At Dean’s in Hudson Square, Guinness and Oyster Shooters Anchor a British Pub Menu

Summer evenings in Hudson Square have brought a steady crowd to Dean’s, a British pub on King Street near Soho. The pub draws attention for its Guinness and oyster shooter, a combination that has become a regular order at the bar this month. Priced at $10, the shooter arrives with a freshly shucked oyster in a shot glass, topped with a pour of stout. Bartenders report a noticeable uptick in orders after 6 p.m., especially on Thursdays and Fridays.

Chef Jess Shadbolt, known for her work at neighboring King, leads the kitchen. She is focusing on straightforward pub fare—fish and chips, sausage rolls, and rarebit. Most plates remain under $20, with the exception of a steak-and-ale pie that draws groups during late-night service. Beverage director Annie Shi manages a list dominated by British ales and Irish stouts, with Guinness poured at a deliberate pace.

On Wednesday afternoon, a visiting couple from Tribeca mentioned the snack had become a talking point among their friends. At the bar, regulars gathered for the early soccer match, trading notes on the best oyster shooters in town. Service is brisk, with staff moving between the packed bar and a handful of sidewalk tables facing King Street.

Dean’s sits apart from other recent British-influenced openings by emphasizing an informal, accessible approach. There is no dress code, and the menu stays consistent through lunch and dinner. The kitchen closes at midnight on weekends, with late arrivals ordering pints and shooters until last call.

As the city heads into the holiday week, Dean’s is preparing for larger street crowds and longer hours. The team expects the Guinness and oyster shooter to remain a fixture as long as the heat holds and sidewalk tables stay full.