Just a hundred yards from Trafalgar Square, the MOD and the Horse Guard’s Parade, The Clarence has an undeniably impressive location that attracts both locals and tourists alike; the PM himself will no doubt drop in now and again after a tiring day at number 10!
With the kitchen open all day, the pub is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat away from the busy hustle and bustle of London’s West End, and, being opposite Trafalgar Studios, it’s the perfect opportunity to get a pre-theatre nibble before a show. No doubt tourists will love a traditional British fish and chips or bangers and mash, while those simply popping out from the office may be glad for the variety of the daily changing specials.
Real ales are given prime position in the intimate downstairs bar while the quieter Pol Roger dining room upstairs, available to hire for private lunches or dinners, business meetings and more, focuses more closely on the impressive wine list The Clarence has to offer.
The Clarence
Pub in Westminster
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Opening Summary
Mon-Saturday: 10.00 - 23.00
Sunday: 11.00-10.30
Mon-Saturday: 10.00 - 23.00
Sunday: 11.00-10.30
Venue Facilities
Smoking Area
Food Served
Big Screen TV
Children Welcome
Credit Cards Accepted
Music Played
Outdoor Area
All In London Review
Tourists can sample hearty British food at The Clarence
The Valley Farm smoked salmon and warm potato cake is a light appetizer, with rashers of smoked salmon sat atop a thin potato cake that is crispy on the outside. The baked salmon and broccoli tart is a tasty quiche, served with mixed leaves.
For the main I opt for a hearty dish of Wiltshire cured gammon, duck eggs and chips. The salty gammon reminds me of a hangover breakfast, along with two rich eggs and hand cut chips.
Friend chooses a more sophisticated dish from the specials board. The lamb, sausage and chickpea pie arrives with a side of potato salad. Tender lamb and chunks of sausage have been stewed and dolloped into a pastry pie, which though appears to be on the small side is in fact substantial enough.
The sherry trifle falls a little short of the mark however. A little pot of fruity jelly covered in a thick swirl of cream and sprinkled with blanched almonds is missing the custard and the sponge.
The Clarence’s menu provides traditional British food to the area’s tourists. A meal for two with wine is around £60.
Reviewed by Leila
Published on Jun 16, 2010
User Reviews
Christopher Smith
from Westbury
from Westbury
Jan 17, 2017
My wife and I popped in for lunch during a mini-break in London just before Christmas. It was very full, but we were immediately greeted by a friendly member of staff who found us a table and took our order. The food was excellent, not expensive and arrived within ten minutes. It was the best fish and chips I have had ever- chips crisp and soft inside, fish with only a minimal coating of batter. We will certainly visit again next time we are in London and in need of a quality lunch.
Bill Rayburn
from Battersea
from Battersea
Oct 12, 2013
Great pub. I expected it to be quite pricey, given its proximity to touristy Trafalgar Square, a mere 100 yard walk down Whitehall. But it was very reasonable, food was excellent. Love the interior, but it was sunny so chose the outside table on the sidewalk where the people watching was as good as the fish and chips. Brew was excellent, as well. Mate had a vegetarian dish that had her worried upon ordering, but moaning and gushing upon eating. We live in London and have sampled close to a hundred pubs in the past year. This is in the top ten.
steve
from hicks
from hicks
Mar 1, 2011
What a shame - AVOID!
This has the potential to be a decent Whitehall pub, with a great location and nice interior post refurb. The food isn't bad either.
However the service / quality of staff is well below what you'd expect anywhere in London and really lets the place down.
for example on a recent visit we were greeted by an aggressive and very poorly presented girl who insisted that we sat at a small table for two rather than a table of our choice despite the bar being only 1/3 full (it was towards the end of lunchtime). When we asked to sit else where we got a very rude response
No one would mind being asked politely or being told that if the placed filled up that we'd have to move. But the attitude was shocking and this particular member of staff was clearly not cut out for a customer facing role.
Unfortunately his wasn't a once off - and have hard many bad stories from friends and colleagues. If the Clarence wishes to retain customers and justify its high prices it needs to pay attention to more than just the food and the decor.
All in all there are better pubs on Whitehall, don't make the mistake of going here
Name: steve
Location: hicks
This has the potential to be a decent Whitehall pub, with a great location and nice interior post refurb. The food isn't bad either.
However the service / quality of staff is well below what you'd expect anywhere in London and really lets the place down.
for example on a recent visit we were greeted by an aggressive and very poorly presented girl who insisted that we sat at a small table for two rather than a table of our choice despite the bar being only 1/3 full (it was towards the end of lunchtime). When we asked to sit else where we got a very rude response
No one would mind being asked politely or being told that if the placed filled up that we'd have to move. But the attitude was shocking and this particular member of staff was clearly not cut out for a customer facing role.
Unfortunately his wasn't a once off - and have hard many bad stories from friends and colleagues. If the Clarence wishes to retain customers and justify its high prices it needs to pay attention to more than just the food and the decor.
All in all there are better pubs on Whitehall, don't make the mistake of going here
Name: steve
Location: hicks
missidealfinds
May 10, 2006
The Clarence Pub is a refreshing change from the usual pubs in this part of town.
For those concerned about what they eat and drink, this public house offers real ales and home cooked foods. Like 70 per cent of Britain, I do not want genetically modified (GM) ingredients. This concerns me when eating out as it is very difficult to find out if pub beers and wines are GM free. I avoid GM because I do not believe so-called "substantial equivalent" foods or ingredients are safe. I would drink at a pub like The Clarence because it sells real English ales, which have some quality assurance.
The Clarence is an excellent establishment although the decor needed improvement.
For those concerned about what they eat and drink, this public house offers real ales and home cooked foods. Like 70 per cent of Britain, I do not want genetically modified (GM) ingredients. This concerns me when eating out as it is very difficult to find out if pub beers and wines are GM free. I avoid GM because I do not believe so-called "substantial equivalent" foods or ingredients are safe. I would drink at a pub like The Clarence because it sells real English ales, which have some quality assurance.
The Clarence is an excellent establishment although the decor needed improvement.
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