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Old Shades, Whitehall  rated3 pints - click for an explanation of our ratingsCask Marque pub - click for an explanation of the Cask Marque scheme

location:

Whitehall

address:

37 Whitehall, SW1A 2BX

phone:

0871 258 9609*
* calls cost 10p/minute, click here for more about 0871 numbers.

nearest stations:

Charing Cross Railway stationLondon Underground station
(220m) - zone 1

Embankment London Underground station
(330m) - zone 1

Embankment Pier River Thames boat service
(420m)

Leicester Square London Underground station
(540m) - zone 1

Westminster Millennium Pier River Thames boat service
(570m)

bus routes:

3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 159, 453 bus info

how to find it:

From Embankment: Take the Villiers Street exit and immediately turn left under the railway trestle. Cross Northumberland Avenue and take Whitehall Place up to Whitehall. Turn right and it's right there. From Charing Cross: You'll have to find Whitehall from wherever you come out. Proceed down Whitehall and it's about two minutes walk on the left.

click here for a larger map

nearby attraction(s):

Trafalgar Studios (40m)

Whitehall (80m)

Trafalgar Square (160m)

picture of Old Shades
The Old Shades is in middle one of a trio of Whitehall pubs (practically in a row) but you'll find this one is a better bet than the other two - it actually shows a bit of character. With leather bench seating, leaded windows and original wood panelling, there is a comfortable feel to the place. Perhaps because the facade is overshadowed by that that of its brasher neighbours, it is often less hectic and consequently a little easier to get a seat. The staff are also more attentive, the beer is well kept and the food good. Thanks to its location, you will always find it to be rather touristy (we've spotted a few less-worldly travellers - perhaps new arrivals - expecting table service) and it is often very quiet on Saturday evenings, despite being a mere stone's throw from Trafalgar Square. Nevertheless, if you're in the area, the Old Shades is one of the better Whitehall pubs.

reviewed:
08/04/2009
reviewed by redcat

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

good beer served - click for explanationreal ales
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