The Gipsy Moth, Greenwich, SE10

I’ve been in here several times in the past, but having been unable to get a seat, have never actually managed to get as far as ordering a drink, such is this pub’s popularity. Given its proximity to the Cutty Sark, it is perhaps not surprising that it’s regularly filled with tourists, but it can make a visit less than comfortable. You enter into a fairly small front bar with limited seating either side of the front door and this area struck me as the best place to grab a seat if you’re just visiting for a drink. You then have to pass through a series of pillars, behind which you can still catch glimpses of the servery, before emerging into a strangely shaped rear room which is set up more for diners, with plenty of tables available. There is an open kitchen on the right hand side and the space to the left extends quite a long way and had a TV screen showing live rugby. At the rear there is a conservatory type space with a tile floor, which leads out to a large garden which is rightly popular in the summer months. The servery runs down the right hand side of the pub, connecting the front and rear sections, and has a mock ship’s figurehead at the far end, keeping with the pub’s vague nautical theme. Music was playing in the background during my stay, but with so many people in, it was almost impossible to hear it. The beer range was quite appealing, with a varied line up on my recent visit comprising Sharp’s Doom Bar, Great Yorkshire Brewery Yorkshire Lager, Green Jack Trawlerboys, Fullers London Pride and Bristol Beer Factory Bitter Californian. I gave the latter a try and thought it was a good beer in decent condition. The keg range had a few rarities including Veltins, Hoegaarden and Budvar with ciders from Aspall’s and Bulmers. I didn’t see any menus, but did spot a blackboard which listed various main meals at around the £11.00 mark. This place is a bit of a mixed bag and from my experience, the timing of your visit will most likely determine how much you enjoy yourself. For a Grade I listed building, there’s not a great deal to admire within, but the interesting ale range and lovely rear garden mean that it’s still well worth giving this place a try.