Shepherds Tavern is a low key pub with a random mix of people and an ordinary decor, yet somehow there’s still a lively atmosphere.

The Venue
The location of Shepherds Tavern is the main plus of this pub; extremely close to the chic streets of Mayfair but tucked away down Hertford Street so it can retain a laid back nature. From the outside, it’s traditional with proud red signs and sweet window boxes to appeal to the eye.

Inside, the traditional details are worn and sparse. The furniture is as you’d expect – lots of dark wood and old fashioned upholstery, but it’s shown off with no flair. It sits on the fence for the traditional look – there’s not enough quaintness to make the pub come to life so it has a worn out appearance that you’ll have seen so many times before in every other mediocre pub in London.

The Atmosphere
Due to its close proximity to Green Park station and the multiple hotels nearby, the bulk of the customers are tourists looking for a good old fashioned British pint in the right atmosphere. However, as there are so many of them, instead of hearing the cockney accent they so crave they just hear American banter instead, which gives a light, amiable buzz to the pub. There’s always a steady stream of all types of customer coming through the door, making the Shepherds Tavern an animated place even in the middle of the afternoon.

The Drink
Real cask ales and beers are the mainstay of the drinks menu, with popular brands such as London Pride fitting in with the classic British theme. The wine list has a global range of wines from £12-£22 a bottle, focusing on the taste of the grape rather than the region. The selection of spirits is nothing extraordinary, and neither are the prices, which don’t seem to deter the well off visitors from the US of A. The usual pub food is also served, such as pies and burgers to fill up hungry customers.

The Last Word
The Shepherds Tavern tries to be more traditional than it really is, and though its always buzzing, it just falls short of being a pub worthy of becoming your local.

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