A Heritage of Hospitality
The Story of The Shaston Arms, Past & Present
Opened in 1999, yet brimming with the authentic charm of a classic London pub, The Shaston Arms has become a beloved fixture in Soho. With its warm atmosphere, eclectic décor, and nods to Dorset’s brewing heritage, it offers a timeless setting that feels like it’s always been part of the neighbourhood. Proudly run by Sally and her dedicated team, The Shaston Arms continues to be a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike, combining tradition and character with a lively Soho spirit.
Our Present
Get to Know Us
The Shaston Arms blends its authentic pub charm with a lively ambiance that attracts a diverse crowd, from Soho locals and city workers to visitors exploring the area. Under the attentive guidance of General Manager Sally and her dedicated team, the pub offers a welcoming space to enjoy great drinks, cosy seating, and vibrant social moments.
With its mix of classic character, eclectic décor, and warm atmosphere, The Shaston Arms is the perfect spot to soak up Soho’s unique energy in a memorable setting.
I am immensely proud of what I have achieved at the Shaston. The DNA of the pub is so special and the fact that we have created a real haven for locals and visitors alike is not something I take for granted. Her (the pub’s) wooden floors, classic pub atmosphere, and with our nostalgic soundtrack, the vibe at The Shaston is second to none – Sally (General Manager)
Our Past
In 1999, The Shaston Arms was transformed from two shop spaces into the cosy pub loved by many today. Named after the fictional town of Shaston in Thomas Hardy’s novels, most notably Jude the Obscure and Tess of the d’Urbervilles, the name reflects Hardy’s reimagining of Shaftesbury in Dorset, a region known for its rural charm and rich history. This connection also celebrates the area’s traditions, including its ties to our beloved Badger Brewery.
Though relatively new in terms of its infrastructure, The Shaston Arms has been crafted with the authentic feel of a classic London pub, offering a warm and lively space that captures the energy of Soho. Today, it serves as a welcoming hub where locals and visitors alike can enjoy great drinks and soak up the charm of Hardy’s literary legacy in the heart of London.
Celebrate our 25th anniversary with us!
This November, we are proudly marking our 25th anniversary in the heart of Soho! Since opening on December 19th 1999, the pub has been a cherished Carnaby staple, known for its lively atmosphere and warm community. This milestone celebration honours our legendary landlady, Sally Graham, whose vibrant spirit and dedication has made The Shaston a haven for locals, shoppers, and visitors alike.
To celebrate our 25 years, we’re bringing back 1999 prices for a limited-edition beer crafted especially for the occasion: The Lady Shaston Ale. Available for just £2.50 a pint (while supplies last).
Explore Our Sister Venues
The Old Nick
Close by in Holborn, discover The Old Nick, a quintessential London pub offering a welcoming retreat with a fantastic selection of drinks, perfect for unwinding after exploring the rich history and charm of the city’s legal district.
The Ship & Shovell
Nearby, uncover The Ship and Shovell, a truly unique pub split across two buildings, offering a warm atmosphere and a great selection of drinks, just moments from Charing Cross and Embankment.
St Stephens Tavern
A short journey away, visit St. Stephens Tavern, an iconic pub steeped in history, located near Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, offering classic British charm and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Prince Edward
Just a short distance away, discover The Prince Edward in Bayswater, perfectly positioned near Notting Hill and Hyde Park, offering a welcoming atmosphere, hearty food, and a vibrant spot to catch live sports.
The Eel Pie
Nearby in Twickenham, explore The Eel Pie, a charming pub nestled near the River Thames, offering a cosy atmosphere and a perfect spot to unwind after visiting local landmarks like Twickenham Stadium or Marble Hill House.
Fundraising
Community is incredibly important to us and as part of this, we help to fundraise for a local charity. For more information on which charity we are supporting this year, speak to a local team member at the pub or view our company website.
RNLI Water
We currently serve Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Coastal Spring still and sparkling waters and 1p will be paid in support of the RNLI for each bottle sold. Payments are made by Cornish Natural Spring Water to RNLI (Enterprises) Ltd (Which pays all its taxable profits to the RNLI, a charity registered in England & Wales (No. 209603) & in Scotland (No SC037736). Charity No. CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.
Blue Light Card Discount
Enjoy 15% off your whole bill when you dine with us Monday to Sunday when you present a valid Blue Light Card.
T&Cs: Minimum Spend £10. Valid for Food, Soft Drinks, Hot Drinks, Alcoholic Drinks & Accommodation. Excludes Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Easter Sunday, Mothering Sunday, Fathers Day, Valentines Day and Bank Holidays. This discount cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer. Maximum size of table is 6 people when receiving the Blue Light Discount, for larger Tables the Blue light Discount does not apply
Impact Report 2024
Hall & Woodhouse is proud to present our 2024 Impact Report, highlighting our commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. As we approach our 250th anniversary in 2027, we’ve set ambitious goals, including achieving carbon neutrality. Recent initiatives include £140,000 raised for Teddy Rocks supporting children with cancer, and £100,000 raised by our pubs for local charities. Explore the full report to see how we’re making a meaningful difference across the South of England.
Stay up to Date with What's Happening at The Shaston Arms
Stay in touch with us to hear about our news, latest offers, and to get a birthday treat from us.