Every time we put a story up about the chance to dine at one of the Houses of Parliament dining rooms, the rare slots go like a shot. So it's welcome news that as part of a programme to increase public engagement with Parliament the House of Commons are now opening their Strangers Dining Room on a twice-weekly basis and, for the first time, you'll be able to go for dinner.
From 25 April they'll be taking bookings every Tuesdays and Wednesday until the end of October.
The room itself is steeped in history. It was originally a Peers’ committee room, becoming a dining room back in 1867. The walls are covered in works of art, including a painting of William Pitt the Younger (Prime Minister from 1783-1801 and 1804-06) and a sextet of former Speakers of the House of Commons.
This is the dining room where MPs usually take their guests for meals. Now anyone who books ahead can try the four-course set-price menu for £75. That's a bit of a price hike from last year when lunch was just £45.
“After the success of our pop-up programme during Recess periods, we are very much looking forward to welcoming the public on a twice-weekly basis," says Mark Hill, Executive Chef at the House of Commons. "We are sure that our combination of fine dining, historic surroundings and high-end service will provide them with a meal to remember.”
When: From 25 April 2017 onwards
How to book: On their website www.parliament.uk/dining.
Where: House of Commons, St Margarets Street, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
