Home News Bar Award‑Winning Team to Relaunch The Shaston Arms in Soho

Award‑Winning Team to Relaunch The Shaston Arms in Soho

Soho’s The Shaston Arms set for autumn relaunch under Joe Grossmann and Sam Andrews, continuing its status as a local pub favourite, backed by Shaftesbury Capital.

Terry Clark

8 July 2025

The Shaston Arms in Soho is set to reopen this autumn under the leadership of the team behind The Waterman’s Arms in South West London. The pub, located at 4–6 Ganton Street near Carnaby Street, is currently undergoing refurbishment and will relaunch with a renewed focus on food while maintaining its well-established name and character.

First opened in 1999, The Shaston Arms has long been a fixture of Soho’s hospitality landscape. It is now being reimagined by Joe Grossmann and chef Sam Andrews, who have earned recognition for their transformation of The Waterman’s Arms in Barnes, a venue now listed in the Michelin Guide.

Joe Grossmann, a familiar figure in London’s hospitality scene, leads the new management team. His work at The Waterman’s Arms demonstrated a commitment to reviving traditional pubs with high standards of service and quality. For The Shaston Arms, he brings the same approach to Soho, promising a carefully considered revival.

Sam Andrews, known for his time at Ducksoup and the Camberwell Arms, will oversee the culinary side. His menu will focus on elevated pub classics, offered in a pared-back style, and available seven days a week. The redesigned venue will integrate a cohesive drinking and dining environment, accommodating around 35 covers.

Emma Matus, Head of Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, commented: “The Shaston Arms is an important part of Soho’s hospitality scene, so we wanted to secure its future by investing in it and making the offer in line with what visitors expect when they come here. Joe and his team are the perfect match for how we want it to evolve, using all their experience at The Waterman’s Arms to create something that is first and foremost a great pub, with a quality food offer in addition and a real independent feel.”

Joe Grossmann added: “At The Waterman’s Arms, we took on a much‑loved pub that unfortunately had to close, and gave it a new lease of life. The results and accolades speak for themselves, and we feel privileged to be able to bring that expertise to bear in Soho, a neighbourhood renowned for its hospitality. The Shaston Arms is an icon among the West End’s pubs, so we’ll be putting our stamp on it in a caring and considered way, that reflects its importance.”

Close to recent additions to the neighbourhood like Nagare and HIMI, The Shaston Arms will re-enter the Soho pub scene with a refreshed but recognisable offer. The pub’s refurbishment will enhance the overall customer experience without erasing its local identity.

The relaunch is part of a wider set of hospitality updates in the area, with new food and beverage concepts including ALTA, Heard, Marjorie’s, Panadera and Breadstall Pizza all joining Soho’s evolving food landscape. Each concept has been curated to complement the unique character of the surrounding streets, contributing to the diversity and dynamism of the area.