The Yacht, Greenwich, SE10

Found this better than next door but we were still the only one,s in had a pint of Truman,s Bold as Brass 4.2% bit better than next but still warm simply not pulling off would call back the place is nice and clean

Taylor Walker outlet in a fine riverside location off a quiet alleyway. The interior has been partly opened out to leave various seating areas, the best of which is located up some steps with a great view of the Thames. Dark elsewhere, especially around the central bar. Traditional furniture and decor. Background music. Four handpumps on the counter, offering Doom Bar, Bombardier, Pride and Old Golden Hen (£3.62).

I popped into the Yacht at lunchtime on a recent Monday afternoon and found myself to be the only customer. The interior is very traditional, as one would expect from Taylor Walker, with a bar to the right and raised standard seating along the rear windows that overlook the Thames. The bulk of seating at bar level consists of high tables and each supports a menu where it can be read that the pub grub is available daily from noon until 21:00 and the mains are priced around £10. The bar is stocked with standard and premium draught products and the four hand pumps were drawing Truman’s Emperor, Itchen Valley Brewery’s Junga, Brentwood’s Gold and Adnams Ghost Ship. There was some background music playing during my visit and the several plasma screens were turned off, but Sky Sports was advertised. I found the service to be very friendly and I much preferred it in here to the Trafalgar, but I wouldn’t make a special trip to return.

This is now a Taylor Walker, and interior has got the classic look of that chain, with the main bar area dominated by ranks of tall tables/tall stools. But the standard seating on the raised area at the back with views over the river is definitely the best seating in the house. There were several ales on (as is usual for TW pubs), and although I didn't note them all, did enjoy the pint of Nelson Brewery Loose Cannon. I didn't go much for the price though (£4.15 a pint - typical tourist Greenwich), especially as I failed to look up when at the bar and thus failed to spot the large sign advertising a 10% for card carrying CAMRA members. The views from the back are this pub's best asset in my opinion - if you can bag one of those tables then it's definitely worth a visit.

The Yacht proclaims itself as the “First Pub in the West” due to its proximity to the meridian line, a point they like to milk on New Years Eve which probably coincides with the majority of times I have been in here. The pub is situated down a quaint narrow street running parallel to the river that conjures up images of old alleyways and pressgangs. The front main bar has chessboard tiling around the bar area and if the wood paneling, chesterfield sofas and tub chairs make the place feel a little opulent you can thank the Queen Mary liiner as the bar is apparently modelled on one of its lounge bars. It does actually suit the pub’s ambience although the large TV does dampen the effect a little and the gas is no substitute for the real thing. The rear section is slightly raised and the prime spot must be one of the window seats that overlook the river where numerous boats chug past at all hours and the views stretch across to Canary Wharf and the Millenium Dome. There are several old photos of Greenwich and panoramic drawings of London and the river. Off to one side at the rear of the pub is an extended area beneath a pitched roof which is mainly used for dining. The pub is now part of the resurrected Taylor Walker chain belonging to Punch Taverns so the beer and food selection is not particularly adventurous with 2 Youngs (Ordinary and Special) and Doom Bar available on my most recent visit with a fourth pump unclipped. Prices are pretty reasonable albeit a little bizarre with the Doom Bar at £3.06. The food menu is standard pub grub with main courses around £8-12. For a pub in such a desirable location I have rarely seen it busy although I have never encountered any major problems with any of the essential ingredients; staff, beer quality or customer base. With a decent couple of guest beers this really could be a great little spot to pass an evening.

Randomness Guide to London - Yacht entry

Randomness Guide to London - Yacht entry