📷 2
Photos
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Old Shades
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
traditionalcozyhistoric
About the Vibe
Tucked between gift shops on Whitehall, The Old Shades is the kind of Grade II listed pub you might walk right past if you're not looking for it. Built in 1898 and just a stone's throw from Trafalgar Square, this traditional Young's venue serves up proper British pub fare—think beer-battered fish and chips, hearty pies, and a Sunday roast that actually lives up to the hype. The atmosphere is authentically London: characterful bar, cozy dining areas, and a steady stream of locals and tourists alike enjoying quality ales and that classic pub experience.
Known For
- •Grade II listed building
- •Young's beers and ales
- •Sunday roasts
- •beer-battered fish and chips
Best For
Sunday lunchpost-theatre drinksquick pub meal
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 9, 2026
A proper traditional pub with solid food and great location
The Old Shades is a no-frills, no-nonsense traditional pub that does exactly what it's supposed to do: serve good food, proper ales, and a warm welcome in a building that's seen over a century of London history. The fish and chips are reliably crispy, the Sunday roast is a solid choice if you're in the area, and the Young's selection on tap is always fresh. It's not the fanciest spot in Westminster, but that's part of its charm—you're not here for Instagrammable cocktails, you're here for a proper pint and a decent meal without the pretension.
The location is unbeatable for anyone exploring central London, sitting just off Trafalgar Square with easy access to the West End. It can get busy, especially on weekends and during football matches, so booking ahead is wise if you want a table. The interiors are characterful but not overly decorated, and the staff seem to know their regulars, which gives it that local pub feel even in the heart of the tourist zone.