Pub in London SW1
Old Shades
37 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2BXClosest station: Charing Cross, about 2 min walk4.6out of 5 on Google, from 3,378 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Old Shades
Classic pub with real ales, wooden panelling, tiled floor and leather banquette-style seating.
The word Shades was originally a generic term for cellars and this pub was just ‘The Shades’ until rebuilt in 1898 by Treadwell & Martin in the Gothic-influenced Arts & Crafts style. Note the jokey pub sign outside! Grade II listed, this long, narrow, wood-panelled pub widens into a waitress-service dining room at the back. A gilded cupola with stained glass panels lights the central bar area, which has an impressive Victorian tiled front. Accompanied children are welcome at any time. Six handpumps; ale prices reflect the very central location.
As from early 2019 Young's operate this pub.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Sports TV
- Family Friendly
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian Options
- Real Ale
- Disabled Access
- Accessible Restroom
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking: At back
- Serves Coffee
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Young's
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7839 8577
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.6out of 5 on Google, from 3,378 ratings
5 out of 5Elsya Fhanion Google, October 2024
Had a fantastic time at Old Shades! The food was amazing—ordered the pan-roasted duck and steak & ale pie, and both were cooked to perfection. The duck was tender, and the steak was just right. The vibe here is great—very classy and cozy for a pub. Special shoutout to Diana, who gave us excellent service and recommended the best dishes. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for great food and a welcoming atmosphere!
5 out of 5Amanda Wongon Google, October 2024
Stopped here on a long layover and had the best end to our girls trip. Despite being very busy the team was incredibly accommodating. They were able to sit us quickly despite not having a reservation and provided great beer recommendations. We had the Sunday lamb roast and fish & chips, which were fantastic. The fish & chips were super crispy and flaky. Sunday roast was our favorite party, we can’t wait to come back to London just to have this again !
5 out of 5Robert Longon Google, July 2024
Old Shades has a beautiful interior, friendly and helpful staff, and great food. We were walking between sights in London and the outside of Old Shades caught our eye. When we entered (mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner) it was not too busy, so we were seated right away. Our server was attentive and made sure we were taken care of. We had the Steak and Ale pie, the Fish and Chips, and a rump steak. The Fish and Chips was perfection, nothing negative I could say about it. The pie was actually a pie, which was great, and it was also tasty. The steak was cooked exactly as ordered and was…
5 out of 5Ann Duarteon Google, June 2024
I ate the whole pie. Steak and ale, that is. So good. This was our first pub dinner on our stay in London and it didn’t disappoint. Service was quick. Staff was super friendly. And the atmosphere exactly as it should have been. Thank you, The Old Shades!
5 out of 5Ray Davison Google, July 2024
One of the gorgeous pubs with one of the nicest teams in London! We enjoyed delicious cups of tea and coffee in afternoon. We will definitely be back! Thank you to the amazing bartenders for the warm welcome! We can’t wait to try the cocktails next time!
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.