The Ship Tavern, WC2

Wedge shaped pub tucked away in the alleys. Dark wooden floors and leaded windows. 5 real ales and food served.

Hidden away down a tiny and grotty alley, this pub dates back to 1549 and was rebuilt in 1923; the stained glass windows show that the client was Wm Younger. I came here once in mid-October 1987 so don't really remember it but I do recall the rudest landlord I've ever encountered (who's probably dead by now) and a rather manky interior that had seen far better days, but has since clearly been cleaned up. Given the period, the interior's rather predictable with dark wood all around and partitions - all very Olde Worlde, which is probably why it was full of Americans, or perhaps they were just students from the nearby LSE. Ales: Wadsworth's 6X, Theakston's Old Peculiar, Ship Tavern 1549, Deuchars IPA and Tribute and Elgood's Golden Newt at a very steep £2.40 a half and ok. I'd happily come here again and would give a higher mark if the range of beers was more imaginative and not so expensive.

Truly magnificent! A splendid range of well-kept beers on my last visit, including Theakston's Old Peculier.