The Ship Tavern — Restaurant in London

🚇 Holborn 🍺 £6.90 Cruzcampo

The Ship Tavern is located in a narrow alleyway near Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Holborn. The nearest Tube is Holborn which is just around the corner.

This pub was established in 1549, at the height of the English Reformation when Catholicism became illegal, it was used to shelter Catholic priests and hold secret Catholic services. The pub takes its name from shipping on the now-subterranean River Fleet, which ran through Holborn in the 16th Century. The pub you see today was built by Youngers in 1923.

The main bar is located on the ground floor, is dimly lit and sets a very atmospheric tone. The walls are clad in dark wood panels and adorned by numerous nautical memorabilia. The servery is located on the left hand side and has a huge rowing oar above the counter. Opposite the servery are some drinking ledges by beautiful leaded windows. Close to the entrance is a cosy nook, at the back of the bar is a comfy banquette with a few circular tables. If you head upstairs you’ll find a dining room called The Oak Room. This is a stunning setting with mahogany panelling, antique paintings, cosy booths and a roaring open fire in the winter.

The beer selection was excellent, there is a good mix of familiar favourites, a couple of London craft and six cask ales. I decided on a Cruzcampo, my pint was top drawer, price point was expensive. The food menu is elevated pub classics, Fish & Chips costs £21, Roasts are available on a Sunday.

I arrived just before 3pm on a cloudy Friday afternoon in April. The pub was busy with a mix of local workers and few exploring tourists. I got talking to a friendly chap at the bar who was having a few scoops before his train home to Luton. The service was first class, the team here are friendly, welcoming and were happy for me to mooch about.

One of the reasons I love exploring London pubs is finding hidden gems like @theshiptavern . I loved the dimly lit ambiance, the traditional dark wood interior, the Dickensian-style candlelit dining room and the warm hospitality. This is a must visit London Pub.

ℹ️ Info correct on...

Would have left 0 stars if allowed. We asked a simple question: why was a table still marked “reserved” 45 minutes past the booking time? Instead of an answer, we were lectured by a condescending manager who accused us of being rude. Service was slow, staff rude, and we were then refused service with no real explanation. A supposedly historic pub—but hospitality? Missing entirely. Don’t bother.

[Edit after staff response:]

Thank you for responding, but your account of the event is both misleading and reductive. We were a group of seven, all of whom purchased drinks, and some also bought items from your menu. The mention of a single packet of crisps (shared among seven people) is irrelevant and clearly framed to distract from the real issue: we were not given proper seating or communication, and when we politely questioned the use of a table that remained empty, we were met with hostility. The staff were not helpful, and the individual who presented herself as a manager approached us already condescending, with a smug smile and no interest in discussion. Rather than explain policies with any professionalism, she immediately escalated and refused further service. At no point were any of us aggressive. We simply expressed confusion and disappointment at how we were being treated. The way your staff handled the situation reflects poorly on your business, not our behaviour. I stand by every word...

After reading the reviews this seemed like a good choice for a quick evening meal. Especially as I was really in the mood for a beef wellington. Wasn’t a big fan of the grubby seats and dingy vibe, but it’s a pub, what do I expect? One thing I didn’t expect was our waiter to bear such a fowl odour. I appreciate it could’ve been a long day, but personal hygiene should just be a given.

We ordered a Beef & Ale Pie and a Beef Wellington and were served within about 7 mins, which at the time I thought was amazing. Food looked absolutely delicious and smelled amazing too. The Beef & Ale Pie was good, but a bit too runny and the mash on the side could definitely have been more smooth and creamy, something very easy to achieve. Then disaster struck when we cut into the Wellington. The bitter mushroom topping was stone cold and it was no better when I cut into the beef. I’m a big lover of my meat cooked medium, but this was blue and definitely cold.

After alerting my waiter he definitely seemed more annoyed than anything and insisted it was medium (which it wasn’t). He offered to cook another one but after a long day at work I had no energy to argue so just gave up. I expected at least an apology or complimentary drink, but instead was handed the full bill including service charge.

Let’s just say I...