House of Commons: ‘smell of boiled cabbage’ – restaurant review

The idea of visiting the Strangers’ Dining Room is exciting, the reality sadly disappointing

Strangers’ Dining Room at the House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA. Visit parliament.uk to book. Meal for two including drinks and service £180

Many wretched schemes have been devised within the Houses of Parliament to separate the British from their money, in return for scant reward. There’s the poll tax, which was a charge on breathing. There are VAT increases, instituted to sort out a financial mess you didn’t make. To these should be added one more: the shameful price they are charging to serve mediocre cooking to hapless members of the public.

The idea is delightful. Why not open up the dining rooms to those eager to dine like a ​lord, or even like Michael Gove?