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Are MPs set to lose their favourite bar?

Photo by JACOB KING/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Word reaches Steerpike of a dastardly plot to rob MPs of their favourite watering hole. The Strangers’ Bar is located in the heart of the Palace of Westminster and has been plying honourable members with subsidised booze for generations. But now parliamentary bosses are feared to be considering the closure or dramatic overhaul of Strangers, under the pretext of Covid. 

It follows a string of scandals at the establishment including the infamous Eric Joyce assault in 2012, with one Westminster regular muttering to Mr S darkly that ‘a faction of men in tights want to kill it.’ Other boozers to have bitten the dust in recent years include Bellamy’s and Annie’s Bar off central lobby while the legendary Sports and Social has been revamped from its spit and sawdust roots to instead resemble a naff 80s wine bar.

While Mr S understands there are currently no plans to change Strangers’ existing operation, hacks are already getting jumpy at the prospect of losing the beloved bar which is set to remain closed until 21 June. The

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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