A picturesque scene greets you as you enter Greenland Docks: a tiny floating pub with its St Georges flags flying and an air of peace and tranquillity greets you. The Wibbley Wobbley is a haven from tramping the Thames Path.

The Venue
The converted ferry is a festive sight with her bright blue and white paintwork, night lights, flags and plant holders lying against the dock wall. Just around the corner are numerous barges and floating homes giving the area the appearance of a floating gypsy camp. Blackboards advertising quiz nights, karaoke and music events are set out on the footpath to lure customers in and to warn them about the gangplanks that lead down fore and aft.

As you step through the doorway of the charmingly named Wibbley Wobbley you may be surprised by the sense of space inside. On the right is a decent-sized wooden bar spanning the width of the boat hosting a fair selection of draught taps backed by spirits on the wall. The bar and the rest of the interior is well lit and ventilated by windows running the length of the space with doors opening out to the gang planks, pontoon and toilets to the rear. The interior is given a warm, comfortable feel courtesy of old wooden panelling on the walls and ceiling, nautical prints and bric-a-brac. Adding to the cosy ambience are solid wooden tables on wrought iron bases that serve the bench seats that line both walls, accompanied by low stools clothed in matching maroon fabric. Dividing the bar from the seating area is an island formed by an old funnel stack, which is now lined by a TV, cigarette dispenser and games machine.

The pontoon area has many pub benches and umbrellas facing out towards the sailing centre, the barges and the Greenland Docks. The charcoal BBQ on the side tells you that sunny days would be well spent here and if it rains, well, the inside is a comfy retreat.

The Atmosphere
There is a tendency towards apathy when trying new pubs because so many of them have all the character of a cheap pork sausage. Luckily, the Wibbley Wobbley has an ambiance all of its own. She is no floating gin palace. There’s a local crowd here and in the warmer, sunnier months this floating pub gets busier and busier. As soon as you step through the doors you get sucked into a little bit of local history. You’ll be sharing the bar with a good mix of locals, boaters from the sailing centre, residents from the local house boats, and the odd walker who couldn’t resist the temptation.

With the suspension of the East London Line until 2010 the numbers of tourists and people from outside the area are kept to a minimum, which helps the local atmosphere. The people behind the bar keep the business afloat as they are friendly and relaxed - always willing to chat and answer questions.

The Food
The restaurant advertised as French Fred on the side of the Wibbley Wobbley is temporarily closed but there is some good news as you can get a limited selection of grub from their barbecue every Thursday-Sunday from 5pm onwards, which includes jerk chicken (£5), baked fish (£6) and chips (£1.50). The meals include a choice of salad or bread. The jerk chicken, consisting of a fair-sized thigh and drumstick, is well cooked, nicely spiced and moist. Unfortunately (or not, depending on your taste) you may find yourself ambushed by a large dollop of reggae sauce on the plate, which is strong on flavour and stronger on afterburn. Cooked on charcoal, the food is full of flavour and does the job of filling you up and allowing you to continue drinking and having a good time on the deck.

The Drink
Considering her size, the Wibbley Wobbley does quite well with a fair selection on tap, even if most are lagers. The two ales available are Greene’s IPA and Old Speckled Hen and there’s Strongbow for cider drinkers (£3). Guinness is there and for lager louts there are the usual suspects - Kronenbourg, Fosters, Carling Extra Cold and Stella Artois. Prices start at a very reasonable £2.80 a pint. There is a decent selection of spirits behind the bar as well as bottled drinks such as wine and Irish cider in the fridges. A fair spread considering the location and customers.

The Last Word
The Wibbley Wobbley is a pleasant and charming place where you can while away some time watching sail boats and ducks or just share the space with a white socked cat sleeping on its rug inside. Well worth the effort getting here.

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