Shakespeare's Head Info
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Outdoor seating
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Casual
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Cosy
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Dogs allowed
Best KPortal Reviews
???? Angel
???? £5.10 Becks Vier
A Fine Example Of An Oldschool London Boozer.
The Shakespeare’s Head is tucked away down a side street behind Sadler’s Wells theatre in Clerkenwell. The nearest Tube is Angel, it’s a five minute walk to get here.
The original Shakespeare’s Head was built on this site in 1856, the pub you see today was built by Courage in the 1960s.
This once two bar pub is set out in an ‘L’ shape, the separating wall was removed in the late 1980s. The decor here is oldschool traditional with many original features immaculately maintained. The servery follows the line of the bar and has a unique black painted brick built section on the left hand side. As the pub is close to the theatre, there are a number of signed photos of old thespians, famous actors and pop stars adorning the walls. The seating is a mix of red velour banquettes and matching low level stools around small square and sturdy Britannia tables. For the warmer months there is small front patio and a larger beer garden at the rear.
The beer line up is mainstream familiar keg favourites plus one cask ale. I decided on a Becks Vier, my pint was great, price point was reasonable at just over a fiver. If you are in need of sustenance, the pub serves a variety of Toasties which each cost a fiver.
We arrived around 1pm on warm Saturday lunchtime in October. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed with one other local punter doing the crossword at the bar. We got chatting to the Guv’nor of 40 years who was telling us all about the many celebrities that have visited this pub, Kylie Minogue and Tony Hadley to name a few. He also kept us on our toes with a bit of banter to test us out. The service was excellent, the lady who served us was friendly and welcoming.
This a charismatic backstreet local that is adored by its loyal locals and random visitors like myself. I visited this pub twice last year and thoroughly enjoyed both visits. If you want to enjoy a proper London pub experience, then put this pub on your must visit list, you’ll love it.
ℹ️ Info correct on visiting 14.10.23
Great place for drinks! ????????When we were there, most of the food ran out so we couldn't taste it, but they had plenty of drinks lol. Dropped at this place to watch one of the Premier Leagues' soccer game. The environment is great and the music, as well. Located in a very festive area of London, be ready to be delighted with its lights and decorations!
The Shakespeare's Head tucked away South of Angel and Pentonville Road. A proper community pub with a range of keg beers and Courage Best from the cask. There is a small patio garden at the back, next to the food counter. Loads of lovely people here, a great place, long may it last!!! A great place.
I love this pub. Our local for Thursday evening post footy. Staff are super friendly and look after the regulars well. Amazing to have this bit of community still so central in London. We have our pic up on the wall for our team and everything. Nice outdoor indoor flow too so never too busy
This is a pretty standard pub, which is no criticism at all, as I love pubs in general and I bet there are plenty of regulars that love this one in particular. But for a visitor there’s not much obvious that stands out. The exterior in unpromising, the decor nondescript, the beer fairly basic (but keenly priced). The location and plethora of stars of stage that adorn the walls mark it out a bit, but it’s the comfortable atmosphere, timeless selections on the jukebox and warm laughter that get to the heart of what is a fine example of what exists in a thousand neighbourhoods across these isles. I feel bad for not giving it 5 stars, but to mark it as exceptional would be somehow do our national pub culture a disservice. #37 #49
This is the last proper pub in a wide area. Family run business (lovely ordinary people who have an interest and a stake in the community. Good prices, unpretentious... It's not a gastro pub or a city pub or part of an impersonal pub chain (and not a Wetherspoons), its just a PUB (great) and its open during the day. I wish I lived closer to it.
My definition of a great pub. Well kept beer that's not too expensive. Great friendly staff and great friendly customers. Only wish I could visit daily
Came up from the south coast (Hastings)
Great vibes, feels like home! Great value for money on the beer. Highly recommended for the trades.
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