Seemor
Buckingham ArmsA-Worth Trying
62 Petty France, London SW1H 9EU
· Pub
· 4.5/5 Google (1584 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Traditional Westminster pub with standout pies, fish and chips, and warmly praised service; quality is strong and pricing sits in the premium pub bracket.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Buckingham Arms delivers exceptional food quality and outstanding service attentiveness that position it among Westminster's better neighborhood restaurants. Solid consistency and appealing traditional setting support reliable dining, though crowding at peak times and premium pricing prevent the distinction needed for grade A territory. A dependable choice for well-executed pub classics with genuine hospitality.
Restaurant Summary
A short walk from the Palace, Buckingham Arms feels warm and bustling in that classic wood-and-ale way. Service is frequently called out by name, with quotes like "we were welcomed right before the kitchen closed and never felt rushed" capturing the vibe of attentive hospitality. Pies, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding are the crowd-pleasers, and early arrivals snag tables before the rooms get busy with sightseers. The cooking leans elevated traditional rather than trendy—think well-executed pub staples with good ingredients and generous portions. The culinary approach is classic and ingredient-led: no theatrics, just crisp batter, rich gravies, and comforting puddings. Pricing sits a notch above an everyday pub, but quality and portion sizes make it feel fair for central Westminster. For families, this is a comfortable pick: staff have offered highchairs and extra plates, and the menu has familiar hits like fish and chips, burgers, and pies. Vegan and gluten-free options have been noted by diners, making it easier for mixed groups. That said, roasts are likely Sunday-only and not on the main menu, so book ahead on Sundays if that is the goal.
At a Glance
- Superb execution of pub classics (fish and chips, pies, sticky toffee pudding)
- Friendly, attentive service with memorable staff interactions
- Good portions and satisfying roasts on Sundays
- Can get crowded; some sold-out items and waits at peak times
- Prices are premium for a pub, aligned with central location
What Sets It Apart
- house_made_pies_program
- classic_pub_near_buckingham_palace
- strong_service_personality
What People Love
- Golden, crisp fish with fluffy chips
- Deeply savory, generously filled pies
- Sticky toffee pudding that ends the meal on a high
- Staff who go out of their way to help, even close to kitchen cut-off
- A traditional pub room that feels authentic
Points of Concern
- At peak times, certain dishes sell out and waits increase; arrive early or book ahead
- A handful of older reviews cite slow service or curt interactions; recent trend looks improved
- Premium central-London pricing may surprise some pub-goers
- Review patterns show signs of potential name-drop encouragement; overall authenticity remains mostly solid
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£36-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair whitebait (£9.50) with a crisp lager, then a pie (£20.5-23) and sticky toffee (£7.00) for a balanced, classic meal
- Value route: Scotch egg (£7.00) plus a sandwich (£12.00) keeps a light meal under £20 before drinks
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-palace sightseeing meal
- Comfort-food cravings with a pint
- Group catch-ups where pies and sharers shine
- A cozy first-night-in-London pub experience
Location Insights
Area: Historic government district near Buckingham Palace and St James's Park; mix of office workers, visitors, and tourists.
Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled, high foot traffic during day and early evening; quieter later at night.
Nearby: Close to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, government offices, and major hotels; strong tourist draw.
St James'sPrestigious central London neighborhood characterized by elegant architecture, proximity to government offices, and sophisticated dining and professional environments.
WhitehallCore governmental district with historic administrative buildings and a formal, professional urban landscape.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–23:00
Tuesday11:00–23:00
Wednesday11:00–23:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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