The Old Shades, SW1

This handsome little pub dates from 1898 although there has been a pub on site since the late 17th Century. The building is tall and narrow with a decorative façade and long, narrow interior that is roughly divided into 3 sections. The pub has a warm and cosy feel with a relaxed ambience even though it can get quite busy being in the heart of tourist London. The oak paneling throughout is nicely complemented by hanging portraits and the front area has a bit of a Gentleman’s Club feel with tub chairs that are in keeping with the building’s character. The front patterned windows display the pub name and the main bar area also contains a large coloured glass window albeit not very well presented. The bar back has a fancy personalized mirror and an attractive carving overhead. Above the main bar area is an eyecatching rotunda with a chandelier centerpiece and beyond the main bar, a separate dining area with a large stone fireplace in front of which one can almost imagine a medieval banquet taking place. There is a single TV but it is rarely used and music is played at a tolerable level. I have always found the service to be prompt and efficient which is a lot more than can be said for some of its neighbours. I am assuming that the Old Shades has recently been offloaded by Nicholsons as neither the beers or food reflected the normal Nicholsons range. It is certainly no longer listed on their website although there are still traces of the brand within the pub which I assume will be removed in due course. On the ale front I found 3 Westerham beers (SPA, British Bulldog and Grasshopper) plus Adnams Old Ale and Theakstons Original although I wasn’t over impressed with the quality of the Grasshopper on my recent visit (especially at £3.50 a pint). The food was also a bit pricier with main courses starting at around £9. The Old Shades has always been one of my favourite pubs in the area but it in comparison to some of its near neighbours it now seems expensive and whilst the beer range is still good, I would probably need to make another visit before deciding whether the quality justifies the price.

Visited in May 2010 Situated up near the Trafalgar Square end of Whitehall, The Old Shades is a fairly typical Nicholsons house in many respects - much dark wood panelling, leaded windows, leather banquettes etc, and the usual fine traditional feel. Note in particular the old H G Simonds of Reading brewery mirror. The pub looks quite small from the outside, but extends back quite a long way. There's a separate restaurant area at the back, principally catering for the hordes of tourists in this area. In contrast to recent reviewers, the beer range was pretty disappointing on my recent visit - 3 pumps with London Pride clips, 1 pump serving Chiswick. Also on were TT Landlord and Greene King IPA. I like the Nicholsons style of pub, but I do hope the beer range is much better next time.