If I was a person who loved beer than this would be an ablsolutely awesome pub…as it is i just think it’s pretty great! it’s really cosy and welcoming, and the two separate sections make it nice and quirky.

A great pub tucked away almost beneath Charing Cross station, with the added bonus of Hall & Woodhouse’s excellent real ales - try the Tanglefoot, which is really gorgeous.

The larger of the two sides has a bit more character, with a Victorian style interior of wood, etched glass and carpets, but the other side of Craven Passage is a bit more down to earth - take your pick.

The ‘Shovell’ in the title - and I notice the pub and its website can’t agree on whether it is Shovel or Shovell - is named after Sir Cloudesley Shovell (1659-1707), the celebrated and popular admiral of the British fleet and MP for Rochester, who died ignominiously on the rocks of the Isles of Scilly in fog, after a navigational error wrecked his flagship, the ‘Association’.

Legend states that he was washed ashore alive, but exhausted, and was murdered by a poor and old woman for his rings. She is said to have confessed all on her deathbed to a clergyman and returned the rings. There is a memorial to him at Porthellick, on the Scilly Isles, where his body was found.

The pub has appropriate maps, nautical charts and pictures of ships reflecting the nautical theme.

Brilliant pub. I love that it’s split into two halves. I don’t know why. I think I like the idea of the little passage that the must by underneath joining the two bit together. I’d love to go and be nosy.

They do great beer. Badger bitter or something like that which kept my friend happy. I was drinking Hofenbrau which was great and got me happily merry. It’s a quaint little place that is great for after work chatting, I’m not sure I’d come here for a big night out.

There seems to be a difference between the two sides. If Charing Cross station is one the right, then I prefer the right hand side of that pub. I think it had a nicer feel to it. But I’m not a fan of sitting upstairs in a bar (as we were on the other side) - I don’t get the feeling of being in a pub if I’m upstairs. Even if there is more room.

Considering the location, this pub is fab. I’m never wonderfully taken with the Charing Cross area (aside from Gordon’s of course), but this pub might just force me to change my mind.

Great crowd, relaxed atmosphere, full pints. Alas, we noticed two mice crowding around the table next to us and quickly left. While we understand ancient establishments will have mice, we were glad we didn't eat there.

Having intended to go here for ages, I finally made it there last night. Sadly we didn't stay long, but still, what a great pub! Even during our short stay I could feel it growing on me - it's definitely got a certain ... something. Too bad I didn't check out the second half - can you go through the cellar or do you have to go across the passage?

And yes, very interesting selection of beers. Really liked the Sussex Bitter. It was quiet and peaceful there on late Wednesday night.

A real gem of a pub, hidden away behind Charing Cross railway station.

This pub is unusual in being two halves, linked underground by the cellar. The main section is a traditional Victorian London pub, with lots of mirrors and pictures with a nautical theme. Across Craven Passage is a smaller, cosier venue, with lots of nooks and crannies.

Owned by the independent family brewing company Hall & Woodhouse, it serves a good selection of well-kept real ales, including Badger Best, IPA, Tanglefoot and Sussex Bitter. They do food as well, although I've not eaten here. It can get very busy after work (17-19h), but the staff are helpful and friendly.

Worth seeking out.