The Ship, Wandsworth, SW18

I dropped in here for a midday pint of Young’s Special, which was just fine. Only a handful of people were in on a Monday lunchtime, so I got served straight away. It looked pretty food-centric, but the BBQ menu looked good, if a little expensive. I didn’t eat there, but I have heard good reports about the food so I shall return sometime soon and give it a try. There’s plenty of seating inside and outside, and with a great location overlooking the river I can well understand why it is so popular. In my view this is a good pub, but not a great one. But good pubs are worth seeking out, and I would say that this one is worth the effort of finding your way to.

This is a large riverside two bar pub, with a dining room off the rear area. The front bar is fairly traditional, and the rear area is a conservatory type space, with sanded wooden floors (albeit with a seriously tatty old central carpet), there are a variety of chair and table types and arrangements. Outside on the river there is an extensive terrace with a barbeque going and a skiffle type band playing this afternoon. I'm sure the pub plays to its strengths and attracts the custom of the new locals in their riverside apartments, and in that I have to say it seems to do it well. The terrace was packed, the barbie doing a roaring trade. It certainly isn't my kind of pub though. To me it would be worthy of a 6 at best but the clientele lose it a further mark, being yuppie sorts, buggie pushing Henrietta's and the type who approach the bar and demand loudly and with arrogance. Youngs standard range of Ordinary, Special and Waggledance, plus Bombardier and Deuchars IPA. The Deuchers went as the barman pulled it through and in fairness he offered an alternative immediately. I did notice however the clip wasn't turned around. Very overrated.

Official site of the Ship Inn, contains menus and wine list - www.theship.co.uk

Official site of the Ship Inn, contains menus and wine list - www.theship.co.uk

Nice pub facing the Thames. Large front garden with a raised terraced area. Sells real ale. On the downside, there is a cement works right next door.