I'm English and I believe that comes with a certain predisposition towards old man's pubs... and this one really didn't disappoint. There's something quite comforting about discovering one right in the centre of london too, amidst all the chain restaurants and swanky bars. The location is brilliant - a one minute walk away from holborn station but tucked away in a little side street so that you feel much further (in a good way). it's totally unpretentious and somewhere you feel at home pretty quickly. staff seemed knowledgeable about the beers on tap too. I also got some chips which are highly, highly recommended! Proper thick cut chip shop chips - none of that french fry mcdonalds type nonsense! read more

Great experience . Good service. Came upstairs close to closing time on Sunday but still got served with a smile. The food was amazing. read more

I work in London for brief periods from time to time, I don't claim to be more than a glorified tourist, however I'm a man who knows a good pub when he finds one. We were staying around the corner at the Rosewood for a week and found the Ship the first day wandering the neighborhood. The place is in a funky spot, little alley on one side, just what you would expect from an old London haunt. They say it's been there for 500 years so the inside is right out of central casting for an old London pub. The first time there we had a go at a few pints and a couple of scotch eggs. Classic British pub experience. The bartenders couldn't have been nicer and more helpful in my finding a beer that I would like. We stopped off there the next day for a pint after work and again, great experience. We went on the next day as well and the place was packed, great atmosphere, met some great people, it was now our official go to place after work. The next day we were in the bar in the Rosewood and a couple was sitting at the big couch and we had a big party and they kindly moved for us at the request of the waiter. I sent drinks over to their table as a thank you and the gentleman came over and was extremely thankful and extremely nice. He then says I own a pub around the corner, the Ship Tavern, please come in and have a drink. As I always tell me kids, treat people well and they will treat you in kind. My friend Jon and I went there the next day and got a couple of pints and a burger (the Oak Room burger). We met the owner and he couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming. The burger was fantastic by the way. I'm a Yank who knows his burgers, my Rubenesque physique was chiseled by burgers and beer I'm afraid. This Yank has been disappointed in every burger he's had in London with the lone and notable exception of the one at the Ship. It was Juicy and perfectly done, not the hard gray over-done cardboard-like burgers I have had every other place in London. To my British friends, you have a fantastic pub. To my American friends, if you want a classic English pub that will make you feel at home and you want a great burger that reminds you of home, go to the Ship. This is where I'm going with friends form the office after work while in London, my London Cheers. read more

My boyfriend and I met one of his friends here while we were in London, and I must say that I really liked it here! Ship Tavern is off the beaten path and there is a more fancy upstairs pub that takes reservations, or there's the not-so-fancy pub around the corner (both are the same name, which can throw you off). We went to the not-so-fancy pub. We came here specifically for their roast, which my boyfriend's friend raved about. I must say, their roast is AMAZING!! Very hearty and rich meal. You can definitely eat this for lunch and be good for dinner. They also had about 10 local beers on tap, which I happily tried one (I don't remember which one unfortunately). I'd recommend Ship Tavern if you're ever in London!! Cheers! read more

This is a pretty good pub right around the corner from Holborn station. Even though it's close by, it seems like it's not so close given the small street it's on which really adds a nice touch. There's a great selection of ales on draught as well. (Not that I sampled any, the broken arm took away my drinking ability for a month or so.) The clientele is an interesting mix of people who look like they are regulars in British Pubs (which they probably are) and hipsters. It was a strange dichotomy but only added to the charm of the place. read more

This pub has a great location, near Holborn station, accessed via alleyways. Not great for passing trade necessarilybut great in that it feels like the sort of place that there should be a puband there has been a pub here for some time! A friendly, busy pub serving half a dozen real ales on, including Tribute. Apparantly their ales have been quaffable since 1549, when it used to cater for labourers working in nearby fields.yes the area has changed a bit since then hasn't it! Outlawed priests held illegal catholic mass here during the time of Henry VIII! read more

The Ship Tavern is a very cool pub tucked away in Holborn. I would have never known that this pub was here if I hadnt literally stumbled upon it. It apparently dates back to the 1500s so it has some interesting history. The beer and cider were decently priced and it was a pretty laid back pub. I'll definitely be back. read more

Ship Tavern - Since 1549 selling quaffable ales! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Shhh, dont tell anyone BUT this is a pretty warm and cozy pub to run into in case you get caught in an alley in the rain. Chance rain happens in London, you'll thank me later.. read more

Good food. Decent beer. Went for lunch here and I do like the place. Really nice feel to it, relaxed old style pub but not solely frequented by elderly gentlemen. Really nice place. The food is quite good. Calamari was a bit chewy but the roast pork was really nice, but nothing special. Bangers and mash were a bit meh. Ale was decent. Gave out a complimentary Mother's Day drink. So they won me over there. Would I go here again? Yes. It's a decent place to grab some food if you're in that neck of the woods. One thing I really liked is that I got a glimpse of their 1630-1930 sunday Jazz. I will definitely be coming back to watch the Jazz. Though I won't lie it was a bit pretentious... But that's just Jazz in london! So yes, go here, and try and catch some jazz. read more

I love this place! It gets packed fast, but if you can find a seat, it's a wonderful bar to sink into. The decor is warm and cheery and offers the space for a cozy conversation (unless it's packed and the noise level is high). The beer selection is great, but staff incredibly friendly, and the food delicious. We had fish pies when we went and they were wonderful. Every time we're in London, we're stopping in. read more

The ship is one of those exciting secret pubs that everyone likes. But it's tiny, and the fact that everyone likes it means that everyone was in here when I popped in for a pint last week. We weren't meant to stay for more than one pint, but the beer was really really good. No reason, they'd just kept it really well. And after a strange day and a long few hours walking about Covent Garden, this was very welcome. Friendly staff, apparently better than average food and decent (not overly expensive) beer. If you can get a seat you probably won't leave after the first pint either. read more

This pub was established in 1549. 1549! That's almost 500 years! That's older than the American Constitution. After that long to refine things I'd expect the perfect pub. Not a single flaw.. But all I found was a moderately good pub. The food was good. An incredibly British menu of pork pies and such. I had a fish finger butty with tartare sauce that was everything tartare sauce should be. Deliciously creamy and mixed well with the butter of the bread. The drinks were standard for a pub. A good selection and well priced for central London. The atmosphere is ok. A bit too quiet inside, with no music or television, but that's often a good thing in my books. I really do enjoy silence... The alleyway positioning helps with this by removing it from the sound of the streets. These are all 4 star qualities. What it lacks for the 5 star is what it should be. I'm walking into a 500 year old pub, but it feels like it was built last year. I expect low ceilings, wrought iron and saw dust floors. The place is called The Ship Tavern, but the only allusion to maritime adventures is a single oar above the bar. I expect ship wheels, sextants or at least a terrible yet moody oil painting of a stormy sea... All I find is a pretty standard bar with some almost tacky furnishings.. That all said, this is still a good pub, with great customer service and pretty good food and drink. It's not their fault I have crazy dreams of time travel.... read more

I think I must have had at least four or five dud fish & chips over the last oh-I-don't-know-how-many-years I thought long and hard about whether I was going to spend a tenner and be disappointed or whether I should take their offer of the World's Best Ever Fish & Chips (or some such) seriously. Considering that I had in front of me a gloriously enchanting, cool to the touch, tankard of fine ale, it is likely that I was prepared to let my guard down and give it a go risk it! And the outcome? Well, I think you'll agree that I wouldn't be waxing lyrical if I wasn't completely impressed. Faith fully restored in the good old fashioned beer battered tradition of an English fish & chips. World Class! I love a good Friday lunch down at the pub. Not any old pub though mind. read more

The pies are huge. Disappointing as they had pastry only on the top. Sticky toffee pudding was good, but it is rather hard to mess up. Okay service. Nice atmosphere and good alcohol selection. Do get a reservation. read more

This place is amazing!! We went for Sunday roast and really wanted a good, local pub for us to get the most out of this experience. The ambiance includes everything you want in a pub. It's also tucked away in a little alley way which makes it extra great. The food was delicious. I got the vegetarian option, which I absolutely loved. My friends got the meat and one even said it was the best chicken they had ever had! Prices are bad, but still don't let that stray you away from it. Really good and all worth it especially on a college budget!! read more

Ship Tavern - Vegetarian Sunday roast option! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

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Four of us came here for a beer and ended up staying for dinner. Two of us ordered fish dishes which they both enjoyed.The 2 who ordered the chicken pie were both disappointed, it was okay but nothing great. Perhaps it would have been better if they had used dark meat instead of white meat. Atmosphere inside upstairs is quiet and nice. (Downstairs, more noise, but then, it is a bar.) Decor features a lot of historical ship stuff, as one would guess fro the name of the establishment. Hygiene is fine, both dining area and bathroom. read more

Do yourself a favor and eat here. If you like Gin, you won't leave thirsty. The beef wellington is perfect, pink meat, flaky crust, rich sauce and made in individual portions. The upstairs dining room is above the din and noise of the lower level. Near the tube station. Finally, a great meal after a week in London. read more

I came here for dinner a week ago and we had a fabulous dinner. I had the carrot and ginger soup for the starter, it was delicious! It came with a homemade bread roll and some kind of amazing 3 layer butter, one layer was spicy butter! I then split the two person steak and ale pie but we split it 3 ways and we were all stuffed! Didn't manage to get to dessert since we were so stuffed! I'll definitely come back here for an amazing pub dinner! read more

The ambiance was beautiful and intimate. The staff was extremely friendly and provided amazing customer service. The food was the best I've ever tried. They have unique items, I am not one to try new things, however, this made me step out of my comfort zone. I had the Brie cheese with cranberry and rocket leaves for a starter and would highly recommend that to everyone. It might be one of the best things I have ever eaten. If you come to London it is a must! read more

What a gem! Admittedly, I've only ever been on Sundays, but this is purely down to the fact that their Sunday Roast menu is immaculate! It's cheap for the Tavern's location and is just gorgeous - the beef in particular Don't miss this #SundaySpot! read more

Tucked into a street alley is the Ship Tavern and upstairs is the Oak Room. We booked a table at the Oak Room specifically for a traditional English Sunday Roast dinner. The reviews and menu seemed to boast a decent meal so we took a chance. The food, although presented nice, did not live up to expectations. I had the pork belly and my husband had the roasted half chicken. Neither of us were fans of our meals and found them to be very underwhelming in flavor and texture. While we were walking to our table, I noticed other patrons who ordered Sunday roasts weren't eating their Yorkshire puddings (or "popovers"). That should've been my first warning sign... as they were dry and bland. The restaurant itself has an old-worldly charm and the fact that it's been around since the 1500s is noteworthy. But playing modern lounge music inside the dining area really put me off. It just felt so out of place. The service was also lacking. The place isn't enormous and I'll admit that there were a couple of parties dining when we arrived but service was so slow. Our servers were nice but they all seemed rushed and we had to ask for a few things twice because they kept forgetting. For the price, quality, service, and ambiance, I can't say I would come back. read more

Our last night in London was well spent in The Ship Tavern. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. The waiter recommended the Sunday roast which turned out to be spot on. The crispy potatoes in goose fat are memorable. The atmosphere is exactly what we expected in a London Pub. Perfect comfort food for a rainy night. Great time. read more

Excellent Sunday roast. Very small dining room with a cozy atmosphere. Not easy to find but worth the effort. The service was friendly and attentive. read more

If you are looking for a traditional London pub, this is a great one to duck into. It has been rebuilt several times so the building isn't original, but the establishment is one of the oldest remaining in the city....dating from the 1500s! The bartender was really friendly and helped us select our pints. It was cozy, and we seemed like the only tourists- a plus in my book since we were looking for authentic! read more

One of my favourite pubs. Downstairs, you have the typical central London pub with a very good selection of ales and beers and excellent pub food (try the hot salt beef sandwich - yummy!!). Upstairs, you find a wonderful dining room, serving fantastic British food (yes, this does indeed exist!) in a phenomenal atmosphere. The "Oak Room" is the perfect place to have a Sunday roast or a relaxed dinner on a weekday night. Prices are very reasonable. I highly recommend the slow roasted pork belly - not exactly the most healthy dinner, but from time to time one simply needs proper food, right? read more

Called in here for Sunday dinner. The oak room upstairs is candle lit and cost, it looks like you've stepped back in time, perfect for a family gathering it a date, but space is limited so book early! We arrived around 7 and were disappointed to find that a lot of the items we wanted from the menu were sold out. I started with fried bri which was delicious and came with fresh salad, and my partner got calamari, which was a touch too sickly for my taste. The portions are large, especially the calamari. Both out Sunday dinners were large, but a little disappointing. My chicken was so large that the inside was unfortunately totally try and lacked flavour, and my partners veg was cold. The Yorkshire pudding was great though. We finished off with sorbet for my partner, which was the perfect end to s heavy meal, very refreshing and flavourful. I opted for sticky toffee pudding which was far too try, even with ice cream, and lacked taste. The bar downstairs if large with a fantastic drink selection, and if love to come back for a drink. As for the food, it was a mixed back, but if like to try again on a weekday to see if the problems persist. read more

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I was looking for a quiet place to grab dinner while on a business trip and a rare night with no entertaining. The upstairs dining area is a nice chilled out, quiet place to eat. I had the Pie Special on Tuesday which included a pint of ale for 10 GBP, a good deal in central London. Good food, good prices, nice quiet environment and if you wanted to whoop it up downstairs and have a few pints it appeared to be a good location. I would go again. read more

Went here for a pint and a gin/tonic. Ok pub to have a drink, but nothing special. I didn't have their food, so perhaps I might come back and try their food one day. Overall It was nice drinking here because of the pubs history. read more

We were rambling around Holborn, walked in quite by chance. We were delighted to find a pub that was not a tourist trap, and had lunch in the wood-pannelled dining-room : the food and service are excellent, and the "décor" delightfully old-fashioned and cosy. We are planning to come back on our next visit to London.Please do not change anything!! read more

Great old pub. Tasty food and a good beer selection. Perfect for a laid back weeknight meal.

Fantastic gin and tonic. A pretty intimidating selection of gins as well. Service was pretty solid for it being as busy as it was when I was here. Would absolutely recommend to people looking for a centuries old gin bar. read more

Sunday roast is to die for! Pork belly with crackling that can't be beat

Ship Tavern was unfortunately the only Pub we went to on a recent honeymoon trip to London. If we were going to pick only one though this was a good choice as it was established in 1549 and then rebuilt in 1923 after it was burned down in a fire. I wish we had made it there earlier to try the pub food, but we had to settle for a pint. The bartenders were very helpful in picking out a beer and let me try a few. I had the beer especially made for ship tavern and my wife had a cider. It is a very relaxing setting with couches and bookshelves. It is a little hidden but quite easy to find by the location posted on Yelp. Definitely make it a point if you are a tourist to stop by Ship Tavern and try out a pint. According to the other reviews it sounds like the food is a worthy stop as well! read more

Hidden away and somewhat quaint and cute. Popped here for a quick drink after visiting a nearby larger establishment and will remember this one for next time. read more

Quaint pub tucked into a narrow street that looks like Diagon Alley. Inside is warm and inviting. Usually lively without being too crowded. Staff are top-notch. Very attentive and friendly. Plenty of places to sit. read more

What I love most about this cozy pub is the location. It's right around the corner from Holborn Station, making it a particularly good place to meet up with some of my friends that live on the Central Line (it's equally good for meeting folks who live on the Piccadilly Line). That said it's a pretty cool space to find myself and I'm satisfied with the beer (good selection of bitters on draft). Given how conveniently place The Ship is, it's no wonder how packed it gets on a Thursday or Friday evening. However, Saturdays are generally alright and I've never had any problem securing a table. read more

Absolutely amazing. They accommodated 15 of us on relatively short notice, the ambience was wonderful, the service was top notch, and the food was amazing! Highly recommend! read more

A cosy little pub hidden in Gate Street behind Holborn tube, the Ship is a delight. It has the best pub lunches I've had in London and still do things the traditional way. With stories of ghosts and priest hiding holes, this pub has a long and colourful history which adds to its charm. In the evening its always packed and a great place to grab a pint before heading home. read more

i'm not a fish & chips expert but of the three i had while in the UK, this place was my favorite. the fish was huge but not oily so i ate everything--breading, skin, and all. the restaurant looks really expensive with its oak paneled walls, fireplace, and fancy decor but don't be fooled--the food is reasonably priced. read more

This is a great pub. I have been coming here for several years. Even have the T-shirt. Friendly, good food and ale, what more could you want. Some nights it is so crowded that it is hard to get in. read more