Strolling along the river on a hot summer’s day, you’re parched and fancy a well deserved drink. This is where the sumptuous setting of The Ship steps in.

The Venue
When you’re walking along the river, The Ship isn’t hard to miss. Located as it is next door to the Budweiser factory, its nautical colours and hordes of people outside attract your attention. Located by the river bank, there is a lot of pond life like ducks and geese, which makes it a lovely venue for enjoying an outdoor drink. There is seating outside in the patio-like beer garden, with large parasols and ample seating for revellers to sit down and rest.

Inside, The Ship is as traditional as a pub can get, which is a rare sight in London these days. Beautiful wooden fixtures and a huge space makes this pub popular with locals and people popping in after their weekend walks. Dogs are welcome and fill up the place giving it a more relaxed, homely feel. In the windows there are stunning flowers, which really brighten up the place – it almost feels like you’re in a country pub. Best of all, the bar is big meaning it’s easy to get served, which is a definite advantage.

The Atmosphere
The vibe at The Ship is so laid back and carefree that it’s a pleasure to drink here. The staff are always in good spirits and some even sport a sailor’s hat whilst serving. The clientele mainly consists of couples, families and seniors, implying there isn’t a lot of hassle here.

The Food
Traditional pub food is on The Ship menu with such offerings as scampi and chips and sausage and mash (£6.99), Ploughman’s lunch (£6.25) and a rump steak burger (£7.25). On Sundays they have three different options for the roast; beef, lamb and turkey with all the trimmings (£8.55). There is also an option to have a smaller portion roast for £5.75. The desserts include the melt-in-the-mouth goodness of the chocolate fondant pudding with ice cream or apple pie with sultanas and custard (both £3.75).

The Drink
A good selection of beers are on offer at The Ship, including Leffe, Staropramen, Hoegaarden, Budweiser, Kronenbourg Cold, Foster, John Smiths, Strongbow, London Pride, Guinness and guest ales, starting just below the £3 mark. In the summer there is the option of cocktails like a Smirnoff Cosmopolitan or mojito (£5.25).

The wines aren’t too fancy but the house white starts at £12.15 a bottle of Cape Promise Unoaked Chenin Blanc and goes up to £20.90 for a MacMurray Pinot Gris. The reds tell a similar story with the house being the same brand and roughly the same price, and if you feel like treating yourself then the Chateau du Barry at £22.15 is a good place to start. Fizz starts at £15.45 for a respectable and tasty Prosecco. For a brand that tastes closer to the real thing then try the Lindauer Rose for £15.80. There is also, of course, Veuve Clicquot for £45.95 if only the best is good enough.

The Last Word
The Ship is probably London’s best kept secret as it is hard to stumble across without knowing the area. It is well worth going the distance to try it out.

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