Booked this place over a week in advance to ensure a table for a roast. At the time there is no mention of choosing your option. We booked for 3pm (which I know is a little late for a roast but had some friends travelling from out of the uk to meet us).
Arrived for our roast, only to be told that the only vegetarian/vegan option on the roast menu had run out. The only other option on the menu was to have a collection of sides, or have the roast with no protein. This is so disappointing, especially as we had booked over a week in advance and I’ve no doubt that they had given roast to walk-ins. If you’re going to have limited number of meals then you need to ensure that you’re asking what people want when they book a table and keeping it to one side. The rest of my table had meat options so were fine.
The waitress was very apologetic and went to see what could be done. Eventually I ended up with a plant burger as my protein and had to pay for a Yorkshire pudding on top, otherwise I literally would’ve had a burger on some veg for the same £18 listed on the menu.
The food came very quickly which was good. The chicken dish came without a pig in blanket and without a Yorkshire pudding despite the menu mentioning both. The potatoes weren’t crispy at all and had no flavour of rosemary, the cabbage was soggy, and flavourless, the parsnip was cold, and the gravy was super watery. The carrots were really tasty, and my partner said the beef and ox cheek was delish. The Yorkshire puddings were lovely too. There was so much potential in this meal but it was out overall a bit shite.
The staff member we dealt with was super lovely, I think she was American/Canadian and so we did pay their service charge for her. But as the food goes it was super disappointing, and no where near worth the money. I don’t know if it’s just because you’re paying for the nice location and view over the river but over all I wouldn’t recommend this pub for a roast. Maybe just for an expensive pint in the nice location. It’s a real shame as my friends had traveled and were really looking forward to it. And literally no point in booking because I couldn’t get my...
Read more🚇 Stamford Brook 🍺 £6.50 Pravha
The Old Ship is located on the banks of the Thames in Hammersmith, West London. The nearest Tube is Stamford Brook.
This pub was originally called The Ship, built 1722. It later became known as The Old Ship to distinguish it from another local pub with a similar name. The pub as it stands today was rebuilt in 1850 and reoriented to face the river, with a new entrance directly from the riverbank, contrasting with its earlier inward-facing layout.
This is a traditional one-bar pub with a modern, upmarket feel. The main bar is made up of two connected rooms, with the servery stretching across the back wall. There’s a dining area to the side, and upstairs is the Drawing Room with a terrace looking out over the river. The decor has a nautical touch, with oars hanging from the ceiling, barge lamps on the walls, riverside paintings. Out front there’s a veranda and patio, and to the side lots of benches for enjoying a drink in the sun.
This Young’s pub has a good selection of beers that included two cask ales. I went for a Pravha — my pint was great, price point was above average. The food menu features British seasonal classics, with roasts available on Sundays. There’s also a Cuban cigar menu if you fancy a Montecristo Edmundo with your pint.
I arrived at 12 p.m. on a scorching Saturday lunchtime in June. The pub was fairly busy, with a mix of tourists and local punters, most of whom had opted to sit on the veranda at the front. The atmosphere was relaxed, the air-con was very welcoming, and there was an all-round pleasant feel to the pub. The service was upbeat, and the team on duty had everything under control.
Having a pint by the river is always a great thing to do, especially on a hot day. This pub ticked a lot of boxes: the location, the comfortable surroundings, a good selection of beers and grub, and a relaxed atmosphere. Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience and well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Follow @oldshiphammersmith for updates.
📅 21st June 2025
If you want to see all my pub reviews in one place, head to @londonpubmap on Instagram or...
Read moreI can't say enough good things about The Old Ship! It's an absolute hidden gem along the river, and every visit here has been a delight.
The staff at this pub are consistently friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home. It's become our go-to spot for hanging out with friends and meeting like-minded people who are nice to be around. You're guaranteed a fantastic experience,
The location is perfect, along the river, providing beautiful views and a serene atmosphere. Inside, the pub is bright and spacious, with plenty of room for larger groups with good food choices.
One of the standout features is that The Old Ship is dog-friendly, which is a rarity. We've brought our dog Lukus here several times, and he's always a hit with the locals. It's fantastic to find a pub where everyone is so warm and accommodating towards our four-legged friend.
I've met Joe, the manager, on a few occasions, and he's always so hospitable, making sure we have a good time. That passion shows through the entire team, ensuring we all have a good time.
If you're looking for a place to unwind, socialise with friends, and enjoy the riverside views, The Old Ship is the place to be. Highly...
Read more