Pub in London W1
De Hems
11 Macclesfield Street, London, W1D 5BWClosest station: Leicester Square, about 4 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 3,107 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About De Hems
Dutch-themed, traditional 19th-century pub serving Dutch and Belgian beers, British menu and snacks.
Situated in the north of Chinatown and named after a previous owner, a Dutch ex sea captain, this pub was once the rallying point for Dutch fighters based in England in the Second World War. At around the same time, the spy Kim Philby was also reputed to have been a patron!
Now the pub offers mainly Dutch & Belgian brews including Trappist, Lambic, Sour, Fruit and Saison; plus a mixture of Dutch & English cuisine and there are still plenty of Dutch expat customers here. For novice customers who dislike crowds do not come here on Dutch national holidays, particularly King's Day on 27th April (or 26th if 27th is a Sunday).
The "Shell Room" bar upstairs reflects the thousands of oysters once consumed in the pub, by the likes of the poet Swinburne.
There is an 80+ beer list on the venue's website which is worth studying before your visit! No handpumps, but "real ale" is available via Dutch and Belgian bottle-conditioned beers. Food includes British pub classics plus various Dutch and Flemish-style dishes; there is also a small bar-food menu if you just want something snacky.
Last refurbed in early 2024.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Sports TV: Sky & TNT
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant
- Real Ale
- Disabled Access
- Accessible Restroom
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 10:30 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Mitchells & Butlers
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7437 2494
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 3,107 ratings
5 out of 5Jason Balmuton Google, April 2024
Absolutely my favorite bar in London for their beer selection, service, and interesting history. Plenty of tasty Belgian beers on tap and a well-curated selection in bottles too. Gluten allergy? Try Duvel, Mongozo, Gipsi Hill Bandit, or Daura Damm which are brewed to reduce their gluten content. De Hems is a full bar though so if beer isn’t your thing they have wines and spirits as well. I don’t often eat at the bar but when I do the food has been excellent. We shared a sausage platter once that was perfect with my Chimay. Exploring the bar (upstairs and street level) you’ll find a lot of…
4 out of 51956gooneron Google, May 2024
This is a popular pub with locals and tourist alike. Spread over 2 floors it is in a great location being in Chinatown and just a stones throw away from the heart of Soho. Their speciality is beer and they an extensive beer menu both bottled and draught. They do offer standard pub food, I have eaten here previously and the burger was tasty. The service was good and given how busy it was it was also quick. Tables are difficult to get at busy times but they can be reserved online. There is a small exterior area. A pub well worth a visit.
5 out of 5Heather Coxon Google, May 2024
De Hems is amazing! Whenever we're in town from California it's one of the first places we visit. High quality, delicious Belgian beers and super friendly staff like Nishaan. He remembers you and what you had to drink months later, now that's great service. Do not miss this place!
5 out of 5Antoniaon Google, July 2024
MEGA night. Blooming loved it. Ben (ben)? I think that's his name?? Hosted a party that was OFF the chain. Wristbands, dutch music, Andre Hazes, THREE goals to boot THE PLACE to watch DUTCH SPORT FOOTBALL in london
5 out of 5Ron Google, May 2024
A visit to De Hems is always a must when in Soho. Great Dutch snacks and amazing drink selections. Get the Bitterballen! Shout out to Mark for always coming through with the recommendations!
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.