The Ship Tavern - Holburn - Pub Reviews

Name: The Ship Tavern
Location: 12 Gate Street, Holborn, London, WC2A 3HP
Phone: (020) 7405 1992

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Wednesday: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

• Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 am - Midnight

• Sunday: 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)

Facilities & Entertainment:

• Parking: No

• Darts & Pool Table: No

• Live Sports: No

Food on Offer:
The Ship Tavern offers a range of hearty British classics. Its menu features celebrated pies, such as steak and ale or chicken and ham hock, served with rich gravies and buttery mash. Seasonal dishes complement the menu, with pub staples like fish and chips and Sunday roasts also highly praised. The dining experience extends upstairs in the Oakroom restaurant, where a more formal ambience meets the same delightful fare.

Beers on Tap:
The pub boasts six handpumps, pouring a mix of regional ales and guest beers. A standout is their house ale, brewed specially for The Ship Tavern. Patrons can expect to find a rotating selection of local brews alongside well-loved British classics.

Price Range:
££ (£10-£20 for mains, £4-£6 for pints).

Customer Service:
The service here garners mostly positive feedback, with many praising the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Customers appreciate the attentiveness during peak times, though a few mention that waits can stretch during busy hours. Overall, the welcoming atmosphere is often a highlight for visitors.

Events & Special Nights:
The Oakroom restaurant hosts live jazz on Sunday afternoons, providing a charming accompaniment to leisurely meals. Regular pie promotions also entice patrons, making it a hotspot for traditional comfort food enthusiasts.

In-Depth Review:

Tucked away on Gate Street in Holborn, The Ship Tavern is a true gem in the heart of London. Established in 1549, this historic pub has witnessed nearly five centuries of change. During the reign of Henry VIII, when Catholicism was outlawed, The Ship Tavern became a refuge for Catholic priests. Masses were held clandestinely in its darkened rooms, with the pub offering sanctuary in turbulent times. This clandestine past is immortalised in the pub’s décor, which features rich mahogany wood, leaded windows, and maritime-themed brass plaques—remnants of its storied past as a free house under William Younger’s ownership.

The pub’s heritage, however, is not its only draw. Its location is ideal for those exploring London’s cultural treasures. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find the Sir John Soane’s Museum, a treasure trove of art, architecture, and antiquities. The British Museum, with its vast collection spanning millennia, is also within easy reach. Medical enthusiasts can explore the fascinating Hunterian Museum, while those craving the vibrancy of London’s theatre scene will find Covent Garden and The West End just minutes away.

Inside The Ship Tavern, the atmosphere is steeped in old-world charm. Dim lighting and snug alcoves create a cosy ambiance perfect for escaping the bustle of Holborn. The clientele is a mix of professionals from nearby offices, tourists exploring the area, and locals who appreciate the pub’s historic charm and hearty offerings.

The menu, a celebration of British culinary tradition, includes their signature pies—like steak and ale or chicken and ham hock—alongside pub favourites such as fish and chips and sumptuous Sunday roasts. Upstairs, the Oakroom restaurant offers a more refined dining experience with live jazz on Sunday afternoons.

Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the pub’s six handpumps, pouring a rotating selection of regional ales, guest beers, and their house brew. These pair beautifully with the traditional fare, making The Ship Tavern a haven for food and drink lovers alike.

Accessibility options include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, but the absence of disabled toilet facilities is a drawback. While the pub lacks outdoor seating and dog-friendly policies aren’t explicitly stated, its warm and inviting interior more than compensates.

For those exploring nearby landmarks, The Ship Tavern offers a welcome retreat. After wandering the halls of the British Museum or marvelling at the curiosities of the Soane Museum, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a pint and a pie. And for theatre enthusiasts, it provides a charming pre- or post-show dining option just a short distance from the West End.

The pub’s historical significance and timeless appeal are its strongest assets. However, during peak times, service can occasionally falter, and the absence of live sports or games may deter those seeking a more dynamic pub experience. That said, these minor shortcomings hardly diminish its overall allure.

In a city where history and modernity intertwine, The Ship Tavern stands as a steadfast tribute to the past, offering an experience that’s as much about storytelling as it is about excellent food and drink. Whether you’re soaking in its fascinating history, savouring a well-poured ale, or simply taking a moment to relax after exploring London’s cultural highlights, The Ship Tavern delivers an unforgettable slice of London life.