The Old Shades, Whitehall

Hello welcome and happy beer drinking.

I am here to put a few old wrongs right, give you all a better idea about The Old Shades, and its history as well as its current status.

The site "The Old Shades" has housed a pub since around 1680. The current bulding dates from 1898 and is a grade 2 listed house which now sits among the modern government offices on Whitehall.

The word "Shades" refers to a wine vault, with a drinking bar, shaded by being either below ground or covered by an arcade.

To put some facts straight:

Yes the display picture is incorrect. You can find examples of the exterior of the pub on its website, google image search, or even better...come and see for yourself.

No we are not a Nicholsons, JD Wetherspoons or any other brewery tied pub. The Shades was taken over by an independant company a little while ago, and is breaking free of the image that was created in the shadow of the previous owners days.

Yes we have a fantastic selection of real English ales on tap. With over 6 individual pumps, each one feeding its own unique and well cared for ale. We take pride in our ales! We love them, and in return they love us!

No we do not have sky sports. Understandably this does put many off, however since we are arguably the oldest and most traditional pub in the close vicinity, we feel that the atmosphere this creates does not fit in with the character of The Old Shades. We are not a sports bar. However we DO have a television, and will be happy to change channels to events at your request.

Yes the service is as good as everyone here has said! The saying in the industry goes "You can teach someone to tend bars, but you cant teach them a personality" so with that in mind, each and every one of our staff is trained, and has a fun, friendly and helpful service skills.

No we do not short pour! Ever! Previous companies may have practised this method, but we are all about giving you value for money, and an experience that means you can enjoy your WHOLE pint, not miss 2 inches of it.

Yes we do specials. Sunday roasts, Monday hospatality industry evenings (�2.50 drinks all night), Tuesday and Thursday cheap wines, and Wednesday, 2-4-1 cocktails.

So there is a more upto date summary of The Old Shades. Our little slice of tradition in the heart of London. You might find that we are not so easy to spot, with our small frontage, but large interior. But this makes it even more special for those who do make the effort.

If anyone takes the time to come and see our lovely pub, and wonderful staff, please do say hello. We love a good chat! And if you are brave, how about contacting me personally on here, you might even get a free pint out of it!

Regards
GM D.J

30 Sep 2011 14:54