please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
In a bid to visit every pub in London, The Ship becomes my latest adventure.
Looks clean enough from the outside and a full selection of the fullers range.
The ESB was not in the best condition - which is a crying shame when its over £4 a pint.
That said, the Who's greatest hits playing just loudly enough to drown out the loud Americans holding court at the bar made up for it. Slightly.
Wouldn't rush back or recommend going out of your way.
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Sadly now turned into a bland identikit pub with zero personality. R.I.P The Ship.
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Not the pub it was, always had decent beer & a slightly seedy atmosphere. The Fullers beer remains (good), but it's been cleaned up & the music has become bland. Hark back to the good old days when the Marquee was open & this pub was busy with punters & often the bands themselves. Ah, nostalgia!
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Like a National Front meeting. Man with a shaved tattoo head talking about football hooliganism - and not from a spectators point of view.
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My favourite West End haunt without doubt. An admittedly unremarkable beer selection but it more than makes up for that with a welcome, alternative atmosphere and an anti-bland music selection. A refuge against an increasingly gentrified range of cheek by jowl boutique coffee sellers and extortionately priced hair cutters. Long live The Ship.
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Love this pub. Efficient, friendly staff. Reasonable beer choice. Now has Stowford Press cider rather than ubiquitous Aspells. Does get very busy weekday evenings.
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Fantastic alternative pub at the heart of London's Soho area. Great service and brilliant music make this place a welcome change to all of the usual Soho haunts, where corporate underhand deals taking place against a backdrop of shite music appear to be the norm. Friendly staff & pretty decent beer all add up to a great little boozer in London's West End. Downside?? The gents toilets were a bit overpowering but nothing a bit of good maintenance couldn't sort out.
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Seems to have gone down a little, not everyone likes London Pride!
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Much better than many of the other pubs in Soho, and a friendly oasis of pretty good beer and a wide range of clientele.
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An oasis (a proper pub) in a desert of cloned bars catering for cloned media luvvies. I called in here yesterday and the welcome and beer were excellent. Although I didn't witness it myself, if the bar staff take exception to intrusive mobile phone use I'll be back asap to buy them a .
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In one sense, I want to give this place 'no stars' after my most recent visit but that was a total one off amongst the countless times I have been here.
This is a great Pub in the middle of bustling Soho - as I discovered about a year ago when I started going here regular lunchtimes to have a quiet drink/escape.
The customer service is generally friendly (although I'm lucky as I seem to fit in with the whole 'alternative' thing they have going on, not sure they are all as welcoming if you don't have tattoos etc).
THAT WAS UNTIL last week... Friday - I headed into the Pub as usual at around 2pm for a lunchtime glass of wine and was on the phone with my Father so decided to stand at the side to round up the conversation. When the (new?) barmaid started looking tetchy I decided to pause my phone conversation and order a drink to which she responded 'No, not until you get off your phone - It's rude'. Which I would normally agree with but considering I wasn't even holding the phone to my head...
Anyway, she seemed to get over this rather rapidly (maybe the Prozac kicked in) and I continued to pay for my drink politely - whilst still on the phone with my Father (whom, judging by the look of said barmaid, she would know exactly who he was and probably wouldn't be so rude to me next time).
Still a great place and I would still recommend it to anyone. Not tourist/big groups/chavs/general idiots though - I would prefer not to keep your company.
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A great Soho pub, good indie / metal music and a mixed clientele, always a safe bet for a pint after work or on a Saturday afternoon, can get quite busy, especially in Summer, outside but one of the best pubs in the area, definitely worth a visit.
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Great pub. Good vibe, old school and excellent music.
Sadly my pint of Pride was shocking. So bad I nearly left some. Would give it another go, for atmosphere but hope for better pint.
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My favourite pub in London,staff are really friendly and good music played,and of course it's a Fullers pub,ans ESB is my favourite beer.
For those that moan about them not serving large groups of blokes or people that wear football colours,it's simple ,they don't need the aggro.
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Ah, after a couple of hit and miss west end bars we bumped into the Ship and were thankful we did. Good fullers beer, varied customers, not too loud music. A reliably good all rounder in an area where going into a pub can be a bit of a gamble. 8/10
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Disgusted by some sort of policy of not serving groups. About 15 of us went there one Friday evening. After serving a couple of pints the bar staff asked "if we were with a group?" When we replied "Yes" they took away the pints that had been pulled and told us they couldn't served us. We left the pub and found others nearby that were willing to sell their ale to us.
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I enjoy this pub. Three Fullers ales on the last time I was here, (ESB, Discovery and Pride). The ESB was very good.
Considering the area the place is not too trendy and there is a nice mix of clientele.
A bit rock and roll, definately a place with character.
Good service too.
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This is quite a place. Wandering along Wardour Street in search of a traditional boozer with friends, I chanced upon The Ship. Whilst loud Dead Kennedys ("Kill, kill, kill the poor!") and an interior with very few free seats available isn't my cup of tea, it has great character. The service was prompt and polite even though it was busy and, being a Fuller's pub, there's a fair range of ale on although quite a lot of the draught didn't seem to be on (clips turned round).
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The only reason we'd rate his place as a 9 is due to lack of space but it's London. That said it's a treasure of a pub to find in such a notoriously trendy place. It has a strong resolve to stay true to it's heart and just be a pub and that's what makes it great.
The Guinness isn't amazing but unless it's from Ireland it just won't be but the atmosphere and bar staff more than make up for this.
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As another great move the Ship not only does not have a TV, but football colours are not welcome. Can you think of a better place to be during the World Cup?
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+ Another vote to Mike Starr on pub crawl groups!
Good on Duncan! Soho as a whole is not what it used to be pub wise so good to see drinking groups barred from The Ship. Go get drunk and make a nuisance of yourselves at any of the other low class dumps in the area and leave this establishment for people who enjoy a good chat, great beer and cracking music without all the hassle & aggro a bunch of drunken tw@ts bring to a pub.
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Have to agree with Mike Star.
One of the many joys of the Ship is that it doesn't have large groups of roving pub-crawlers, hen- nighters or stag-nighters in it.
Vandr - 17 May 2010 19:32 |
As an addition to last post, can I recommend this as one of the best pubs to be in during the World Cup because it has no TV
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The best pub in Soho, Maybe in the whole West End. Beers are top notch, the staff attentive and it probably has the best music for miles around. If you want a large pub with plenty of seating go elsewhere. Also if your musical tastes are not rock or punk I suggest you give this a miss. On the other hand if you like good beer, rock music and a friendly atmosphere, visit!
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The Ship is a small boozer. Thank heavens AmericanBeerWolf and his 11 mates were refused entry. Well done Duncan! Large pub crawl groups should stick to the Wetherspoons of this world.
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Visited last evening with about a dozen friends from our architecture appreciation society and was refused service by Duncan the bar manager because it is their policy not to serve groups. Maybe we were too well dressed, but it's the first time in 9 years of touring pubs with friends that I've been refused service because there were too many of us. Duncan was not to be persuaded to change his mind so I took the group around the corner to the Nellie Dean of Soho on Dean Street where they were more than happy to pour us all a pint. Amazing!
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Lovely little pub, no frills, just a good honest boozer. Good ales and good atmosphere.
Floyd - 21 Mar 2010 17:59 |
Having been on contract work in Soho for the past 2 months and having been to (nearly!) every pub in the area, I have to say the Ship is so far my favourite place by a long way.
Beers are really good (Pride, ESB, Grolsch all well kept), can't comment on wines as not much choice.
The staff are a great bunch of characters and the music is bloody brilliant.
Word of warning though, having witnessed a few altercations, idiots are dealt with swiftly - though fairly politely. Very refreshing to see these days when so many places allow a few fools to ruin others evenings.
Looking forward to becoming a regular. Fab.
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Superb pub...been there 4 -5 times in last 2 weeks. It plays great, loud music - that's one of the characteristics I love...and is different than the usual sterile pubs. One comment though...please fix the round table by the door....much spilt drink !...
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I used to drink in this pub regularly ten years ago when I lived in London. I was on a pub crawl yesterday of all the old haunts for old times sake.
Have to say I was not impressed.
Pub seemed to be very dirty, one of the tables was obviously broken, as were several of the stools. And the beer (London Pride) was flat. Not up to the usual Fullers standard.
Won't be including this one in future pub crawls.
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I agree with Malo66. From the sound of it, I think Hendo might prefer the Slug and Lettuce down the road?
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This is a great boozer but people must accept that it has a long history of hosting a rock and roll/punk clientele. If you prefer somewhere more 'staid' (for want of a better word) please try another pub in Soho. That's the beauty of pubs, they are all DIFFERENT!
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the pub is not too bad.. but the music is too loud and the staff is really rude !! would not recommend it
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Used as a meeting place for a colleagues 30th birthday dinner locally - Seemed ok initially - then started to play some music (think thats what it was) at a decibel level making it impossible to talk without shouting - then had the barmaid threaten to throw out the birthday boy because he was talking too loudly??? She also refused to serve two late arrivals to the party as she deemed the party boy too drunk at that point. Given that this was a mixed sex group (not a stag party) and it was 8.00 oclock in the evening, I'm at a loss to understand her seemingly unfounded attitude, and unfortunately, a pub is most often judged on the quality of the staff. On that basis I would'nt recommend this pub to anyone with her behind the bar.
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Good pub with plenty of character, well-kept beer and efficient friendly service
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Great little soho boozer with a bit of history. All the better for now beeing a fullers.
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One of the few reasons left that i bother drinking in soho anymore.
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I've been coming here, off and on, for 25 years and although it's changed enormously in that time, the beer and staff remain superb.
Hopefully the bean counters at Fullers will allow it to continue to evolve naturally and I can look forward to another 25 years.
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Brilliant tunes are a given in here....but the service is without doubt the best in London, even when the bar is mobbed you're never left waiting long.....
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Probably the best pub in the world........
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Impressive Service. The barmaid volunteered to change my pint when she saw it was cloudy, even though I had started to drink it. Stayed for a second pint to the tunes of the Dead Kennedys. Bliss.
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I like to come here for a good quality pint and the nostalgia of all the "great and the good" of rock and pop who have frequented this pub over the years.
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Yay!!!!!!!!
New bogs at last and well after the Easter date that the local Fullers rep promised me. Bliss, on the hot summers day I had to sit right next to the loos I couldn't smell a thing for the first time in decades.
ESB on top form as usual, staff friendly as ever. Is this really a central London boozer I ask? LOL
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A perfectly good pub, but the issue of the music meant I had to leave as it was gradually turned up as the evening wore on, rendering conversation without shouting impossible.
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Great pub. Visited 3 times on a recent trip from Australia. Love the music and the general atmosphere. Good news that the toilets are getting sorted too. Was really impressed when I was in there on the evening of Sat 21 March to see the barman refuse to serve someone who was clearly slaughtered. Despite the hassle he got, the barman stuck to his guns and dealt with it brilliantly.
Looking forward to my next visit in June
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Fantastic news for all Ship regulars who wear pegs on their noses when sitting near the loos!
After complaining to Fullers regarding the smell of the loos they have emailed me to inform me that both ladies & gents are getting a total refit around easter time and those bad smells will be a thing of the past ..... one hopes. Yay!
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Have to say the ESB I drank in here last week was the finest drank in my entire life to the best of my memory. My friend who is not such a drinker as am I had to be dragged out by myself kicking and screaming and crying for more ESB! But hey, 4 pints on the afternoon is more than enough for even me. Always the best pub in Soho by a long chalk but sorry, even after visiting for over 25+ years I have to mark it down purely on the state of the Men's loo - stinks to high heaven as it always has done. Come on Fullers, send in Rentokill for goodness sake and end that pong once and for all time .....please!!!
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Was in here yesterday afternoon and had a pleasent visit good pub which is rare in soho
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I always love to come here. This is one of the best pubs in Soho, along with the Dog and Duck. Does get crowded sometimes (like when security say "no groups over 3"!!?) but hey you can't have everything.
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always try and pop in when in the area,good solid boozer
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Probably my most favouritest pub in the whole wide world! ESB and Pride on offer with good, attentive service (although the barmaid cocked up my order) for a standard-ish �9. Quality music - they were playing The Sonics, for Peel's sake! The clientele is what you would expect - e.g. cute girl with shed loads of tatoos on her back (my, she'll look SO GOOD when she's 50!) - with no sign of trouble. Then we went to The george, which was kak.
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Love this pub --- just been over for 6 week jaunt from Australia where I am currently living ( no good pubs there). Always a great atmosphere and the beers are great. It is the music that makes it special for me.....really adds to the atmosphere.
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Visited here after the george , found it to be 1/2 busy , clean and ok . toilets were fine. 2 pints of pride and friend had a burger. all good , good service, staff actually looked attentive. fast becoming the best "pub" in the area , mainly because all the others are really going downhill. will be back i here tonight with 5 of us from work
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Great pub--- different in that it's much more of a music pub. Great if you like loud atmosphere and music.
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Love this pub, very different from the others around the Soho area.
Fullers beers on offer, The ESB was top notch on saturday evening.
The pub is very small, noisey and busy. The downside is the loos smell really bad, probably the worst smelling I have been into but dont let that put you off visiting.
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Excellent pint of Bud (The real stuff not the American fizz). Ordered a burger after seeing other great looking plates of food coming out of the kitchen. It arrived quickly and tasted really good and at �6 was brilliant value. I'll be going back each time I'm in London.
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Comments are spot on. I had London Pride, not bad but I've had better - mind you it was Friday afterwork so take that with a pinch of salt. Place was packed but was still able to get a pint without too much effort. Would like to go back. The Cote, resturant next door was amazing. We needed to eat after many pints and wanted a good meal. This and the Ship is not a bad afterwork combo.
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Worst staff in London;and that's going some in Soho.
anonymous - 29 Sep 2008 01:41 |
A Fuller�s pub with the usual range of ales � no guests. Pride was OK. There is a pretty interesting looking bar back, but don�t know how old it is or whether it�s an original feature.
Now a single bar pub, like almost all pubs these days. I remember when there was a small public bar at the front of the pub, where you could have a quiet drink during a Marquee pass-out while the main act and their entourage would be partying in the Saloon Bar. But some of the top names of the time would occasionally opt for the quiet drink in the public bar! Now it�s a fairly ordinary pub � but that�s good for this part of the world and OK for a pint if you happen to find yourself in Wardour St.
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I totally agree with comments to the effect that this pub is an oasis in Soho. Prices are very reasonable for the West End and the toilets are perfectly bearable for a Jimmy (Riddle).
Re. the comment about a Bob Dylan CD, this pub was in the 60s through to 80s frequented by just about every pop and rock star as it was the nearest local to the MARQUEE Club! Definitely a 'rock history' pub.
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I always head for The Ship when in this part of London- it's a rare example of a genuine, no-frills pub amongst the chic restaurants and upmarket theme bars which abound around here. Music is a constant feature, usually of the alternative kind, although on my last visit it was the entire Bob Dylan back catalogue- not exactly cutting edge. Beers are from Fullers, the ESB is excellent and the pub sometimes features in the Good Beer Guide. Most importantly this single bar pub has lots of dark wood and comfy seats with all kinds of people coming in for a drink, a really relaxing place to sit for a pint and watch the world go by.
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One of the best in the area....always the same in an unspoilt way ?
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Not been in for over 10 years but the Ship never seems to change, thank goodness! I first visited around 25 years back and I can't recall it looking much different back then inside, the loos are still as bad and small as many have commented already but that's about the only negative. Good old fashioned London boozer with the full Fullers draught ale range and probably the best and most eclectic CD collection anywhere. Very friendly service on my visit from the Aussie bar staff and reasonable beer prices too for the Soho area unlike some nearby neighbours.
So in all, a London pub as it used to be and still should be a million miles apart from nearby theme pubs and a good range of well kept Fullers ale. Who could ask for more?
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A good option for anyone looking for an alternative pub in the Soho area. Although a bit too old-fashioned too be truly comfortable (with pretty poor loos), there's a friendly atmosphere.
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I like this pub and try to pay it a visit whenever I am in London. The only Fullers beer available in my home town is Pride, which I don't like. The Ship serves ESB, which is much better. I also like the music, although I agree with a previous reviewer about the sound quality.
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Good pub. First time in the place last night. Well kept Fullers - had a couple of pints of tasty London Pride and the house red wine was pleasant too. I don't understand a previous reviewer's comments about not being able to choose the music - so what? The fact that they play stuff you are not expecting is surely part of the pleasure, the serendipity of hearing stuff at random. My only complaint about the music would be the awful tinny nature of the sound system, I'm not sure if they are playing CDs or these are amplified MP3s, judging by the sound quality probably the latter. Everything came out sounding distorted and harsh, but fairly loud - not very pleasant. Don't mind it being loud, but do object to strangulated, tinny sound - it's so easy getting a decent system and so much improves the experience. Anyway, liked the pub a lot - diverse crowd, pleasant staff, agreeable traditional furnishings. Will be back
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I think rampantwurzel and topdog_andy are missing the point about the The Ship somewhat.
Sure The Ship has the same beers as any other Fullers pub, but what it also has (which you can't create with a beer list and money-hungry jukebox) is a great atmosphere and vibe.
I was in there today and the music ranges from reggae to 50's, as well as rock. I'd much rather hear something new from the staff CD selection than wait for someone to feed a jukebox all day...
The service was prompt and pleasant - as was the crowd. A great pub.
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Some interesting points here - my own to clarify
The pub is decoratively speaking, rather nice. Aesthetically, I cannot fault the idea of keeping a pub in tradition, and it's always good to see hand-pulls rather than identikit pub/clubs with three choices of lager - Fosters, Carling, Stella Artois....
To say it is the best pub in Soho is however taking it too far. Sure it's got ale, but it's a Fullers pub which essentially means (as Topdog has stated) it's the same as about a hundred other Fullers pubs (The Sun near Goodge St is another example but plays god awful 80's cheese). So the draw then is to listen to rock.
This is where I feel the place falls down. I like rock. I like rock a great deal and pine for the day the Interpid Fox returns to Wardour Street; however I also like to choose my rock. So either the place is exceptional in terms of music which you cannot choose (bands, or justa good DJ) or I choose my music. When I went there the staff pretty much stuck on CD's and seemed more interested in choosing a CD than serving people. OK, it's certainly a far distance from the worst service (Brew Wharf) but there's nothing exceptional about it.
Reasonable attempt, but by no means the best pub in Soho. There's many more better ones which I'd allude to but I'm sure you can read reviews.
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Really don't understand why everyone makes such a big deal about this place. It's a Fuller's Pub. It looks like any other Fuller's pub. It has the same beers as any other Fuller's pub. The only thing that makes it different is the music, and to be honest, music-focused pubs should either have:
a) jukeboxes, so the customers can choose what they want to hear, or
b) DJs/Bands, where you can say "Oh......so and so's playing tonight, and I like what he plays, so let's go".
Instead, you have to rely on a member of barstaff with similar tastes working that night, and let's face it, when customers get to know a pub's staff rotas they're perilously close to being either alcoholics or stalkers.
Take any other Fuller's pub, turn up the music, and you've got The Ship. Nice, but nowhere near "the best pub in Soho".
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Great small pub, not much seating but then I prefer to stand. Very friendly bar staff and the ale although a little too cold was very good.
Can recommend this for a stopping point on a pub crawl or before heading off to a club.
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Best beer, staff, fun & pub in Soho, end of story.
anonymous - 26 Sep 2007 21:34 |
Correction!!
Great beer (especially the ESB). Friendly customers and staff. A must for any real ALE (!) drinkers visiting Soho. A pub with character and tradition
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Great beer (especially the ESB) friendly customers and staff. A must for any real drinkers visiting Soho. A pub with character and tradition.
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great beer ( fullers london pride )
great sounds......great atmosphere......don`t pass by go in and try for yourself
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Ah, The Ship Inn is not your bog standard back-street boozer. I paid a visit yesterday afternoon (28th July) and was suitably impressed. The interior is basic, but homely and the clientele a mix of the old and young. The Fullers beers I didn�t sample, but my Grolsch was cold enough, if slightly pricey. Staff were of the punk variety and I was mightily impressed with the vast CD collection behind the bar. Music was most certainly rocking. If Keith Moon was a regular, then it�s good enough for me.
HTM69 - 29 Jul 2007 11:14 |
Stroppy rude bar staff, particularly the ugly overweight quiffed bloke.
anonymous - 4 Jul 2007 14:42 |
Best pub in Soho by a country mile. Well-kept Fullers beer, great tunes, cool-but-welcoming staff, nice mix of regulars, just-passing-thru's and shell-shocked tourists!
Don't go changin'...
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This is my favourite pub in Soho.
It has a great group of people working there, fantastic music and a whole host of friendly characters popping in for a few pints.
This is a real pub for "musos" with a great selection of CDs and a load of very unpretentious staff and regulars that play and know their stuff.
It has the feeling of a great local in the centre of Soho.
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I must have been at th epub the same time as Thebman, I saw the same group of blokes who were clearly trying to have nice evening out. But haircut just wouldn't let them have fun. I think it was probably down to jealousy than anything else because these guys were very good looking!
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Never going here again. Bar manager was shockingly rude. The Elvis wannabe, who looked more like Mark Lamarr, insulted myself and my friends and spoiled our whole night. Mate, you've not done your pub any favours. Get a haircut.
anonymous - 30 Apr 2007 08:35 |
Not a bad place, but not sure I'd go there again. The music is a bit loud for a pub. Getting in was a kerfuffle as there was a group of lairy blokes all angry cos they got chucked out for some reason. Inside the service wasn't particularly friendly. The woman behind the bar had a go at me for not saying please as well which threw me a bit.
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Great grotty rock pub in the middle of Soho. When the Marquee Club was down the road the headline band would occasionally drink in here first - very cheaply too as their fans would congregate here before the gig and battle to buy them drinks!
The Fullers ale is well kept, the music is loud but not unbearably so and it's usually rammed to the gills with a real mix of people from muso wannabees and local office workers to funky young things beginning their night out on the town.
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not a bad pub
worth stopping in when in the area
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good pint, good music, not enough room!
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Fantastic boozer, just like a boozer should be, unpretentious and unself-conscious. Amazed to find out that the original punk stars, a la Sex Pistols, Clash Siouxsie & Banshees, X-Ray Specs used to drink in here! My heroes! This has a reputation as a musicians pub, and the staff and the music they play are testament to that. Great place to start or finish on a friday.
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Went to the Ship for the first time for our pre christmas bash and had a great evening.
The Fullers was spot on, the music was loud and rocking and the atmosphere was lively.
Not sure if it was the stroppy landlady or Charlotte referred to in earlier postings, but the lady who seemed to be in charge of the strange assortment of totally black clad , rock Tee shirt wearing bar staff was far from stroppy and very lively and talkative, adding to the overall ambience. Definately will return
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Is that stroppy landlady still there ?
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Best pub in soho
anonymous - 17 Oct 2006 14:24 |
I've been drinking in The Ship for years. I've always had great service and Charlotte the landlady is a star.
The music is always good and as it gets louder as the night goes on during a Friday or Saturday night I can work out when I should leave (not that I actually do).
I've also taken my retired parents in on a couple of lunchtimes and my father, not a man easily pleased, thought it was a "great pub".
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My favourite pub in London and I'd say I'm talking thousands. Being going here over 20 years and its still the same now as it was in the mid eighties. Stillbeats the hell out of the tourist trap Fox over the road and is full of genuine friendly people who know there music and the passing inquisitive types who look around, nod, finish there pint and disappear outside the sidedoor. Drink snakebite and black in here,it's good for the soul.
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A great pub, seemed to be run by a couple of Goths, but their taste in music seemed good when I was in there - The Doors, Waiting for the Sun - nice.
It's not pristine like an All Bar one, but it's by no means tatty
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always the first port of call for meeting up. the ship is an oasis of calm in the stormy seas of soho.
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stopped off here on a soho stag - was nice and busy with a good mix of punters - bar staff polite and efficient - only fault was that it's a bit tatty around the edges, but that may be what they are looking for....
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Typical Fuller's pub, except it's in SoHo (therefore hideously expensive)
Pleasant, polite bar staff and efficient service. Pub is smaller than a microbe though!
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I agree with Iceinthecider... can't see the attraction, other than the surviving original fittings. Overflowing ashtrays and so-so beer don't make a decent boozer in my view.
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A quick scan of some of the previous reviews of The Ship might lead you to believe it's the ideal London public house. A traditional, "lovely old pub", a "great little pub" the "best little pub in Soho". What? Stonch is nearer to the mark - "grim". Why go here when there infiteley happier, unpretentious, 'traditional' equivalents barely a welly throw away? It's not even especially "little", in case any fans of broom-cupboard boozers are enticed by this prospect. Maybe Friday afternoon doesn't suit this pub well - it felt like a grey Monday morning. The most pleasant part of our visit was stepping outside into the rain.
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The best little pub in Soho, I love the place since it was immortalised when I read The Clash drank here and their then manager, Bernie Rhodes insisted he had to have 'Complete Control' over the running of the band, which descended into Joe and Mick pissing themselves laughing and writing a song about it.
We found it out JUST for that story, but whenever I visit London, I always head to The Ship for a deserved pint.
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When I first spotted this place, I saw the Fullers sign and swooned - perhaps I had found a refuge in Soho. Not to be. Even ESB on draught can't make up for the music. Quite a grim little place. 5/10 just for the beers however.
anonymous - 31 Jan 2006 17:18 |
I recently revisited this place after an absence of several years. Until the mid 80�s it was handy as a meeting place for the old Marquee Club that was situated a few doors down and along with the proximity of all the major film companies, you could always count on a bit of celebrity spotting. Today it still retains its classic rock angle and can best be described as a more civilised version of the Intrepid Fox further down the road where the music is more suited to extreme tastes in metal. At the Ship expect to hear the likes of Guns N Roses, Kinks and Black Sabbath from the well stocked CD collection behind the bar. One important rule - no dancing (there are signs up just in case you fancied a quick head-bang and the local council will jump on the pub like a ton of bricks if such deplorable behaviour is witnessed!). Instead, watch the sad old rockers of yesteryear (like me) tapping fingers on the bar whilst sampling the good range of Fullers beers like the good mature Real Ale tasters that we have all become (go on - admit it). The pub itself is 3 or 4 rooms knocked through and despite being a reasonable size, does not offer much in the way of seating. There are a few tables towards the rear but unless you are early enough to grab a stool at the bar or along the ledge running down the side of the pub, standing is the order of the day when busy. The carpet, windows and general d�cor are perhaps looking a bit tired but give the place a lived in, homely sort of feel with plenty of old pictures. If the walls could speak there would be a few good stories about this place (Keith Moon was apparently once a regular) and whilst those days have disappeared (like the Marquee) it is still worth a visit as it does offer something alternate to the so often bland, plastic, clubby bars that are springing up all with alarming frequency.
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A great little pub and my favourite in London. Once you get past the negatives (not enough seats, tiny gents etc) you'll find The Ship is a home from home for those who can't be bothered with w****y soho fashion pubs. The music collection is fantastic, the locals are colourful but friendly, the staff are unpretentious and always up for a laugh and the beer is generally good.... although they could do with getting a decent lager in.
FAO Mr Anonymous: Charlotte is one of the few pub landladies I know who has genuine love for their pub and their locals. She doesn't suffer fools gladly but if you're on her right side you'll find out she's a top lass and an asset to the brewery. I for one think she's great. Hail to the landlady!
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This is my local whenever in the Soho area. Lovely old pub with lots of original wood. Great music, good choice of drinks. Slight downside is there's rarely a place to sit. Have never seen it quiet, always busy.
Charlotte's (the Manager) fine. She's from Hereford. The music isn't loud enough to disrupt conversations.
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I like this pub it's a rock pub but does not get full of pretentuos people like the Fox further down the street. It has the right ballance of being a rock pub but still being down to Earth. The people are proper and the prices are ok. The best pub in Soho that I've been to and I've been to my share. John the regular in theer is also a proper bloke see you soon matey!
LOL81 - 21 Oct 2005 21:08 |
Well, Mr Darlo Exile ( previous contributor ), it sounds like you've had an encounter with the notorious Charlotte. My sympathies - I agree, she is a nasty piece of work and should not be holding a customer - facing role, let alone managing the place
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This lunchtime was the second time in my life i went into this pub and was confronted by one of the most rudest and obnoxious barmaids (manager ?) I have had the mis-pleasure to endure for some time. They might have a great cd collection and the beer might be flawless - but I for one wont be coming back in a hurry. Go instead to the Fitzroy Tavern or John Snow, they do great beer and great service.
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I usually end up in the Ship despite attempts to do other mini-crawls in the area without it. It's a great atmosphere most nights & fun to stare at the freaks, most of who seem to work behind the bar or are bezzy mates with the manager!
As I'm a 40-something male who'se not allowed to play his own record collection unless he's alone in the house, it's great to be in a place where Ian Curtis is still alive & The Smiths never broke up. One can't be fussy, but it would be nice if they'd put on a few more guest bitters now and again - but the Pride & ESB are perfectly decent.
They don't have any Fall Cd's either - so they're not perfect.
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In terms of pubs, I normally like the traditional boozer with a laid back feel!!
This pub is traditional in decor, but with an alternative twist....in that it is laidback but uplifting at the same time!!!
Yes folks,The Ship on my visits had a friendly yet feisty bar manager (a young Irish girl).She employs staff as equally friendly and receptive as herself, has a good taste in music (which for my tastes is too loud,but for regulars is part ot the appeal).
To round it all off, the beers on offer are not the usual Carling and Fosters(Yippee!!!They thankfully serve ale!)
Avoid-If you are a quiet, retiring and shy type who wishes for peace and quiet!!!
Enjoy- If you wish to relive the heady days of punk and new-wave amongst genuine, un-pretentious people!!!
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Gave this one a try after getting fed up with hostelries on usual crawl selling overpriced lager or (even worse!)selling Ayingerbrau. One of the few real old-fashioned pubs in the area. Beers cheaper than adjacent bars.
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Was drinking in here a few weeks ago on a Monday night after lunching at Hakassan. Stayed on the Hoegaaden to make sure I knew what I was up to otherwise I would've neded up on/in the big dog.
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Trad ..thin and long London Boozer...well kept cellar
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It's been over 20 years since I first came here and though it has been smarterned up a bit since then, it still sells top-rate Fullers beers, and in good condition (the Ship is an entry in the current Good Beer Guide). It can get very busy and noisy, but if you like the buzz of the crowd and loud-ish music from the CDs behind the bar, and if you like a good pint or few of Fullers London Pride or ESB, then you will like the Ship.
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Went in here the other night. Was already drunk (having watched super chelsea thrash barcelona) but noticed that the beer tasted better in here than the other pubs I had been to (it was also cheaper !). They were also playing rock / indie tunes which is better than the pop / dance crap that most other places play around the area. Would definitely go back !
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This is my best pub in Soho. Shabby, friendly and untainted by pine - a proper boozer. Great music policy if you're into alternative, indie and punky sounds.
anonymous - 25 Feb 2005 11:57 |
Great pub, great beer, even better staff, even better landlady..... and sometimes she even plays Human League for me!
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Great 'pubby' pub, in the middle of Soho...And they play brilliant music. This is often the starting point for me on many a night out, before I either run out of money and have to drink at the Wetherspoons nearby (Moon and Sixpence) or it gets late and I move on to another pub in the area (that opens after 11)..Nice pub tho.
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Visited at midday yesterday. Very helpful and friendly barmaid. Nice pint of London Pride. Best of Lynyrd Skynyrd on the stereo behind the bar.
Must admit I thought the 'no dancing' signs were an ironic statement, considering the size of the pub, but judging by other comments on here I was mistaken.
All seemed very down to earth for wardour street which was fine by me and my friends. Went back later in evening before closing time, to find an overly noisy sweaty pub with little of the charm from lunchtime. Or perhaps I am just getting old!
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Don't know what to say really. Went in there sober; came out drunk with a headache. Think I enjoyed it...dunno
Kris - 24 Jun 2004 19:53 |
Excellent bar staff. Friendly atmosphere. Usually filled to the brim on Friday nights. Very eclectic music being played. One of the cooler pubs in Central London.
Wayne - 9 Jun 2004 12:07 |
Friendly place, would go again.
Juliet - 8 May 2004 20:45 |
Brilliant atmosphere, excellent place!
Juliet - 16 Apr 2004 23:54 |
Cool!
Zara - 13 Apr 2004 20:32 |
Great pub, excellent music, Cool bar staff. A regular stop off when passing through London (bit less hectic than the Intrepid Fox).
DaveT - 4 Apr 2004 16:28 |
Good place.
Samuel - 3 Apr 2004 21:43 |
I like this pub. Nice staff and good drinks.
beb - 11 Mar 2004 23:16 |
A top night out on a Friday. Good beer, good music, great bar staff.
Pucho - 23 Feb 2004 14:45 |
Normal pub, but that in itself is quite a novelty in London! the staff seem nice, although it can be difficult to find a table, as it tends to fill up very quickly. well worth having a look in, particularly as part of a pub crawl (which has to include the Intrepid Fox!).
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I don't think this pub has bouncers. There was a fat bloke wearing black who used to hang around the bar, but I think he's more 'bouncy' than 'bouncer'
Juliet - 21 Dec 2003 17:53 |
Brilliant pub, great music and not too poncey by Soho standards.
Totally ineffectual bouncer at the weekend - big ruckus last time I was there and the bouncer watched it develop along with the rest of us.
richard - 10 Dec 2003 17:14 |
Great pub, great atmosphere and full of top totty. I'd recommend it to everyone, including Germans
Cate - 31 Oct 2003 22:51 |
Cracking pub with a great atmosphere. Maybe they can extend it into the building site at the back? Bigger toilets might keep the Germans happy?!!!
John - 26 Sep 2003 01:13 |
Gunther.. why the fixation with toilets? personally I don't spend my evenings socialising in toilets, I prefer the bar area, which is superb in The Ship!
Pucho - 22 Aug 2003 18:00 |
Love it - it's got guts and I absolutely rate it!
anonymous - 17 Aug 2003 18:21 |
its got punk goth suited& booted its got the lot...its brilliant!
one pub for all kinds what a pub should be-none of that unfriendliness seen in other places
belgrave square boy - 5 Aug 2003 12:17 |
I do not like hanging about in your country's toilets. They are very scary. Once a man smiled at me in a funny way. In Germany men are men and this is the way things are.
Gunther - 9 Jul 2003 22:57 |
I think it's overpriced, too crowded and generally a dive!
Marky Mark - 8 Jul 2003 22:06 |
I personally don't go to pubs to rate the toilet facilities...I go for beer, and the beer here is good. 'nuff said!
Mart - 4 Jul 2003 10:49 |
Love it. Friendly staff. I come from Australia just to visit it. As for katja; why would anyone want to boot a toilet? And Gunter: he seems to have had a fright in the toilet.
Tedric - 4 Jul 2003 05:18 |
I agree with you Tom, it can be a little on the 'media babe' side of life!
Francesca - 2 Jul 2003 23:01 |
It's not as goth-friendly as the excellent Intrepid Fox. Better off there, really.
Tom Sulston - 27 Jun 2003 14:23 |
Giles, don't agree with you mate - how bleeding old are you anyway! I do fancy the bird behind the bar though.
anonymous - 26 Jun 2003 22:48 |
Face it, the music's too loud and it's too effing crowded. Better off elsewhere!
Giles - 19 Jun 2003 23:06 |
I've been there a few times and absolutely loved it! toilets were small, but certainly kept very clean and no urine on the floor! Barstaff proved excellent, friendly & I was always served very quickly. Loved the music (doesn't have nasty crap jukebox, but proper music) so overall a great pub!
marcus - 16 Jun 2003 10:55 |
Best pub in Soho
Jockelson - 13 Jun 2003 09:37 |
Great boozer - lots of happy memories of nights here. Best place to start a raucous night in town. Excellent staff - got caught up one year in the landlord's Christmas party. Deary me...
Darryl - 18 May 2003 01:31 |
Put my slippers on? Is that so I can wade through the urine on the floor in the gents?
Gunther - 19 Apr 2003 12:26 |
Gunther, put your slippers on.
Fab pub, fab music, great bar staff who I have had the pleasure of seeing perform Nellie the Elephant (Toy Dolls vers.) at the end of the night - great fun.
Ibbo the Red - 17 Apr 2003 09:41 |
Great pub - I dig the large bouncer in the corner, propping up the bar!
anonymous - 10 Apr 2003 22:23 |
top music & the least pretentious bar staff in Soho.
The fact that it's a bit of a pit keeps all the media tossers out...
apart from me.
albumental - 10 Apr 2003 15:30 |
Lots of music history as the old Marquee used to be down the road -landlord/brewery should make more of this. Gotten a bit too noisy lately but does a great pint.
anonymous - 2 Apr 2003 18:56 |
Fantastic pub, excellent music, great beer & food, all with run by a complete beenie! Well worth a visit.
BLoGtm - 1 Apr 2003 15:04 |
I do not like pubs where I get shoved and pushed in England. I go somewhere else next year
Gunther - 21 Mar 2003 21:32 |
It's too bloody loud and the toilets are disgusting to boot!
katja - 21 Mar 2003 21:26 |
Legendary pub. Recommended.
Sam Kongslie - 9 Jan 2003 15:23 |
Best music - alternative without being full of rubbish nu-metal. Love it. Friendly staff too.
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Great Barmaid
Rangers - 19 Nov 2002 21:45 |
Great beer, good atmosphere, bartop a convenient height for propping up
Steve R - 1 Oct 2002 16:14 |
Great little pub, friendly atmosphere, good alternative music.
Nice beer, good selection of spirits
Vivian Koo - 12 Jun 2002 12:03 |
good pub
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