If Pimlico was a quaint seaside town, then the Marquis of Westminster would be its village pub.

The Venue
On the corner of Belgravia Road and Warwick Way you’ll find the Marquis of Westminster surrounded by low patio tables with frequently changed ashtrays and beige walls. Unlike some of the other pubs on the Way, the party is always where you can’t see it so the high windows and rambunctious sounds beg to be investigated further.

The first thing that hits you is the smell of battered fish and vinegar soaked chips - a delight to most. The second striking feature is the lime green paint contrasted against the mock period wallpaper - slightly jarring at first, but all falling into play with the oversized chocolate bar in the centre of the small room surrounded by tatty yet characterful seats and benches. Large candles rest in the windows, and as the night burns on wax overflows and drips down onto the window ledge. All this place needs are a few sea shanties and goblets of grog to complete its almost pirate-esque feel.

The Atmosphere
The Marquis of Westminster offers the closest thing to a party in Pimlico. Open until 12am with louder music than most, there's a good mixture of locals, visitors staying in Belgravia Road’s hotel strip, and odd sorts who are a bit more up for it than the geriatric-faction of the area. The small size of the upstairs room ensures voices get louder as the drinks get drunk. The music is mostly brit-pop anthems that are sure to be sung along to at some point over the weekend.

During the day it’s not really so quiet as the locals prop the bar up and eat olives from jars on the bar. The staff always have a bit of witty banter to get you going, if not there’s always a copy of the Evening Standard floating around.

The Food
You can get a proper English meal here, like fish and chips followed by bread and butter pudding. Hearty and greasy – it's school food dishes done for adults. It’s nothing to complain about as you know what you’re getting and it hits the spot more often than not. They have a specials board and a restaurant downstairs, whose same kitchen services the pub.

The Drink
Not too pricey, drinks at the Marquis of Westminster are pretty much middle of the road with a wide selection of lagers – their specialty brew being San Miguel. There are only two bitters though. A chalk board with five of each type of wine shows off the selection with open bottles waiting for you to help yourself on the bar. Party fuel is offered in the form of a good selection of sambuca (in light, yellow and dark).

The Last Word
Overall, the Marquis of Westminster is a bit of a Pimlico institution, although it’s not too overblown considering it stands on the posh side of the village, near the stucco townhouses. All in all a decent and enjoyable pub well worth a pint or three.

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