It's great to be by the Thames on a pleasant evening and few pubs are as well situated to appreciate her charms as Captain Kidd.

The Venue
From the street, Captain Kidd doesn't look like much with just a sign hanging over a doorway. Once through the door, you pass through a small, attractive courtyard until you come into the pub proper.

Once inside, it opens up into a handsome large space with a central bar. Plenty of exposed brick and big square timber posts emphasise its former warehouse heritage. However, the real magic is outside on the L-shaped terrace. When you sit out there smelling the sea air and watching the boats go by, it’s hard to imagine how life could get any better. Especially as the sun starts to set and reflects its pinky hues off the towers of Canary Wharf to the east – who needs to holiday somewhere exotic?

The Thames is quite narrow at this point, which brings all the river action even closer to your perch. Named after a pirate who was hanged in 1701, Captain Kidd has long ago shed his peg leg and eye-patch and is now a comfortable upmarket pub.

The Atmosphere
Captain Kidd is very relaxed and chilled. It's hard to stay pissed off at anyone or anything with the water gently sloshing against the shore below. There is no canned music to drown out the sounds of the river or the hum of conversation. Bar staff are mature, efficient and friendly.

The Food
The bar menu is divided into light bites, main meals and puddings. Nothing breaks the £6 barrier. Mains are heavy on pies and pastas - classic stodge that will stick to your ribs but not break your bank. There is also a proper restaurant upstairs.

The Drink
Captain Kidd has a range of Samuel Smith draught beers: Alpine Lager, Organic Wheat Beer, Pure Brewed Lager, Taddy Lager, Sovereign Best Bitter and Old Brewery Bitter. Bottled Samuel Smith Organic Cider and Cherry Cider are pleasant substitutes to beer. There are also wines by the glass and well-priced bottles to share outside.

The Last Word
Captain Kidd has one of the finest riverside patios in London. Get yourself down there the next time the sun decides to make a rare appearance.

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