Where
RICS, Parliament Square, London SW1P 3AD
What
Previously playing second fiddle to Michel Roux Jr’s Roux at Parliament Square restaurant downstairs, The Pembury has emerged as a destination bar in its own right. This is a venue for those in the know rather than somewhere people would happen upon as it’s on the first floor and the entrance is quite concealed. It’s open Monday to Friday and closed at weekends.
Inside
Fully refurbished – with a few bits and pieces still to come – this spacious lounge is filled with character and class. Seating 60, it’s furnished with mismatched leather chairs and sofas huddled around low tables, with old-fashioned lamps and amusing knick-knacks – such as a globe cocktail cabinet – which match the library-style decor.
Why
Often used as a pre-dinner drinks venue for those dining in the downstairs restaurant, it is increasingly becoming somewhere for an after-work drink or a light bite. Its Westminster location means MPs frequent the bar during parliamentary terms, but it is also for anyone who has enjoyed a day sightseeing at the London Eye, Big Ben and the Parliament buildings. This is not a buzzy or trendy place but ideal for those who want to enjoy a quiet drink in an elegant venue. As a ‘new’ (reopened) and tucked away bar, it would benefit from building up a larger clientele.
Drink
The concise cocktail list is easy to digest; however, if you don’t see something that takes your fancy the mixologists are happy to make a creation more to your liking. Liam is a superb barman and creates drinks with flair and passion. The Pembury Cup is a very refreshing Pimm’s-based drink with slightly unusual flavours of watermelon and elderflower. We also tried the summery English Garden containing Tanqueray No 10 gin, gooseberry, lemon and lime, which was very fruity but not too sweet. There is also a full range of wines, champagnes and whiskies, which are more in keeping with the cosy decor than the colourful cocktails.
Eat
A varied selection of light bites includes twists on British pub classics such as smoked paprika pork scratchings and Scotch egg, as well as Mediterranean-style snacks. The pea and mint aranchini – golden breadcrumbed balls of peas and rice – were flavoursome. The seasoned feta-stuffed pepperdew peppers were quite large but pleasant.
The bar has recently introduced a Nibbles and Tipples menu that matches cocktails with complementary dishes, a cocktail and tapas tasting menu and afternoon tea.
Price
Prices are very reasonable, especially for London, so it’s good value for visitors to the capital or businesspeople. Cocktails cost around £8-9 and generous portions of tapas start at about £5.
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