Tucked away on Horseferry Road, just a short stroll from the Houses of Parliament, the White Horse & Bower is a classic London pub with a long and colourful history. With its red-brick Victorian façade and real ale credentials, it remains a much-loved haunt for locals, civil servants, and the occasional MP.
A History Steeped in Change
The pub dates back to the early 1800s, originally known simply as the White Horse. Its full name – White Horse & Bower – was adopted in 1832, and it may reference local geography or former inns nearby. The current building was rebuilt in 1894, during a period when many London pubs were being modernised. The New Westminster Brewery was responsible for the design, giving the pub the smart brickwork, tall sash windows and strong street presence it still boasts today.
With over 200 years of continuous service, the White Horse & Bower has seen Westminster change around it – from gas lamps and horse-drawn carriages to policy makers with laptops and lobbyists on mobile phones.
A Favourite with the Political Crowd
Its proximity to Parliament has long made it a popular stop for MPs and parliamentary staff. The pub is reputed to have had a division bell, alerting Members of Parliament that a vote was about to be called – a rare feature found only in pubs within easy reach of Westminster.
That unique atmosphere – half relaxed pub, half political backroom – has made the White Horse & Bower a fixture in London’s political landscape.
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