QYPE*

Known as the Shakespeare or just ‘the shaky’, this is a very, very popular pub just a short walk down the hill from Seven Dials towards Preston Circus.

They do the range of Hall & Woodhouse beers, which are well-kept. The staff are young and very friendly, and the pub has lots of loyal regulars. The interior is trendy/scruffy in a nice sort of way, with a large L-shaped main bar, and a smaller snug at the rear with its own serving hatch. There is a also large seating area at the front (usually inhabited by smokers), and a smaller area at the rear as well, although this is shut off in the late evening in deference to their neighbours.

It’s famous for its food, too: sausages in the week, and roasts on Sundays. The sausages are excellent value, and come in a dizzying range of choices, with a similar choice of mash and sides. Nice puddings too, if you have room.

Strongly recommended.