Pub in London WC2
Shakespeare's Head
Africa House, 64-68 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6BGClosest station: Holborn, about 2 min walk4.2out of 5 on Google, from 6,990 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Shakespeare's Head
Expansive traditional-style pub with columned facade and large windows, popular with local students.
The pub takes its name from a famous pub that was located nearby until the entire street (Wych Street) was demolished over 100 years ago, shortly before Africa House, was built. Converted from a bank/building society in 1998.
Now a cavernous Wetherspoon pub whose convenient location means that it is nearly always busy, even weekends when the absence of the work crowd is made up for by shoppers, out of towners and people starting their Saturday nights (on Sunday many other local establishments are closed, which helps boost its custom). The nearby location of the London School of Economics means that students swell the pub's population during term time. Even though this is a very busy pub, service is normally quick from an efficient staff team.
Following CAMRA's updated definition of "real cider", pubs such as this selling for example Old Rosie and Orchard Pig or other ciders such as Thistly Cross, Stans, Gwynt Y Draig, Broadoak etc. no longer qualify for the "Real cider" tag.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Outdoor Seating: Seating on road at front of pub
- Family Friendly: Until 8pm
- Quiet
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch: Breakfast served from opening, and then the main menu
- Serves Dinner
- Real Ale
- Cask Marque
- Serves LocAle
- Disabled Access: Entrance on the right-hand side of the pub
- Accessible Restroom
- WiFi
- Good for Groups
- Smoking: 4 Tables outside entrance
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Wetherspoon
- Price
- 1 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7404 8846
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.2out of 5 on Google, from 6,990 ratings
5 out of 5Dinoon Google, August 2024
Great drinks promo for a chill night out. Food promo was of good selection too. Quick service, food and drinks were served in less than 6mins. 👏👏
4 out of 5Vicky Hartleyon Google, July 2024
All things considered the food was pretty good. Well we ate the lot anyway. Good varied menu at reasonable prices. Huge place so lots of seating areas. Staff are brilliant!!
4 out of 5Jerômeon Google, July 2024
Very nice and affordable pub meal deal. Drink and a plate of food. Easy ordering via qr code on the table. Coffee unlimited refills with one time pay and reusable mug. Worth a visit when looking for a quick and easy filling diner or lunch!!!
3 out of 5John Ileson Google, May 2024
I was looking for a cheap and cheerful full English breakfast, unfortunately the local cafes were all closed because it was a Saturday morning. The staff were friendly enough and the service was very quick. The sausage was the highlight of the Traditional breakfast, the bacon was not cooked enough and the mushrooms (replacement for hash browns and beans) were overcooked. The fried egg made into a sandwich with the toast was good.
5 out of 5faye farmeron Google, September 2024
Great service . Food and drink delivered to table atmosphere was great . Great prices both for food and drink Staff were polite and hard working food was fantastic
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.