The Ship, Mortlake, SW14

A large L shaped open plan space, obviously once different areas. The bar wraps around the inner corner of the "L". A mix of seating of all kinds including sofas around the fireplace, the window tables have great river views. The floor starts with wooden boards, becomes stone flagged and finishes carpeted to the rear. Very friendly and personable staff, a genuine welcome and impressed that the barman took the trouble to find out for me who brewed one of the ales as it wasn't clear on the pump clip. Right next door to the Stag Brewery, so I imagine this was once the brewery tap (Watney's, then later I believe Courage for a spell), they now brew Budweiser (no comment needed). The pub was apparently also once the finishing point for the boat race. It is now a little further upstream. Nice to see proper access for disabled people, both to the pub and the riverside terrace. Two sets of three handpumps served today, Pride, Brains Old Brewery Bitter and Wickwar Bankers Draft. The food looked good, Sunday roasts at £8-85, choice of beef, lamb or turkey, with small portions available at £5-65. Really good to see a riverside pub with great service that doesn't simply rely on its setting to get trade, well done.

This pub has a great location on the river with nice views visible from the tables along the front window and the outside drinking area at the side. There are six nations' signs up on the walls and the flags of each team are hanging above the bar, but I didn't see any other sport advertised to be shown on their two plasma screens. There are two Pride pumps and the Guest beers were Polar Bear and England Expects along with an unused pump. Standard and premium lagers are also available along with a basic pub food menu. I'd imagine this place gets packed out in the summer and I may just pop along to find out.

Nice pub, right by the Thames. Real ale on sale. Car parking available but high tides may swamp your car. Raised area by the windows give a good view of the river. Friendly staff.