A Heritage of Hospitality
The Story of St Stephen’s Tavern, Past & Present
Steeped in history and full of character, St Stephen’s Tavern has been a Westminster icon since 1875. From its origins as a gathering place for politicians and locals to its modern role as a welcoming pub, our story is one of tradition, heritage, and hospitality. Join us in celebrating the legacy of this historic landmark in the heart of London.
Our Present
Get to Know Us
St Stephen’s Tavern blends its rich history with a vibrant atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd of locals, city workers, and visitors exploring Westminster. Under the attentive guidance of General Manager Jonathan and his dedicated team, the pub offers a welcoming space where guests can relax, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and soak up the iconic surroundings.
With its historic charm, prime location near Big Ben, and friendly service, St Stephen’s Tavern is the ideal spot to experience the best of Westminster’s past and present.
“At St Stephen’s Tavern, we’re passionate about creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Whether you’re stopping by for a pint, a meal, or a moment to relax in the heart of London, we’re here to make your visit memorable.” – Jon (General Manager)
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team at St Stephen’s Tavern is the heart of everything we do. Led by General Manager Jonathan and supported by Area Manager Foggy, our team is here to ensure every visit is as warm and welcoming as it is memorable. Whether serving up a pint or sharing stories of the pub’s historic charm, we’re always ready to make you feel at home.
We’re incredibly proud to uphold the history and legacy of St Stephen’s Tavern, making it a welcoming place for everyone who steps through the door. – Foggy, Area Manager
Meet Our Team
Say hello to four of the friendly faces behind the bar at St Stephen’s Tavern. Our hardworking team are always ready with a smile, a perfectly poured pint, and the passion to create a memorable experience for every guest.
Working here is about more than serving drinks; it’s about creating connections and being part of a place that’s special to so many people. – Deputy General Manager
Our Past
St Stephen’s Tavern has a rich history dating back to 1875, when it first opened its doors in the heart of Westminster. Named after St Stephen’s Chapel, the original meeting place of the House of Commons, the pub quickly became a favourite for MPs and journalists due to its proximity to Parliament. Renowned figures, including Stanley Baldwin, Winston Churchill, and Harold Macmillan, have graced its historic walls.
The building itself is a striking example of French Renaissance architecture, earning it a Grade II listing for its historical and architectural significance. Inside, the original division bell still rings to alert MPs when it’s time to vote. After closing in the 1980s for construction of the Jubilee line and Portcullis House, the pub was lovingly restored and reopened in 2003 by Hall & Woodhouse. Today, St Stephen’s Tavern continues to offer a unique blend of history, charm, and warm hospitality.
Discover More of Our History
If you’re intrigued by our story and enjoy a good dose of pub history, explore Tweedy Pubs on YouTube. Their channel uncovers the fascinating backgrounds of London’s most iconic pubs, including St Stephen’s Tavern. With captivating tales of heritage and charm, it’s the perfect way to delve deeper into what makes historic pubs like ours so special.
Explore Our Sister Venues
The Prince Edward
Just a short distance away, discover The Prince Edward in Bayswater, perfectly positioned near Notting Hill and Hyde Park, offering a welcoming atmosphere, hearty food, and a vibrant spot to catch live sports.
The Eel Pie
Nearby in Twickenham, explore The Eel Pie, a charming pub nestled near the River Thames, offering a cosy atmosphere and a perfect spot to unwind after visiting local landmarks like Twickenham Stadium or Marble Hill House.
The Shaston Arms
Situated in vibrant Soho, The Shaston Arms is a quintessential London pub offering charm and character. With an excellent selection of drinks, it’s an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the bustling heart of the city.
The Ship & Shovell
Nearby, uncover The Ship and Shovell, a truly unique pub split across two buildings, offering a warm atmosphere and a great selection of drinks, just moments from Charing Cross and Embankment.
The Old Nick
A short journey away, visit The Old Nick, a historic pub brimming with character, located near St Stephen’s Tavern in the heart of Holborn, offering a warm welcome and a true taste of British charm.
Fundraising
Community is incredibly important to us and as part of this, we help to fundraise for a local charity. For more information on which charity we are supporting this year, speak to a local team member at the pub or view our company website.
RNLI Water
We currently serve Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Coastal Spring still and sparkling waters and 1p will be paid in support of the RNLI for each bottle sold. Payments are made by Cornish Natural Spring Water to RNLI (Enterprises) Ltd (Which pays all its taxable profits to the RNLI, a charity registered in England & Wales (No. 209603) & in Scotland (No SC037736). Charity No. CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.
Blue Light Card Discount
Enjoy 15% off your whole bill when you dine with us Monday to Sunday when you present a valid Blue Light Card.
T&Cs: Minimum Spend £10. Valid for Food, Soft Drinks, Hot Drinks, Alcoholic Drinks & Accommodation. Excludes Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Easter Sunday, Mothering Sunday, Fathers Day, Valentines Day and Bank Holidays. This discount cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer. Maximum size of table is 6 people when receiving the Blue Light Discount, for larger Tables the Blue light Discount does not apply
Impact Report 2024
Hall & Woodhouse is proud to present our 2024 Impact Report, highlighting our commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. As we approach our 250th anniversary in 2027, we’ve set ambitious goals, including achieving carbon neutrality. Recent initiatives include £140,000 raised for Teddy Rocks supporting children with cancer, and £100,000 raised by our pubs for local charities. Explore the full report to see how we’re making a meaningful difference across the South of England.
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