A large Wetherspoon pub opened in September 2024 inside Waterloo railway station in a recently built retail and hospitality area named ‘The Sidings’ near platforms 20-24 on the site of the original Eurostar terminal. Themed around the 1951 Festival of Britain exhibition, which was held at the nearby South Bank, and where ‘The Lion and The Unicorn Pavilion’ was a highlight, showcasing British character, tradition and eccentricity. Note the ‘Festival Star’ exhibition emblem on the mat at the entrance, the period carpet design and the names of the festival architects in the booths along the rear wall. There are 12 handpumps on the bar in two banks, each of 6, and the food menu is displayed prominently above. Alcohol is served from 9am.