The Clarence
53 Whitehall
Westminster, London SW1A 2HP
www.theclarencewhitehall.com

Review Notes:

• Busy Victorian pub in the heart of tourist land in Whitehall.  The exterior and downstairs bar were a bit run down and our party was initially unsure as to whether it was in fact the same establishment as advertised in the photos online. However the upstairs dining room, the Tin Belly Dining Room, was bright airy and of a much more refined character.
• Deep red leather(-style) banquette seating, bare tables and a large skylight created a calm and enjoyable oasis from the hustle and bustle of tourist town.  The ambience was relaxed and informal, the dining room was not overly busy, with friendly and attentive staff.
• All members of the party chose the roast beef, as it was served from a carving trolley and was the primary reason for our visit.  The beef was unfortunately “well done” with no sign of the delicious ooze of meaty juices. The waitress appeared to have trouble hacking off slices from the joint on the trolley, giving our party pause for thought as to the quality of the beef or the carving knife.  However the portions were generous and the meat was, contrary to the waitresses efforts, quite tender.
• There was a small selection of sides, the obligatory oversized Yorkshire puddings were unfortunately a little too crispy. The roast potatoes were few and a touch leathery; the Sunday lunch staple root vegetable, carrots, were sweet and tender, generally on par with most; the green filler was some rather bland cabbage; topped off with the confusing addition of half a large roasted red onion.
• Gravy was thin and unremarkable, but plenty was provided on asking, which was required due to the slightly dry beef.
• Guinness was available, however due to the hot weather a cooler lager was sampled.  There was a small selection of real ales although a draft pale ale was the order of the day for the ale drinkers.
• Dessert was taken, a sticky toffee pudding that was extolled by the waitress, and a banofee pie.  All to a good and enjoyable standard.
• Price £19 for the roast beef.

Final Thoughts

Whilst it was a much sought after “pub rather than restaurant”, the downstairs bar’s slightly worn and run-down (not in a chic way) appearance, matched by the tired and worn-out raft of tourists attempting to capture a slice of British hospitality, detracted slightly from the overall impression.  The novelty of the carvery trolley unfortunately didn’t make up for the slightly disappointing roast beef.  Overall a decent effort for a Sunday Lunch in the heart of the well trodden streets of Whitehall.