The Gipsy Moth, Greenwich, SE10

The Gipsy Moth is overlooked by the Cutty Sark so expect tourists galore, especially during the lunch period. The cheapest main that I spotted on the menu adjacent to the entrance was a salad of some sort that rocked in at £10. The interior consists of a small bar area at the front of the pub and a large open plan dining area to the rear. From here access can be gained to some outside covered seating and a well-kept split level beer garden. During my wander around I didn’t spot any TVs or advertisements for live music or sport. There was some very low background music playing which did little to add to the atmosphere. Alongside a premium draught selection are at least six hand pumps that were drawing Sharp’s Doom Bar, St Austell’s Proper Job, Sambrook’s Junction, Ilkley Brewery’s Mary Jane, Fuller’s London Pride and Navigation’s Icebreaker. This place is too much of a tourist trap for me to consider returning.

A very busy pub indeed, not a seat to be had, in the heart of the touristy bit of Greenwich. Renamed years ago in honour of Sir Francis Chichester who circumnavigated the world in the boat of this name, his picture and those of his boat are displayed next to the bar in the front area. The bar is immediately ahead on entering from the front, the pub being effectively split into two main areas, the bar continues through. There are two banks of handpumps, shared either side of the divide, although some of the beers are doubled up, it is wise to consult the chalkboards in case something you fancy is not in view. My visit had seven shared across the pumps, Doom Bar, Ilkley Mary Jane Pale Ale, Pride, Sambrook's Junction, St Austell Proper Job, Navigation Icebreaker and Channel Islands Liberation Ale. I went for the Liberation, very expensive at £4.35 and I had to request a significant top up. The two areas are semi divided, the smaller front section has a slightly raised area to one corner which has some wood panelling, the rear oddly shaped area leads on to a small conservatory with an extensive and pleasant garden beyond, from where there are views of the Cutty Sark. Food is served and despite many tables in the larger rear area being set for dining, no one was, all occupied by drinkers. A tour of the garden found a few enjoying meals however, obviously the preferred spot on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon. The pub is probably quite nice, the beer range is eclectic and interesting but it was just too busy to be a pleasant stay. I reckon you need to time a visit carefully.