Pub in London W1

Shakespeare's Head

29 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HZ
Closest station: Oxford Circus, about 4 min walk

4.1out of 5 on Google, from 3,559 ratings

Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.

Shakespeare's Head, London W1

About Shakespeare's Head

Corner boozer with outside tables and a bust of the playwright surveying the street from a window.

Comfortable and smart pub frequented by tourists and shoppers from the adjacent Carnaby Street. Rebuilt in 1927, it was first licensed in 1743 to John Shakespeare, a distant relative of the bard. There is often an unusual cask ale on offer.

The food menu includes Sunday roasts.

Note that as is very usual in Westminster, alcohol may not be served before 10am, or noon on Sunday.

NB this pub is more easily found in Carnaby Street than Great Marlborough Street!

Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.

Features

  • Dog Friendly
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Live Music
  • Sports TV: TNT & Sky
  • Family Friendly
  • Serves Food
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner
  • Restaurant
  • Real Ale
  • Cask Marque
  • Function Room: Min 50 people
  • Disabled Access
  • Accessible Restroom
  • WiFi: The Cloud
  • Reservable
  • Good for Groups
  • Smoking
  • Accepts Credit Cards
  • Accepts Debit Cards
  • Accepts NFC

Opening times

Monday
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 10:30 PM

As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.

Good to know

Operator
Greene King
Price
2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
Phone
020 7734 2911

Photos

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Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.

Google rating and reviews

4.1out of 5 on Google, from 3,559 ratings

  • 4 out of 5Humberto Montenegroon Google, September 2024

    My first encounter with the famous "fish and chips" 🐟 🍟 I'm glad they didn't disappoint me! The fish was pretty big and well prepared, the chips (French fries) weren't marvelous but just as good as needed to be! You totally get the vibes of a typical UK PUB while inside. The crew was helpful and patient with us 👍🏼 I was also told that the chicken burger was great! The place is actually a lot bigger than what it looks from the outside so go and have a good time there 😜🤘🏼

  • 2 out of 5Ruby Pottson Google, July 2024

    Honestly, super disappointing meal here. We looked at the reviews and were really excited for our meal with friends. However when it arrived, we were severely let down! The scampi and chips appeared to be a child's portion, and when asked the waiter if we could get more he merely shrugged. The taste was fine, but appeared frozen and then deep fried. The chips were mostly Luke warm - perhaps microwaved? And I have no words for the mushy peas - if you could call them that. All for 14 pounds - absolutely daylight robbery. Following that, my partner got the steak which again was tiny and rubbery…

  • 5 out of 5Deepak Tejon Google, August 2024

    I recently visited Shakespeare’s Head in Soho and had a great time. The pub was lively and welcoming, perfect for the busy area. The food and drinks were excellent, with a wide variety to choose from. The staff were friendly and quick, even when it was busy. The mix of traditional decor and modern vibe made it feel truly London. For a fun and memorable pub experience in Soho, I highly recommend Shakespeare’s Head.

  • 4 out of 5Greg “Wigan Wanderers” Knighton Google, June 2024

    Very historic and traditional pub, which offers a decent range of traditional beers. I particularly liked the decor and the framed vintage cameras displayed on the walls. The pub is located on the corner of the iconic carnaby shopping area and there is a real buzz both inside and out. One recommendation would be to turn down the music slightly and perhaps choose music that is more in keeping with the pubs look and feel. When we visited the pub was playing some very loud house music that was okay for us as we liked this scene, but others found it too loud...

  • 5 out of 5Andrew Mon Google, July 2024

    Great pub to grab some food and beverages. Took the time to try some new beers and food items. Plenty of sitting as they have a upstairs area if the downstairs and outside sitting is full.

Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.

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