The Shaston Arms in London confirms closure

The Shaston Arms pub in London’s Soho has confirmed it will close later this week after 25 years of trading.

 

The pub was opened in 1999 in the former site of two shops, taking its name from the fictional town of Shaston in Thomas Hardy’s novels, most notably Jude the Obscure and Tess of the d’Urbervilles.

 

Over the years, the Hall & Woodhouse pub has served celebrities including Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Gwen Stefani and Jude Law.

 

However, in a message on Instagram, the bohemian pub announced it is being forced to close to make way for a new restaurant on Ganton Street.

 

A spokesperson for the Shaston Arms said: “We are disappointed that after 25 wonderful years, we are sadly saying goodbye to the Shaston Arms in Carnaby. Our wish was to renew our lease on the building, but we understand that the landlord wishes to pursue a restaurant offer on Ganton Street. Therefore, the Shaston Arms will sadly close on Sunday 15 June 2025.

 

“We know that the Shaston will be missed by the local community and thank our guests and team for their loyalty, support and laughter over the past two and a half decades.”

 

The pub has been managed by Sally Graham since 1999, who was described as “nothing short of legendary”.

 

The message added: “Her 25 years operating the Shaston Arms will be a memorable chapter in Hall & Woodhouse’s almost 250-year-history, and we wish her the very best with her hard-earned retirement.”

 

Hall & Woodhouse will continue to operate sister London pubs the Ship & Shovell, Charing Cross; St Stephen’s Tavern, Westminster; the Old Nick, Holborn; the Prince Edward, Bayswater; and the Eel Pie, Twickenham.