The journal

The Westminster Arms: Discover the Iconic Shepherd Neame Pub Renovation

04 June 2025 4 min read

Tucked behind Parliament Square, the Westminster Arms has long been a quiet witness to British history. Just steps from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, this iconic Shepherd Neame pub, once favoured by politicians and journalists, enters a vibrant new chapter after a thoughtful renovation.

Tucked just behind Parliament Square, the Westminster Arms has long stood as a quiet witness to British history. In the heart of London, a stone's throw from the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, it's a pub steeped in history and frequented by politicians, journalists and visitors from around the world. Long a symbol of British hospitality, this iconic Shepherd Neame pub now enters a vibrant new chapter following a considered renovation.

Main bar of the Westminster Arms with a mahogany counter, back-bar shelves and dark panelling beneath a pale upper wall — The brand-new main bar, with traditional drinks shelves brought towards the front of the pub

Shepherd Neame: an iconic brewer with a passion for craftsmanship and excellence

The renovation is the result of a unique collaboration between two of Britain's most respected heritage brands: Shepherd Neame, brewers since 1698, and Mylands, established in 1884, both family-run businesses with Royal Warrants, a rare mark of excellence and service to the Crown. Each is built on a commitment to quality, authenticity and enduring craftsmanship, a shared ethos that made them natural partners for the project. The goal of the refurbishment was not just to refresh but to respect and reawaken the building's heritage, and we were delighted to help bring that vision to life through colour.

A deep, regal palette of burgundy hues

Inspired by the depth and warmth of traditional pub interiors, the palette draws on Mylands' extensive range of timeless, historically accurate colours. These rich reds echo the tones of parliamentary benches, deep-leather armchairs and classic mahogany panelling, a nod to tradition and an inviting atmosphere for modern guests, while the warm, enveloping tones reinforce the pub's sense of place within a district known for its symbolism, history and enduring British identity.

Our colours include the rich Plum Tree™ No.283, Duke's House™ No.44, Huguenot™ No.49, Belgravia™ No.6. Bathed in rich, dark tones, the restoration elegantly revives the building's historic grandeur, evoking a timeless sense of refinement and prestige. The exterior includes a full redecoration, complete with new signwriting and an elegant awning featuring Mylands gold metallic paint.

A celebration of deep burgundy hues

Inside, the pub has been completely refurbished with a stylish yet classic design, featuring a brand-new main bar, a renovated Queen Anne Dining Room on the first floor and a transformed Cellar Bar downstairs, with traditional drinks shelves introduced towards the front for customers looking for a quick lunchtime visit or after-work drinks.

Bespoke colour: a unique exterior

A key feature of the transformation is a bespoke deep purple paint specially created by Mylands for the Westminster Arms, a luxurious statement colour that honours the pub's historic past.

Pub exterior in a bespoke deep purple with gold signwriting reading Shepherd Neame Ltd and Rebuilt in 1913 above an arched crest — Left, the redecorated exterior in a bespoke deep purple created by Mylands for the Westminster Arms, with new gold signwriting; right, the Queen Anne Dining Room on the first floor

First-floor Queen Anne Dining Room with embossed walls and panelling in a deep plum, a gilt-framed mirror panel and brass wall lights — Left, the redecorated exterior in a bespoke deep purple created by Mylands for the Westminster Arms, with new gold signwriting; right, the Queen Anne Dining Room on the first floor

Key features

Alongside Shepherd Neame's award-winning beers, the pub offers an extensive selection of acclaimed English wines, a premium spirits list featuring 35 different whiskies, and a new range of handcrafted cocktails, plus Shepherd Neame's bespoke Creekside Coffee.

Cellar Bar with dark timber screens, etched and leaded glass, an arched window seat and an embossed frieze above — Left, the transformed Cellar Bar downstairs; right, the new signwriting and the Shepherd Neame clock above the bar fascia

Shepherd Neame clock on a carved pediment above hand-painted fascia lettering, set against a white embossed frieze and cornice — Left, the transformed Cellar Bar downstairs; right, the new signwriting and the Shepherd Neame clock above the bar fascia

Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame commented: "We are immensely proud to have such an iconic London pub within our estate and have taken great care to refurbish it to the highest standards. Our collaboration with Mylands has played a key role in preserving the heritage of the Westminster Arms while elevating its aesthetic to new heights."

About Shepherd Neame

Shepherd Neame is Britain's oldest brewer, founded in 1698 in Faversham, Kent; the independent family brewery boasts an award-winning range of beers and operates over 300 pubs and hotels across London and the South East. The newly renovated Westminster Arms is now open seven days a week, offering a welcoming atmosphere for loyal patrons and new visitors alike, and a new venue to experience Mylands colours in London. Location: Westminster Arms, 10 Storey's Gate, Westminster, London SW1P 3AT, 020 7222 8520, westminsterarms.co.uk.