please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Tourist hot spot I suspect. Nothing unpleasant about it. Very busy but service was prompt.
|
Nice sheps pub,excellent Whitstable bay beer!
|
Saturday afternoon, seemed tourist and eating oriented. However, Bishop's Finger in very good condition and reasonable prices for the area.
|
We called in here on Thursday afternoon on our way from the DLR station to visit the Cutty Sark. Yes, I guess that it was populated by more tourists than by locals, but it was comfortably busy and certainly does not rip off its customers, like many pubs in some other popular tourist areas. Three Shepherd Neame brews on the handpumps – Spitfire, Whitstable Bay Pale and Spooks Ale. The Whitstable Bay, whilst not perfect was very quaffable, and the food – mainly from the on-site fish and chip shop looked good and was reasonably priced. No problems with the service either. Overall it rates a good 7 from me.
|
a bit of a strange one this sometimes packed at other times dead quiet .this is pub number 12 or 13 on our all day crawl ,so at this point we seem to hit a wall and just sit and drink our next one with a glazed look in our eyes. always seems to have a large tv showing sport on sat afternoon .beer always seem to be a good quality .never eaten in here so cant comment on the food .seems popular though .worth popping in for pint or two
|
As others have said, rather touristy, standard Sheps range. Seems to specialise in fish and chips, frying smells can be avoided by sitting at the far side of the pub. Overall OK though.
|
Not too busy on the day I visited, but populated by tourists rather than locals. Had to wait a while to be served - only two staff on and one of those spent most of his time serving food. Other than that, not a bad pub
|
Haven't been in here for many a year. A return visit as part of a local crawl on Saturday showed me that very little appears to have altered. The Galleon remains a pretty standard Sheps' pub, featuring 3 of their usual cask beers on pump - Kent's Best, Spitfire and - perhaps unseasonally - Bishop's Finger. All 3 were sampled by me and my partners-on-the-piss and they were acceptably-conditioned, though we all agreed a little warm to be as enjoyable as they could be - I always think Neame beers can take a touch more chilling than some ales and indeed can improve the experience when arriving on the palate.
Although not tried by us, I should make mention of the availability of some bottled Sheps offerings - including the usually-splendid Whitstable Bay which can provide a viable alternative to the cask selection if none of that appeals.
The place was busy, primarily I think with visitors rather than locals, but then given the time of year and the Olympic context this was inevitable. Certainly business was a-boomin', with plenty of food orders rolling in (the fish and chips is apparently excellent here). Passing trade is presumably what keeps the Galleon going.
Interior-wise, it's pretty trad, with mahogany fixtures and fittings and I assume other faux Victorian touches, but all works well and provides a welcoming backdrop for a few drinks and a meal.
In short: good, and worth a visit, especially as part of a wider exploration of Greenwich pubbery. Though maybe a little drab if one were to pitch up there for too long.
|
In here Boxing Day on way to Charlton so driving. Sheps serving Masterbrew, Spitfire and Bishop's Finger. Several large separate areas, Sky Sports showing. OK.
|
Not bad if a little depopulated for a Saturday night, kent best seemed fine.
|
Shepherd Neame pub which is centrally located and next to the market. Spitfire, Bishops Finger & Master Brew were all available on my Tuesday afternoon visit. There are 2 separate but similarly bland rooms to choose from. Food seemed to be popular. But the menu didn't look too exciting. There are better pubs in Greenwich.
|
Not a bad pub at all - good pint of spitfire (once the barmaid actually understood what I wanted...don't you just love being confronted with a face of complete confusion which then shrieks "uuurrrgghhh?" at you). Pleasant enough surroundings and not bad atmoshere. Would go again.
|
Struck me as a bit of a tourist trap in Greenwich really, bit overpriced as well. That said, can't fault the beer, the Spitfire was very good.
|
A fairly run of the mill Shepherd Neame establishment but refreshingly clean and tidy compared to the Admiral Hardy.
Shep's usual range of ales always seem to be in good condition in here.
|
last time I used this pub the beer was crap and it was full of gingers mates,all be it about 8 years ago, it seems to have got a lot better as have most of the pubs in the area, but the best in Greenwich, it may be one of the best in the central tourist area, but there are meany desent pubs tucked away, the Ashburnham,Plume of the Feathers,Richard111,the Pelton,The Yacht and even the Cutty Sark
|
Tip top tipple housein Greenwich.
|
A great find in the heart of Greenwich;great place to be snowed in.
|
This is the ONLY pub where I've been given a printed receipt fot a pint of beer (albeit about five years ago). Is it a London thing?
|
A jolly nice pub. Enjoy.
|
This place looks set to be one of the best SN pubs in London now that French Nick is in town. Good show for 2010.
|
Great atmosphere & good Ale. Best in Greenwich.
|
Good luck & health to Nick in 2010! Cheers
|
Very friendly landlord; superb beer! Good show.
|
Most prominent pub in the tourist part of Greenwich - it has an attractive corner location. Inside it appears that the pub curves gently around the corner. Two (or three) connected bar areas, and an upstairs bar and restaurant. The bar area to the right feels more of a traditional pub, the bar area on the left feels more of a cafe/restaurant or Tapas bar. Plenty of wood.
Three Shepherd Neame casks on offer. Served in excellent condition.
Overall a sort of average place.
|
Perfectly OK pub. Got served quickly, no smell of piss. Tried the Spitfire and the Bishop's finger, both OK (without being outstanding). Didn't try the food so no comment.
|
What can I say about this pub - nothing good unfortunately. Barstaff seem totally clueless - when asked what Scotch they had, they offered Archers? Spitfire was poor - tasted like the pipes were cleaned during the reign of the last Queen. Could not in any way recommend this pub. Avoid! There are many better pubs just a short walk from here that have not fallen yet.
|
i allways find you get a better pint of Sheps brews from free houses than from thier own places which Ifind a bit strange
|
Had a return visit to this establishment on 3 January 2009 and situation not improved. Pulled up new Manager, who seemed totally disinterested, responding to complaint over obviously watered down Spitfire and Bishop's Finger with 'nobody else has complained'. One complaint is enough - it is time that the Brewery investigated what is going on at this pub, as certainly the law is being broken!
|
I sometimes pop in when waiting for a takeaway from the noodle house opposite. Has anyone else noticed it always seems to smell of piss?
|
I like the Spanish Galleon.
The beer here is good being Shepherd Neame. Bishops Finger was decent and the service was prompt and friendly.
Whilst a tourist trap of sorts, it remains a fine pub and comfortable and smart without resorting to olde worlde trickery and chronological exactitude or maritime-related tomfoolery as it might being in Greenwich.
|
Went here today with a colleague from Croatia. She was delighted with her Fish Pie although it wasn't as large as she'd hoped. My Bubble and Squeak with lamb was plentiful although a little on the cold side. The beer was spot on. The master brew (and we both had one) was among the best I'd tasted. Very friendly service too. I'll take the wife next time.
|
The wait for a drink in here was short, the barstaff quick to serve. Unfortunately, the whole pub stank of the maen's toilets and the missus' white wine was tepid and 'odd' tasting. My pints were fine though.
|
One of the best pubs in the centre of Greenwich. Generally a decent choice of beers, and never too crowded, so a good bet for getting a seat in my experience. I'm never sure why it isn't more popular. The Sunday lunch left a lot to be desired though.
|
Remains one of the better pubs in Greenwich and unlike some others always has enough staff on to ensure that you don't wait an eternity for a drink. I cannot comment on the quality of the ale as I normally have lager or cider in here. The food is good too.
|
First visit here for a spot of lunch on a Monday.
Had a few pints of Guinness and the burger. Both of which were of high quality, fairly priced for London and accompanied by very friendly service.
Well worth a visit.
|
I have been very disappointed in this pub recently. One of the only Shepherd Neame pubs in the area and should be a good favourite. Had a pint of Master Brew, rotten. Had a pint of Spitefire, rotten. The staff do not know what makes a great pint of Ale, and are not interested when you tell them. It�s a shame as a good pub has been spoilt. Bring back the old Staff!
|
Ruined pub, following recent updating and refurbishing. Bishops Finger Ale definitely watered down on last visit. Challenged landlord, who suddenly couldn't speak English, despite doing so most clearly in the few minutes before.
|
Sunday (Sept 2nd) was my first proper visit this excellent Shepherd Neame pub in quite along time. My previous visit was cut short due to the lack of seating and I was completely off my tits on my only other visit� whenever that actually was. Well, I was a little more sober this time and gladly so. The Spanish Galleon is a well looked after, comfortable enough pub, though perhaps slightly bare. Spitfire, Bishops Finger and Master brew were the well conditioned ales on offer, though prices are not particularly cheap. The background music was pleasingly easy on the ears and a definite calmness echoed around us. 7 out of 10 from me.
|
Paid my first visit here for some years. Pleasantly surprised to get a seat on a Friday evening, so enjoyed good pints of Spitfire and Master Brew. Pleasant decor and friendly bar staff.
|
I didn't know it before the refurbishment, despite having lived in Greenwich for over 3 years, but it's a great pub and has obviously benefited from clean air. Loads of room, friendly staff, and good ales from Shepherd Neame on tap. The bar food is great value but a bit variable - the burger is superb, but I had a pretty poor egg, ham and chips today (overcooked egg and slightly rubbery ham). That being said, the guy who took my plate away very kindly gave me a free half pint of Spitfire to make up for it. Which it definitely did. Highly recommended.
|
The Galleon has now reopened after a mild refurbishment (a lick of pain/varnish) and is now a non smoking pub! Still a great boozer and now less smelly too!
Shaft - 29 May 2007 14:10 |
This pub has now been closed i hope for refurbishment and not for good. It was a nice pub to watch sport in as it had a nice tv and freindly staff. The alchol was expensive but hopfully this will change when it re-opens
anonymous - 7 May 2007 16:46 |
good down to earth pub. You can almost always get a seat. There's the quiet half and the TV half. Relatively good barstaff too.
Recommended for a swift one,..... or two.
anonymous - 13 Apr 2007 16:12 |
A Sheperd Neame pub situated in the touristy part of Greenwich, The Spanish Galleon is a seemingly rough and ready establishment with tatty wooden floor boards, but actually does the job quite nicely. I walked in here with my girlfriend when last in the area (10th Feb), bur we couldn�t get a seat and left, but didn�t fail to pick up on the good atmosphere and 80�s music blaring. I recall being here once before and attempting (and failing!) to nick a Holsten Export pint glass! Recommended and I�d certainly check it out again.
|
Since my last comment there has been no sign of the miserable deputy landlord. I think he must be gone. No other changes of note though.
|
My girlfriend and I came here Saturday night (25 Nov) following our H-File and meal in the nearby High Chaparral restaurant. It was not too busy and my girlfriend was served fairly quickly at the bar. The member of bar staff who served her was also friendly enough. A bottle of Corona and a Magners came to over 7 quid, so make what you want from that if anything about the prices of drinks!
We sat away from the main section of the pub in the virtually empty and therefore quieter non-smoking area, which was ideal for a chat and relaxing drink before continuing our H-File. The main section of the pub did appear to lack any atmosphere though. In spite of this, I would certainly come here again on a Saturday night when with out the missus. This place seems ideal for a few quiet drinks - especially if you are a non-smoker - after a meal given the plethora of restaurants found in Greenwich.
|
Despite the tourist element (well, it is Greenwich), I found this to be a wonderful pub. Great decor (wood floors, panelling, lots of ephemera on the walls and a fireplace) nice beers, well-ventilated and a good no-smoking section. It was quiet, not overly-expensive and made a pleasant escape from the wild November weather. Under-rated, considering how many establishments have lost their "pub-ness" these days.
|
A dingy tourist trap
anonymous - 7 Nov 2006 11:18 |
You probably mean the deputy to the landlord, I think his name is Lee, he truly is a right miserable b**tard. Shame really as most of the other staff are friendly. There was also a French guy there for a while who didn't have a clue what he was doing, he told one tourist (who admittedly originally asked for a pint of snakebite) that it would be illegal for him to serve a cider and black. Then he got into an argument with me when I pointed out to him that he was being ridiculous.
|
The landlord's gotten even more prickley. I think what ever atmos this place had is being sucked out by his attitude.
|
Top draw proper good pub - friendly bar staff. As always, the atmosphere is good and no trouble. Watch out for the truly surly landlord.
|
Al lunchtime this place REEKS of fish and chips. An absolute stife, truly awful. We didn't stop for a pint and fled from the nearest exit up to the Richard I and Greenwich Union.
anonymous - 21 Aug 2006 13:52 |
Average tourist orientated pub with overpriced food and weird Shepherds Neame beers. Not bad, though. Just average.
|
I don't actually mind this place at all!
Nice place to chill for a pint after work, beer always of a good quality, though price wise a little on the expensive side.
|
Nice atmosphere and not too over priced. A nice place to chill, away from the lary students in the Admiral Hardy
|
No complaints here, the Bishops Finger was in fine condition, even though it was one of the hottest days of the year. Very friendly (and cute) girl behind the bar, who knew what she was serving, I thought I'd tried all the Shepheard Neame ales, but I was wrong. If I lived in Greenwich I could see this being my local
|
Not the most atmospheric pub you'll ever go into, but the beer's good and it's worth a visit. In agreement with the anonymous post, "it's not trying to be something it's not", which is why it's good for a quick pint ahead of some of the trendy bars which seem commonplace in Greenwich.
|
Visited yesterday and thought this place was completely shi-ite. Inattentive staff, dirty tables and a strange musty smell lingering in the air.
Beer was average at best.
Won't be going back.
anonymous - 3 Apr 2006 12:23 |
Compared to the rest of the greenwich boozers, this is never going to compete on the coolness stakes, but why should it? It has competant staff who know what they're doing, and the beer and lager selection is great (oranjeboom on draught), and the food is decent quality and good value. Unlike the rest of the pubs in the imemdiate area, it's not trying to be somethign it's not and it's refreshingly good because of it.
anonymous - 28 Mar 2006 12:11 |
Average pub in good location has a run down and miserable atmosphere as the tourists are conveyor belted in and out
|
More of a large bar than a proper pub. Chuck full of people both times I have been there. Did not find the beer objectionable although have had better Shepherds Neame ales elsewhere. No lovelys to be found when I visited excepted the one I brought (you never know when she might check up on my posts)
|
You've already been sussed, Freeman. See you at the Galleon on Monday?
|
My dear Mr Scott, I am a wanderer in time and space.
|
Cheeky blighter - identify yourself!
|
Intresting bit of colour. The Spanish Galleon is supposed to be haunted by a phantom dog. A huge, black mastiff type. Supposedly been seen for years and still reported recently.
|
Echo the sentiments about the Ale being poorly kept. Shepherd Neame are done absolutely no favours by the slop served up in here. Friendly bar staff a plus point.
|
Visited the place late on a Saturday afternoon for a beer or two, to get out of the biting cold wind.
Friendly staff, good selection of beers if pricey.
|
The staff here are friendly and fun, but on my visit today, the Shepherd Neame ale was atrociously kept. How does real ale acquire a harsh flat taste, a slight fizz and a thick creamy head? What on earth do they do to it? More like keg beer than real ale.
|
i arrived with my girlfriend....at the weekend pub was packed, had to wait a few minutes for a table....a tad over priced.sunday lunch at �8.50 each choice of meals the traditional roast was ok, but i chose fish and chips the fish was the smallest portion i had ever seen barely more in quantity than a fish finger, in all the place was packed...mainly with tourists the service was good...shame about the tiny fish
|
Decent place, much better now its been done up.
Lovely looking blonde bloke behind the bar.
A little overpriced.
|
It's been done up and has friendly staff, fud until 9pm, three Shepherd Neame ales on tap and a good vibe.
And a cute goth-babe behind the bar.
|
Good unpretentious food, real ale in excellent condition (Shepherd Neame), kids welcome in the dining area. A bit tatty interior, but nice. Great location for maritime Greenwich and public transport.
|
I love the Galleon! Nice place, nice people, nice location, fun themed nights..went there on Fireworks night and had a great time, also a host in the Jazz Week
Helen - 9 Jan 2004 19:34 |
Great traditional Greenwich pub, the last one left I'm afraid as all the others have gone very glitz. Great on a Sunday afternoon for a bit of honest grub & a good pint or nice glass of chilled white.
becks - 4 Sep 2003 17:00 |
Pretty decent place. The food we've had has been good, and the Spitfire has been in good shape.
It does get a bit busy at lunch and on weekends, and the staff can get overwhelmed & make mistakes on orders.
|
Excellent pub, wonderful food, and equally edible bar staff. Comedy is good and also Salsa and other events.
Kim - 16 Jul 2003 19:52 |
Always has been the tattiest of the central Greenwich tourist pubs, but to be honest it's not all that bad, doesn't get too busy and has started doing comedy and club nights upstairs - a rare effort in what's usually a very complacent part of town.
Darryl - 10 Jul 2003 20:27 |
