Portcullis House — Attraction in London

Some people, myself included, love the aesthetic design of Portcullis House with its black 'chimneys' and overall dark look whereas others think it looks a bit sinister but there's no right or wrong view of it.

More importantly, it was built to provide new MPs' offices & meeting rooms where the House(s) of Parliament offices and meeting spaces had become overcrowded.

Portcullis House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in February 2001 with the specific aim of providing Members of Parliament and their staff the additional offices & meeting spaces they needed.

I still remember meeting Tessa Jowell, MP, in Portcullis House as she was so charming and affable: upon my starting to speak to her, I followed protocol by prefixing my words with "Secretary of State, blah, blah"; she looked directly at me and, with a warm nod and smile, said the prefix wasn't needed to address her in that informal setting; Portcullis House is far from informal but she wanted to put me at ease. Tessa Jowell MP died on 12 May 2018 and is irreplaceable for her wit, her charm and her extraordinary devotion to...

Yesterday I had the privelidge to lead a presentation to a select committee and guests at Portcullis House. ONCE through security we had the most amazing experience, in a great environment steeped in history and art and architecture. Marred only by security! As an ex-serviceman of the British Army, I FULLY understand the need for security and vigilance. I also appreciate it can often be a very repetitive and thankless task. However, in more than 12 years service to my country did I EVER turn up for work, looking like a bedraggled wreck having been dragged through a hedge and was so rude to members of the public. I was both shocked at the turnout of at least half of the security staff and even more so as to the impertinent, domineering and district lack of care for any kind of customer SERVICE. Rude and oppressive is how I'd describe them, and not fitting to be in such a high profile...

If you are being dropped off and are a Disabled person then it can be problematic as the drop of area has space for about 4 cars. Most of these seem to be taken up by Police cars/vans or other huge limo type vehicles.

There is a gentle ramp to the main door, a separate entrance for wheelchair users (right next to the door for everyone else) and the security process is fairly straightforward. Staff will help as needed.

The building has generally good access for wheelchair users. However the lifts are on...