Shepherd Neame celebrates Westminster Arms opening

A pub over the road from the Houses of Parliament has reopened its doors, following a £1.2m refurbishment from owners Shepherd Neame. 

The Westminster Arms, which still features a 'Division Bell' to remind MPs to get back to the House to vote, reopened for business at the end of March having been renovated throughout all of its five floors. 

Its refurbishment included installing the latest sustainable technology, including a smart cellar and an all-electric kitchen.

"This £1.2m refurbishment ensures this pub is fit for the 21st century," says Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame (pictured right). "This is a moment that makes Shepherd Neame very proud and, I hope, the industry too. I hope this is the beginning of a new and wonderful era for this outstanding pub."

Behind the bar

The pub team is now led by general manager Augustas Jankauskas (pictured centre), and includes newly-appointed team members and long-serving ones, including Francois Dechamps, who has worked there for 25 years.

The previous general manager Gerry Dolan, who ran the pub for 30 years before retiring last year, was among the assembled guests at the opening night, which also included many who had worked on the project.

"It’s an honour to be celebrating the reopening of this unique pub," adds Tonia Antoniazzi, Gower MP and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group (pictured left). "This is a great place to come and meet people and be in each other’s company."

Now open seven days a week, its Queen Anne Dining Room on the first floor has been redesigned and, downstairs, the Cellar Bar has been completely renovated.

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