If you avoid the groups of tourists, Old Shades is perfectly safe for a decent pint.

The Venue
Old Shades tries, with some success, to look like a bygone pub: old wooden panels cover the walls, the tables rest on floral iron frames, and the large window at the back is made of pretty stained glass, all there to suggest some history.

The dining area, which is nicely quiet, occupies the back of the venue whilst the considerably louder pub takes up the rest of the space towards the entrance. In between is a long side bar, prettily stocked with bottles. If it wasn’t for the modern attire of the crowd, you could easily let your imagination bring you back in time into the Nineteenth Century. Like nowadays, Old Shades was likely frequented by middleclass gentlemen looking for a single jolly beer on their way home from work.

The Atmosphere
No point talking about locals in Trafalgar Square (the pigeons, maybe?). However, Old Shades still has a crowd of regulars: office fall-outs during the weekday evening, people bored of the events going on in Trafalgar Square during the weekend and tourists at all other times. It doesn’t sound the most exciting crowd to share your drinks with; however, this pub has the advantages of being very central and easy to find, making it a good meeting (and drinking) point.

The Food
Fish is the specialty here, but do not expect anything fancy: swordfish steak, salmon fillet and cod loins and chips is as elaborate as the menu goes (£8). For the rest, Old Shades serves a good breakfast, a tasty Sunday Roast (vegetarian or meat, £8) and a typical array of comfort pub food (mains are nicely priced at £7-£10) with the occasional unusual option like Tom Yum prawns or nachos.

The Drink
Old Shades is particularly well stocked with ales: Abbot, several Fullers and Youngs are always available and they have rarer guest ales on regular rotation, too. The selection of lagers is also quite good with Amstel, Heineken and Staropramen leading the pack. Prices are quite affordable, with many draughts priced below £3.

On the surface, this pub is also a wine lover’s paradise since bottles are plentiful and dirt cheap (£8-£16). However, the cheapest bottles are definitely best avoided: aim at their middle or upper range for a decent white or red, like The Rosemount Marques De Riscal or Castello di Fabbrica Chianti Classico.

The Last Word
Not exactly unforgettable but still handy for meeting up with friends in Central London. Just don’t make it a dating spot or the place for a business meeting: Old Shades is a straightforward pub with no other frills.

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