St. Stephens Tavern

Reading existing reviews, not much has changed in the past years. The exterior is appealing which stopped me from entering the first time, being afraid of horrendous prices, but I finally went there with my parents in September. The inside has got a great atmosphere, especially upstairs where you can observe the unique ceiling and overlook the ground floor; however it gets easily crammed when many tables are occupied.
The menu goes a bit beyond the usual pub grub such that there are some lighter alternatives to choose from together with a few starters and sides. Real ale is on offer alongside Hofbräu from Munich. The food is good and not that expensive given it is located in an area extremely popular with tourists with the Houses of Parliaments and the Clock Tower are just across the road and the London Eye just across Westminster Bridge.
It is worth to pop in just for a pint.

Greeted by the impressive exterior with the big old lamps you are lead into a warm and cosy interior. This lovely traditional pub has a great and specific atmosphere which is impossible to explain.
A good choice of drinks (including real ales) and a promising menu for their food are waiting.
The barmaid was very friendly and tried to tempt us to eat something (in a nice way).
(The special situation connected with the parliament opposite was already mentioned by earlier reviewers.)

Great old pub with nice atmosphere, well run, good selection of drinks and menu - but arrive early as kitchen often shuts about 9pm when the regular crowd of officials dries up! Busy at lunchtimes and 5-7pm due to its location, but a fairly quick turnover of the regular crowd means you can get a seat before long. Always worth checking upstairs. And it’s quiet at the weekend and late evening! Not the cheapest of venues but average for London pub prices - and it has to be the closest for tourists needing a break from the sights of Parliament.

A proper pub a stones throw from Parliament (they ring bells when votes are called in the Houses and exciting to see who gets up and leaves when they do!) Surprisingly usually somewhere to sit, especially upstairs. Packed full of officials and Parliamentarians and they serve reasonably priced white wine in a cooler bucket. Good.

Had a really nice Chicken Jalfrezi here, served with naan bread and mango chutney, mmmm! Watch out, it’s a bit on the hot side! Service was fast and efficient in a pleasant atmosphere. Recommended.