The Shakespeare Barbican in City of London, Westminster

I went here with a few friends to celebrate my graduation. Absolutely delighted with the service, the atmosphere, vibes, cocktails, EVERYTHING! Can't recommend this place enough! Everything was perfect! Thank you! Can't wait to go again! ♥️

The Shakespeare shares the same accolade as The Pregnant Man, Chancery Lane. They are both sat at 62 feet above mean sea level and are therefore the highest pubs in the City of London. A welcome pint after bagging the highest point in the city of London at ground level - the road intersection on High Holborn where Chancery Lane joins it. Pub has a great selection of games and some nice beers.

Pint was decent, however I was charged £4 for a packet of pork scratchings. When I asked if this was correct, the bar lady started to say no when her manager jumped in and said yes. £4 for pork scratchings - absolute joke

Nice pub and good selection of beer

Quirky to say the least!! Enjoyed the experience. Superb gents btw.

Nice pub with some outdoor seating too, very close to Barbican centre

Fantastic place! We watched the Euro Semifinals here and the service was just amazing! They had special offers on the beertower and other specials! They didn't have any food at this occasion but let us bring something! Best barstaff!

Great local in the Barbican area

Value drinking by London standards and a varied clientele make this a great local stop.

A large, modern pub, but with several different sections. It was quiet on the Saturday evening that I went, so I would say a good place for a quiet pint and maybe a neighbourhood pub. A reasonable selection of beers.

Great place, kids friendly. Nice atmosphere and great to play games and look for the cat Otto :p also possible to play piano. The sandwiches are really good. I highly recommend

Popped in on a Friday lunchtime, as with many City pubs, it was quiet. The Shakespeare is a fantastic stylish and cosy pub. It is the the most Northern pub in the City of London and well worth a visit.

Inlet orange there was only one issue the toilet is not very capable for people with mobility problems and weel chair users as it is down stairs about 39 steps I didn't count them

Best pub in London, hands down. Happy Hour 5-7pm, amazing staff, great cocktails and beers.

The best pub in Barbican ohhhh yeahhh , those who know,know xx

Very kind, friendly service, nice atmosphere, even with kids (there were games to play), it’s a pity the only do sandwiches (although really good ones, the sandwich guy is Italian)

Very nice pub Staff are very helpful

Rad vibe, great people, makes you feel like you are part of a community.

Very good pub. Has comedy nights.

Very friendly staff, and nice atmosphere. Also funny old guy in a wheelchair by the door having a slow pint

They advertised a comedy night and let us book tickets, when we came here it was closed. At least they refunded the payments later

Great atmosphere, lovely staff, always a great night 💃🕺

Tried to enter for a drink yesterday, pub was closed on a Wednesday night. Some random guy standing at door wouldnt let anyone in.

£10.90 for a burger and crisps (not chips). It appears they don’t have a deep fat fryer.

Incredible team any amazing company! Thank you so much for the nice evening

🚇 Barbican 🍺 £6.70 Moretti ❤️ A brutalist Barbican boozer. The Shakespeare sits on a corner of a crescent of shops and flats at the front end of the Golden Lane Estate EC1. The nearest Tube is Barbican which is only a two minute walk. The Shakespeare was built in 1964 and is Grade II listed. The name is inspired by the Bard himself, who lived some hundred metres away throughout his time in London. The is a one bar pub with a comedy club in the basement. The bar is set out in almost a “H” shape with the servery on the left hand side as you walk in. Even though this pub is traditionally decorated, due to the architecture of the building it does feel modern in here. The seating is a mix of elongated leatherette banquettes, a few poser tables and traditional tables and chairs. Around the walls are gold framed Elizabethan era repro portraits, mirrors and chalkboards with promotions. The beer choice was a straightforward selection of keg beers and ciders. I opted for a Moretti, decent enough pint but a bit pricey for this lager. There is a simple eclectic food menu comprising of Burgers, pasta and Toasties, a Ham & Cheese Toastie cost £5.95. I arrived around 4.30pm on a sunny Friday afternoon in July. The pub was fairly quiet as Fridays in the city are not as busy as they once was. There were a few punters sat inside, the majority were sat outside enjoying the summer sun and watching the world go by. The service here was excellent, the Guvnor is a bit of a character, he was jovial and set an upbeat tone. @theshakespearebarbican is not the most handsome of boozers you’ll come across and almost has an estate pub feel. I enjoyed my visit here primarily due to the pub’s location and sitting outside watching the comings and goings around the Barbican. This pub is worth a look of you’re in the area. ℹ️ Info correct on visiting 07.07.23

Decent atmosphere at this establishment but everything is overpriced. Didn’t try the food but they had several options and vegan stuff too if that’s your thing. Free wifi, great decor. A good place for a drink before or after a Barbican event.

ロンドンでパブ巡りをした中で、一番気に入ったパブです。 ギネスビールとパスタで2500円と、とてもリーズナブルで良かったです。 サービスも良かったです。 また、店内に黒猫がいて、歓迎してくれました。

Большой паб в британском стиле, но почему то не работал днем 30 марта 2022 года.

Delyse A Huntley the mother of the lease holder of The Shakespeare pub, obstructing our garage yesterday with her car without apologizing made a awful racist comment when she was told to move her car. ‘MOVE AWAY AND GO BACK TO YOUR COUNTRY’ is the most racist, disgusting comment I have heard since I’m living here in the UK. Especially by the pub owners! This is racial abuse and will be taking further. If I knew, they are RACIST I would never spend a penny for a pint here! Don’t recommend going there. Spread the word!!! We have two witnesses that were emptying out Garage number 12 and they heard the whole thing. Disgusting!!!

The comedians were hilarious and the price was very cheap!

Great food. They made a mistake with my order, but then they put it right with knobs on and couldn't do enough to accommodate. Will definitely return. Even better today on return visit.. Increased rating to 5*

The barmen were friendly. Happy hour cocktails (5-7pm) are valid when ordering the same drink. The food menu was quite limited but from the options available, we chose tortellini and a beef burger - both were delicious. Toilet facilities could be better.

Went to a wonderful comedy show here. Was a really lovely night. Highly recommend. Even the cringe moments were worth it.

Toilets leave a lot to be desired. Hand dryer = tee shirt. Prices were reasonable.

Lovely place beer 🍻🥂 good very friendly staff 🍷 star ✨ rating for them as they deserve it clean comfortable x

Good food, beer ran out? but comedy night was a laugh 😃

Nice pub, close to Barbican Station, good staff.

Enjoyed visiting. Welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Lovely place to have a pint.

Stayed open till late, friendly staff. Have only been once, but it was nice.

Great pub, good vibe. V helpful staff who can make a good cocktail - especially the Belgian lad (Gary?). The pub cat is a nice chap too.

Je vous conseille cette pizza tres bon qualité prix 👏👏 rien a dire le service il est top 👍👍

Good beer and good service. Great bar, highly recommend.

We ordered Chicken Katsu burger which arrived looking dried shrivelled and very burnt! I’m shocked that this was considered passable. The member of staff who asked how our food was, did offer to get the manager though.

Great place. Awesome customer service. Highly recommended

Really friendly staff. Looks nice inside, they've renovated and it has a good vibe, nice lighting. Holding a comedy club downstairs Tues to Sat, the bar man came out to invite us. Would visit again definitely...

Hey, I've got really good memories from the Shakespeare. (Thanks Dynamis House). Great pub!

This is actually the worst pub I've ever been to in London (and I live near Wood Green!!!) When I walked into the pub, I noticed that unlike other pubs there was no table service so you had to go to the bar (we're still in a pandemic babes). There was also no social distancing at all. A pint costs EIGHT POUNDS!!! I also ordered a burger and not only was it the worst burger I've ever had (even the member of staff who brought it to my table looked disgusted!) It was also served with READY SALTED CRISPS. I took one bite of the burger and left the rest. Having epilepsy and having not eaten all day because I'd assumed I'd grab dinner with drinks, I was not only disappointed but also scared that I'd have a seizure. Luckily there's a Tesco Express nearby so I was able to grab a sandwich after. I then used the toilet and my cubicle had a hole in the wall. Someone had stuck a frame around it so clearly, the staff found the recent demolition hilarious. The staff were also extremely hostile towards me and I felt extremely uncomfortable and as a black woman who was on her own before her friend came to meet her, I felt very unsafe. I will never ever go to the place and would also never recommend it to my worst enemy

Where to begin. £6 a pint! Confusing layout. Below standard decor. Incredibly basic outdoor seating. The toilets were filthy! Both my female friend and I (a male) had equally awful experiences. I have honestly seen better quality Wetherspoons. Do not come here. The only saving grace is the adorable black cat that lives in the pub.

We went for the Tuesday comedy night and had an amazing time, its a very intimate setting and we got to hear a lot of different comedians, you felt a part of the group honestly as it was very conversational and they included the audience but didn't embarrass us or anything. It was a great night and the bar staff were lovely to talk to aswell

Had a great evening for the Scotland - England game. May not have been the case if it hadn't been for the owner who quickly came to the rescue folkowing the behaviour of the Italian manager who was completely unhelpful, arrogant and rude. For context, we booked a table for 6 people ahead of the game only to be told we weren't on the record despite having the booking confirmation. This happened to another 2 groups who we spoke to as well. The manager mentioned above done nothing to rectify the situation and quite frankly dismissed us as if we were children. The owner quickly came to the rescue, and simply offered us another table. An easy fix made so much more difficult by someone with a clear power trip issue. Cheers to the Owner and rest of the staff who were brilliant on the night.

An honest pub in the heart of Barbican. I've always found the service to be decent.

Great staff. Food looks popular for meat eaters.

The best Guinness I have ever had. The waiter is so nice and funny. The service is quick and their Irish beef burger is immaculate.

Our 1st trip to a pub since lockdown, enjoyed lovely light lunch before we carry on with our City trek 😊😎

A well kept secret in the edge of the Barbican

Has been taken over by new landlord who has been trying hard to turn the place around. They do really great pizzas, try the fries pizza dough if they have it. Oscar is really friendly and always tries to make your experience a good one. Decent boozer if you are in the area

Great friendly place, I was on my own, but locals welcomed me in, staff very comical! 👍

It seems to be a decent enough pub but we went the first day after November lockdown, 2nd December 2020, called beforehand to check they were open and told yes but you have to have a substantial meal, we arrived and asked for the menu to be told there was a choice of 2 different soups, this is NOT A SUBSTANTIAL MEAL, the staff were friendly, but £33+ for 4 pints and 2 bowls of soup which were nice is pretty expensive and not what we expected.

Great comedy and friendly service. Staff were very helpful in returning my girlfriends mobile phone which was left in the bar.

I spent 40 minutes in this pub tonight before finally leaving without managing to get my drink. That is certainly a record for me. Shocking service. Place was rammed with little social distancing. Maybe the staff hadn’t turned up. Found a nice pub towards Farringdon. Would never come here again.

Good friendly service. Saw some comedy here which was really good too

The best place for every occasion

We came across this pub by accident and went in. I loved the ambiance. The red walls.. Lighting. Guys were so kind . Service with a smile. Not upmarket but I felt at home ..Clean. Like a friendly not noisy neighbourhood pub. Got. y vote...

Food was not cooked thoroughly and half things from the menu were not available due to oven not working. Good wine though.

Very nice Pub opposite the Barbican, not too busy, nice, clean friendly, enjoyed a medium Margarita Pizza, easily share for 2, not noisy music, a bit of jazz in the background

(Traducido por Google) Excelente pub! ¡Bienvenido! (Original) Superbe pub! Bon accueil!

(Traducido por Google) Gran pizza y una buena selección de cervezas (Original) Great pizza and a good selection of beers

(Traducido por Google) Tan bueno que lo hicimos nuestro local. Gran ambiente, pizzas increíbles y un bar secreto en el sótano. Perro amigable también 🐶 (Original) So good that we made it our local. Great atmosphere, amazing pizzas and a secret basement bar. Dog friendly too 🐶

(Traducido por Google) Un poco caro a £ 6 por pinta, pero el personal del bar es educado y amable, lo que gana la estrella extra. (Original) Bit pricey at £6 a pint but the bar staff are polite and friendly, which earns the extra star.

Classic and good place.. But just noticed in some.part the ants were falling.. so had to shift a place..

Ci rechiamo nel pub per mangiare del cibo british come scritto fuori ma il cuoco non c'era,solo italiano. Chiediamo una zuppa specificando l' allergia ai piselli e arriva una zuppa che visibilmente li presenta, segnalato il problema si scusa dicendo che il cuoco era diverso dal solito. Per riparare al danno ci offre la zuppa e i dolci, le torte di mele che ci arrivano sono ghiacciate in punta e crude all'interno. Sconsigliato vivamente.

(Traducido por Google) ¡Buen lugar! Un poco de espacio, zona de fumadores, comida ofrecida, no demasiado ruidosa. Los precios no son nada especial de ninguna manera. El personal es amable y atento. Buen pub :) (Original) Nice place! Fair bit of space, smoking area, food offered, not too noisy. Prices are nothing special either way. Staff are friendly and attentive. Good pub :)

(Traducido por Google) Hay un gato de pub, lo que no le gusta (Original) There's a pub cat, what isn't to like

Nice place for non veg and drinkers, but for veg like me very few options, i got only one in pizza

My fav pub in London. The staff are very personable, they remember your face and your drink ;) a great atmosphere and banter is more than likely a result of your visit. But most of all they are ALWAYS friendly! 10/10

I’ve been coming to this pub for 6 and a half years and the staff have always been so friendly and very attentive. The kitchen has gone through a few changes yet the food has always been brilliant. For as long as I’m local, i will keep coming here. Special mention to Oscar, Lenka and Andrea. Keep up the good work!!

Fantastico! Farinata superlativa. Pizza molto molto buona e focaccia al formaggio buonissima.

We visited here in 2016. Had to find it again on this trip. Love the atmosphere. Wide variety of pub style dishes to satisfy everyone in your party. Great service, delicious food, mid-priced. Close to Victoria Street Station. Would recommend!

Have drink n fun in this Barbican bar

Safe selection of beer. Mainstream. Nice ambient vibe. Themed in the vibe of Shakespeare obviously. Some quotes on the wall. Guinness was good had 6 pints of it!

Had a quick lunch here. Both drinks and food seemed a bit pricey.

Amazing bar with really friendly staff , will be back

I really like the staff, especially the owner, Oscar! Also, they have their own brand gin called Shakes' Ink. I am not a fan of gin at all but I drink this one straight. Soooooo good!

Really nice and cosy place. Great, helpful and friendly staff

I had just eaten and as I was leaving I saw a rat or what appeared to be a rat running past the door or the entrance. I complained about it but was just told it was probably the pub cat but the pub cat was on the chair at the other side of the pub. So basically I was told I must be seeing things which is very unprofessional. I asked for the owner or manager and they said they was the owner a middle aged bald man.

Had some issues with service charge. We went to the bar ourselves to order our food and drinks and carry our own drinks back to the table. We were then charged service charge on our receipts without being told that this was being added on. When a couple of people from our table went back to dispute this, they were interacted with in a very uncomfortable way. The staff then "joked" that we would have to collect our food from the bar ourselves and then even "joked" again that they wouldn't even give us cutlery. The whole atmosphere was very uncomfortable. As someone who used to work in hospitality, I would never have dreamt of reacting like this to a customer. Pizzas were pretty tasty and a great size but the staff really ruined the experience for us. We won't be coming back.

Good pub, but I would stay away from ordering cocktails.

Nos encanto. Comimos pasta, fish and chips y burguer. Todo genial Es un local súper tranquilo y acogedor. Nos atendieron súper rápido y fueron súper amables

A busy local with good food and beer. Can get a bit noisy in here in the evenings but it's a nice place for a beer and a bite

Came here for Cocktails & Rhymes: A Poetry/Monologue Open Mic ( every Monday from 7-9.30pm ( fb CocktailsAndRhymes ) LOVED the venue, the small intimate space downstairs provided the perfect ambience. Open mic went really well although I did get quite emotional. Hopefully will do more in the future. My thanks to Ed Keates for giving me this opportunity & friends Paul Hannah & Will yr support. Love the venue will be back. This was my debut of 'You Led Me From Eternal Darkness Into The Light & Saved My Life' motivated by selfish reasons ( damn good mental health therapy! ) and the hope that if just one person can gain something positive by my shared experience in the public arena then my efforts have been all worthwhile. I will for sure be doing more in the future and hopefully less rough around the edges! Hanhan Ardwell 'Had a truly magical Monday with Michael Peacock and friends yesterday. I will definitely go again. Thanks Michael, inspirational.' Michael Peacock 'Ah thanks darling blown away that you and Paul came to support me - for sure want to come back here in the future to present a more 'polished' version - and to be properly filmed this time - well I did not have all the props!'

The Shakespeare 2 Goswell Rd, London Came here for Cocktails & Rhymes: A Poetry/Monologue Open Mic ( every Monday from 7-9.30pm ( fb CocktailsAndRhymes ) LOVED the venue, the small intimate space downstairs provided the perfect ambience. Open mic went really well although I did get quite emotional. Hopefully will do more in the future. My thanks to Ed Keates for giving me this opportunity & friends Paul Hannah & Will yr support. Love the venue will be back. This was my debut of 'You Led Me From Eternal Darkness Into The Light & Saved My Life' motivated by selfish reasons ( damn good mental health therapy! ) and the hope that if just one person can gain something positive by my shared experience in the public arena then my efforts have been all worthwhile. I will for sure be doing more in the future and hopefully less rough around the edges! Hanhan Ardwell 'Had a truly magical Monday with Michael Peacock and friends yesterday. I will definitely go again. Thanks Michael, inspirational.' Michael Peacock 'Ah thanks darling blown away that you and Paul came to support me - for sure want to come back here in the future to present a more 'polished' version - and to be properly filmed this time - well I did not have all the props!'

bel pub accogliente, bella veranda esterna che lo rende particolare. ottima scelta al suo interno

Originelle Lokalität, gutes Essen, netter Service - passt

Alright furniture could use a little sprucing up though

Amazing pub! Staff are so friendly. I've become a regular :)

Chicken burger is delicious and they were prompt and friendly!

Cool pub with a decent selection of beers

Run of the mill London pub, I believe that they have a good selection of gins and other spirits.

Great food, great atmosphere. Underrated pub.