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Shakespeare's Head, London

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Operator: Wetherspoon
Africa House, 64-68 Kingsway, Holborn, London, WC2B 6BG (View on Google Map)

The pub takes its name from a famous pub that was located nearby until the entire street (Wych Street) was demolished over 100 years ago, shortly before Africa House, was built. Converted from a bank/building society in 1998.

Now a cavernous Wetherspoon pub whose convenient location means that it is nearly always busy, even weekends when the absence of the work crowd is made up for by shoppers, out of towners and people starting their Saturday nights (on Sunday many other local establishments are closed, which helps boost its custom). The nearby location of the London School of Economics means that students swell the pub's population during term time. Even though this is a very busy pub, service is normally quick from an efficient staff team.

Following CAMRA's updated definition of "real cider", pubs such as this selling for example Old Rosie and Orchard Pig or other ciders such as Thistly Cross, Stans, Gwynt Y Draig, Broadoak etc. no longer qualify for the "Real cider" tag.

Historic Interest

Grade II listing (Africa House):- 1921-2. By Trehearne and Norman. Portland stone faced steel frame. 6 storeys and 2 storey set back attic. 9 windows. Double height fluted Doric screen, with inset shops and bank, flanks a round-arched triumphal arch style entrance inscribed "Africa House" and surmounted by lions couchant. Upper storeys set back with central distyle-in-antis screen rising from 3rd to 5th floor; metal-framed windows, 5th floor with Greek scroll aprons and enrichment to heads of bays suggesting pilasters. Entablature with deep mutule cornice surmounted by a pediment of carved figures and animals. Plain attic storeys with cornice and blocking course having a central antefixa. Return to Twyford Place continues the design with a long screen.

Information for this venue is provided by the North London Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Camden
Last updated
20/02/2025
Last surveyed
09/10/2024
Leasehold owner
other
Freehold owner
Coinface Ltd
Pub ID
WLD/16022
Asset of Community Value
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Thursday
8:00am - Midnight
Friday
8:00am - 1:00am
Saturday
8:00am - 1:00am
Sunday
8:00am - Midnight
Monday
8:00am - Midnight
Tuesday
8:00am - Midnight
Wednesday
8:00am - Midnight
Thursday
8:00am - 10:00pm
Friday
8:00am - 10:00pm
Saturday
8:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday
8:00am - 10:00pm
Monday
8:00am - 10:00pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 10:00pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 10:00pm

Current beers

This Pub serves 5 changing beers and 2 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen
ABBOT ALE PUMP CLIP CLOSE UP
Greene King - Abbot Premium Bitter • 5%
ABBOT ALE PUMP CLIP CLOSE UP
Greene King - Abbot

Premium Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 5%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Sharp's Doom Bar Pump Clip-1
Sharp's - Doom Bar Session Bitter • 4%
Sharp's Doom Bar Pump Clip-1
Sharp's - Doom Bar

Session Bitter

Dispense: Handpump
ABV: 4%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No
This beer is served regularly.
Changing

Up to 5 or more rotating to give a spread across beer types, usually with a couple of London beers

Changing beers typically include: Twickenham (varies) , Windsor & Eton (varies)

Source: National


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Facilities
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Breakfast served from opening, and then the main menu
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Garden Garden
Seating on road at front of pub
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Until 8pm
Disabled Access Disabled Access
Entrance on the right-hand side of the pub
Smoking Smoking
4 Tables outside entrance
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Real Ale Real Ale
LocAle LocAle
Twickenham
Cask Marque Cask Marque
Quiet Quiet
CAMRA Voucher Scheme CAMRA Voucher Scheme
Cask Marque Beer and Cellar Hygiene rating
Cask Marque: Beer and Cellar Hygiene rating 5 out of 5
Transport
Close to bus routes (5m)
1, 59, 6, 91, 168, 171, 188, 243, 521
Closest station (1050m)
London Charing Cross
Close to London Underground/Overground/DLR (100m)
Holborn

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