Not already a member?
Join our community and - Rate & review pubs - Upload pictures - Add events JOIN for free NOW

Chat about:
New Pub with Poohbear1863 on the Pub Forum

Image posted by Just a quick pint, then I'm off
Submitted on Monday, 18^th December 2017
With picture contributions to 11755 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (23 more images)

Only members may add pictures, click to receive free membership

Detail Pages

Pub map
Pub reviews (6)
Pub pictures (24)
Page updates

Shakespeare, Canterbury

Pub added by elizabeth mcgraw

5 Butchery Lane
Canterbury
CT1 2JR

Phone: 01227463252

Correct details

Served areas

Canterbury Central

Reviews of Shakespeare (Average Rating: 5½ of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Strongers . left this review about Shakespeare

The Shakespeare is a Shepherd Neame pub found down the narrow and historic Butchery Lane amongst some equally mediocre drinking venues. The entrance leads to dimly lit open plan seating where a stool lined beer shelf runs along the curved front window that looks out to the sports bar opposite, outside which some very illustrated Cantuarians had gathered for a smoke. An L-shaped serving counter runs up the left rear wall where SN keg is available alongside four hand pumps that were drawing Master Brew, Creekside, Spitfire and Whitstable Bay, although the latter was ‘coming soon’. Opposite the counter mid-way up the pub are some high tables and the rear of the pub, that goes back further than one would imagine, is a tourist dining hotspot. To the right is a thin courtyard with picnic tables. I didn’t see anything here that would drag me back and I was glad I only ordered a half because the slow background music would have had me asleep before I’d have finished a full pint.

On 20^th August 2026 - rating: 5
[User has posted 6826 recommendations about 6787 pubs]

Will Larter left this review about Shakespeare

Another of Canterbury's pubs that has been in existence before there were pubs. This one is a Shepherd Neame pub with four hand pumps facing as we walk in from the street, but both the Bishops Finger and Whitstable Bay were "coming soon" - exactly the same as at the Old City Bar earlier. The Master Brew was a little better than at that pub, but not good enough to make me a convert. I remember drinking Shep's beers in the late 70s and being really impressed, but since then they have changed and so have I. The incongruity of this very, very old pub and the very, very modern music being pumped out is doing my head in.

On 13^th February 2026 - rating: 6
[User has posted 4910 recommendations about 4493 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Shakespeare

Modernised pub in a historic building off a narrow lane that's almost an alleyway. Must once have had a lot of character, although much of the building's fabric remains so the various seating / dining area are still small. Also has a linked wine bar across a small rear courtyard. As a Shepherd Neame house, I found Master Brew (£4.50) and Spitfire from two of the four handpumps.

On 29^th January 2023 - rating: 6
[User has posted 9226 recommendations about 9226 pubs]

View more reviews of Shakespeare (6)

External web links for Shakespeare

Pubs Galore is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.