Pub in London WC2
Ship & Shovell
1-3 Craven Passage, London, WC2N 5PHClosest station: Embankment, about 3 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,995 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Ship & Shovell
Traditional boozer with oak-panelled booths, on both sides of street joined by underground cellar.
Attractive welcoming pub almost underneath Charing Cross Station, it is, perhaps uniquely (for London, at least), divided into two separate halves, these buildings facing each other across Craven Passage alleyway which runs between Villiers Street and Craven Street.
Both were originally early Georgian terraced houses, later refaced and the interiors remodelled to suit their conversion to commercial premises. Despite being grade II listed in 1970, the original pub was under threat of demolition until bought by Hall & Woodhouse in 1997. The smaller bar opposite (not open all the time) was added in 1999: converted from an antiques shop, it has provided a snug and the upstairs Crows Nest room.
In early 2017, the pub underwent a subtle refurbishment: most noticeably, the carpet was removed to expose an attractive wooden floor. The wonderful etched mirrors, engraved glass, polished brass, wood paneling and nautical pictures all remain, as do discreetly placed TVs for certain sporting events.
As a tied house, the cask ales are all from the Badger range. Hot meals of classic pub food, smaller dishes and sandwiches are available at lunchtime and cold bar snacks in the evening when the main menu is not served. The lunchtime food offering includes Sunday roasts.
NB it is reported that transactions are card-only, no cash accepted.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly: Well-behaved dogs only
- Outdoor Seating: Limited pavement standing areas
- Sports TV: Only for certain events
- Family Friendly: When dining
- Quiet
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Real Ale
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Newspapers
- Smoking: Pavement
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Hall & Woodhouse
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7839 1311
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,995 ratings
5 out of 5David Simkinson Google, August 2024
A lovely traditional pub, uniquely split (linked underground), either side of a quiet passage near Charring Cross. Part of the Hall & Woodhouse chain; the Badger Beers are a refreshing change from Greene King and Fuller’s pubs nearby. The outdoor space is perfect for fair weather drinking. Staff were friendly and the food looked decent. Well worth seeking out!
5 out of 5Villiedon Google, April 2024
The house lager beer is amazing, highly recommend. The atmosphere is like a classic English Pub which is what we were looking for. And the food is really good as well, we had double cheeseburgers. It’s a really nice pub!
4 out of 5JP Bormanon Google, May 2024
Nice pub, in the heart of London, but off the beaten track. Good array of beers. Goof sausage roll.
5 out of 5Barbara Steltmannon Google, January 2024
It is the only pub divided into two parts on either side of the street. And I think that's what makes this place such a cool atmosphere. A very nice and quiet traditional London pub with good food and a selection of beer.
5 out of 5John Cunninghamon Google, October 2024
Cozy pub with great decor. Heaps good food and beers here, and the staff were friendly and accommodating to my kids and me (including a ravenous toddler). Son loved his fish finger sandwich, and I enjoyed my fish and chips washed down with a Badger Fursty Ferret.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.