The Shakespeare

Pub in The City

6 / 10 from 2 reviews

Address
2 Goswell Road
The City
London
EC1Y 0SJ

Map

Telephone
020 7253 6116

Region
The City

Nearest Station
Barbican
0.16 miles

Category
Pubs

Other Branches
Spirit Group

Opening Times

Monday	Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Tuesday	Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Wednesday	Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Thursday	Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Friday	Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Saturday	Open 11:00 - Closes 23:00
Sunday	Open 12:00 - Closes 22:30

Edit Venue Information

The Shakespeare is a pub serving a variety of ales, beers and spirits as well as a varied menu including lobster tails, lasagne and chicken korma. Catering for private parties of up to 25 people is available upon request. Seating is provided on the pavement area.

All In London Review

Quiet pub is far from Shakespearean

Being situated right next to the Barbican Centre, one would assume The Shakespeare would make a killing before and after shows, however this serene pub with its gloomy exterior can usually be found half empty. Nor will you find any resting thesps as its name might hint at; in fact the large frames that hang from the walls are pretty much the pub’s only allusion to the 16th century. Instead, The Shakespeare has a couple of TV screens and pool tables, which are probably the main draw as it’s far less glitzy than other drinking holes in the area (in fact, it looks pretty rough and the tables are often covered with drinks spillages), however this also means a seat is a definite any time you pop in, and you’re able to hear yourself speak over the timid pop songs playing through the speakers. It closes at 11 pm, even on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s not a rowdy destination, rather it’s best during the day, when people are popping in and out for lunch - the menu has cheap filling stodge like bangers and mash, cottage pie and pizzas that are homemade by the Italian chef for only £5.95. Ale fans will find a small selection on offer as well as a few European lagers on draught. In the daytime the surrounding streets are bustling, whereas it becomes an eerily silent patch in the evenings, plus there is outdoor seating for warmer climes.

Reviewed by Leila
Published on Oct 10, 2011