Historical version 12 of Ship Tavern, WC2A 3HP (view current version)
- 020 7405 1992
- 12 Gate Street, WC2A 3HP (streetmap) (osm) (gmap) (bingmap) (streetview)
A small pub hidden on the junction of two pedestrian alleyways behind Holborn Station, near Lincoln's Inn Fields.
It seems to be known only to locals, who keep it busy at lunch time. It's atmospheric, with plenty of wood panelling and seating in various little corners.
There are always half a dozen real ales on tap, with the range constantly changing. In September 2008, these were Bombardier, Old Speckled Hen, Theakston Best (£1.50/half), Courage Directors and Ringwood Best.
There is a restaurant upstairs. The food, at least at lunch, is very good, if perhaps a touch pricey - for example, a main course plus beer plus coffee for two people cost DrHyde about 35 quid in November 2011 - but portions are well-sized, which makes up for it. The kitchen closes in the afternoon, but there's a good range of bar snacks, including jars of cockles and whelks and home-made pork pies.
See also:
- Fancyapint review
- Pubs Galore comments
- Live To Eat review
- Trusted Gourmet reviews: April 2009, May 2009, June 2009
- Beer In The Evening comments
- Qype comments