Pub in London WC2

Ship Tavern

12 Gate Street, London, WC2A 3HP
Closest station: Holborn, about 2 min walk

4.5out of 5 on Google, from 2,350 ratings

Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.

Ship Tavern, London WC2

About Ship Tavern

Mahogany-panelled 16th century pub with traditional real-ale bar and upstairs dining room.

Hidden in a passage behind Holborn Underground station, a pub has been on this site since 1549. It features in many London ghost books for its association with Catholic priests once caught and executed there in the reign of Henry VIII. It was one of the few William Younger's houses in London and the leaded windows and a brass plaque reflect this previous ownership. Decor is a mix of alcoves and stools, with mahogany-coloured walls and prints of early 20th-century ships. There are six handpumps for regional beers, including two guests and the aptly named house beer. Food is available all day and regular pie promotions are held. The Oakroom restaurant upstairs takes reservations and on Sundays a traditional roast is served with live jazz late Sunday afternoons. Wheelchair accessible double-door but no disabled toilet.

Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.

Features

  • Dog Friendly
  • Live Music: Jazz on Sundays 4.30-7.00 PM
  • Sports TV
  • Serves Food
  • Serves Lunch
  • Serves Dinner: Last orders 9.30 (8.30 Sun)
  • Restaurant
  • Real Ale
  • Cask Marque
  • Disabled Access
  • Reservable
  • Good for Groups
  • Newspapers
  • 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 – 12:00 AM
Friday
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.

Good to know

Operator
Independent
Price
2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
Phone
020 7405 1992

Photos

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Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.

Google rating and reviews

4.5out of 5 on Google, from 2,350 ratings

  • 5 out of 5Arturas Kapitanovason Google, October 2024

    very cozy place, the service is very good, the food is also not bad for such a price, it took maybe a little more taste, but overall everything is really good, the house wine is great, would I go there again, I really do. on the first floor of the restaurant you can also taste many different beers. after delicious food and a cold glass of beer I was satisfied

  • 5 out of 5Diana Musaevaon Google, July 2024

    Excellent service, delicious food, great atmosphere. This places got it all. Been there a couple times and loved it each time. This is one of the places where you could bring your friends who visiting London. Sadly I don’t have a video of one of the meals which they serve with a domed lid with steam inside, looks impressive! and taste amazing as well. Their desserts are very good too! So, basically anything they serve will not disappoint you. Definitely recommend! The staff is always nice and polite.

  • 5 out of 5Steve Kangon Google, September 2024

    Upstairs for dining -- cozy (small and tight), downstairs is the tavern. Wonderful atmosphere with standing room outside. Everything from bar snacks to small dishes to real meals; I had the smoked chorizo and the pot pie of the day, and onion rings another time. Beers on tap and plenty of gins, including one only available at Ships!

  • 5 out of 5Tomon Google, May 2024

    This place is a little gem. Took the entrance at the back straight upstairs. Service was exceptional. Polite and informative. Efficient. Food was great. I had the chicken breast and it was like a posh roast. It was very very tasty. The gravy was quality but the star was actually the chicken. It was cooked with a nice crispy skin. It was high quality food and I was pleasantly surprised. Downstairs doesn’t seem to have quite as much class as upstairs just by looking. Go upstairs and eat. It was fantastic. Would definitely go again

  • 5 out of 5Elizabeth Quinteroon Google, September 2024

    We stayed 2 minutes within walking distance of this pub, and were rewarded with a sweet & cozy night cap 4 nights out of the 7 in London. We’ll definitely need to dine in next time, but the sticky toffee pudding was delicious.

Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.

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