I came across this in a 2002 piece from the Daily Telegraph"The Strangers Bar, overlooking the House of Commons terrace, which in turn overlooks the Thames, is a most convivial place. It is so called because it is where MPs can invite guests. The wooden panelling and green carpet are in keeping with Pugin's original design, although the beer mats pinned above the oak bar are probably not.
At six o'clock on a Monday evening it is crowded with northern MPs in grey suits (the female versions fitting marginally better than their male counterparts). The men are drinking pints from "handles" - although the Sunderland MP Stephen Hepburn is looking more like a 1980s yuppie as he swigs lager from the bottle. The women are fuelling themselves with cheap House wine. It could be a Saturday night in any suburban saloon bar in any industrial town north of the Watford Gap - except that the staff are ruder."
The second paragraph is a bit unfair - particularly on the very friendly and helpful bar staff. Only MPs can buy drinks (a rule I approve of!!!). According to another article the bar has moved from its original place where the cafeteria is now. There is direct access to the Terrace - often used in the summer months. The May 2009 price list is available here.
