Shakespeare's Head in Clerkenwell Named London's Best Pub for 2026

Time Out London has named The Shakespeare's Head on Arlington Way in Clerkenwell as its Pub of the Year 2026, displacing the previous title-holder, The Old Nun's Head in south London. The Shakespeare's Head, a Victorian-era pub that was rebuilt in the 1960s, sits tucked away near Angel station and just steps from Sadler's Wells Theatre. Time Out editor Joe Mackertich described it as a 'salt-of-the-earth local' that 'extends a warm welcome to all,' praising its gloss-painted wood, traditional pub carpets, and unpretentious atmosphere. The review highlighted the staff's attentiveness and a clientele that blends theatregoers from Sadler's Wells with long-standing locals. Other notable new entries in this year's top 50 list include Moylett's in Clapton, which ranked as the highest new entry, along with The Dacre Arms in Lewisham, the Royal Exchange in Paddington, and The Nag's Head in Walthamstow. Previous annual winners were The Old Nun's Head (2025), Army & Navy in Newington Green (2024), and Skehans in Nunhead (2023).