This traditional Greenwich pub commands excellent views of the Thames and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The Venue
The Yacht can be found down a quiet side street in Greenwich, just off the university grounds and situated directly on the banks of the Thames. The curve of the river allows for impressive views of both Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena from the indoor vantage point, although the lack of an open-air balcony might be viewed as a missed opportunity. The pub’s interior is multi-tiered, with a small bar area leading up to a raised wooden mezzanine level, and a separate, carpeted dining and function room off to the right.

The nautical theme and name are reinforced by the naval souvenirs lining the walls (including a scaled-down ship and admiral’s uniform), while sturdy wooden tables and bar stools abound. The well-stocked and compact bar is unfortunately swathed in rows of rather tacky Union Jack flags, obscuring an otherwise refined carved-wood counter lit by glass lanterns. The view is the real draw here, but the overall feel is one of permanence and relative comfort.

The Atmosphere
Most riverbank-going tourists end up intercepted by the more prominent Trafalgar Tavern next door, so the Yacht attracts mainly locals and Greenwich University students in the know, and is usually fairly subdued but imbued with an attractive, laid-back atmosphere. The staff are lovely, while the dining room really is one of the best places on the river to watch the boats go by, and often deployed for work lunches and large groups.

The Food
The food at the Yacht is a bit of let-down, with very little variation from the fare in countless other Taylor Walker pubs around London. The menu is certainly extensive, with anything from curries to wraps and sandwiches (£5-£6) available alongside the more traditional burgers, pies and fish & chips (£10-£12) and sharing platters (£12). However the end result is often unsatisfying, albeit filling, and not too cheap either.

The Drink
No major surprises in the drinks department either, although there are at least a few guest ales to complement the standard selection of draught beer (£3.40-£4 for Becks, Stella, Fosters, etc). There is a wide range of bottled ciders and lagers to choose from, including Rekorderlig and Brothers, however the paltry wine list leaves a little to be desired – hardly out-of-the-ordinary for such an old-fashioned venue, but a little disappointing nonetheless.

The Last Word
The Yacht certainly has an enviable location and interesting interior design, but is let down slightly by a run-of-the-mill selection of food and drink. Still, the view of the Thames alone is worth a visit.

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