honorable mentions

Clarence

Whitehall and great scotland yard.

Players

The Arches Villiers Street, London 

dive bar Players. No one would ever come here sober. It is a downmarket piano bar hidden under the arches by Charing Cross station, packed with researchers acting like that creepy guy at a university nightclub who stays after his mates have left, hoping to take someone – anyone – home. Lembit Opik is a regular. Sally Bercow loves it.

References

• no licencing https://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-information-office/g19.pdf

https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/foi/foi-and-eir/commons-foi-disclosures/catering-services-retail/house-of-commons-restaurants-and-bars/

Gerry Fitt, the SDLP MP, used to sit on the terrace and wave great tumblers of gin and tonic at the passing boats shouting: “It’s free! It’s all free!”