The Ship & Shovell, WC2

Ship & Shovell official site - shipandshovell.co.uk

Ship & Shovell official site - shipandshovell.co.uk

Situated up the steps at the end of the Arches, off Villiers Street, is a quirky ‘pub of two halves’ one room either side of Cravens Passage. It’s owned by Hall & Woodhouse, they of the Badger brand of beers, Expect to find at least three of their ales on the go in both bars alongside H&W’s branded lager – the quality is usually pretty good. The larger bar has some very pretty etched glasswork – I’m not sure if this is original though. The place is kept clean and well-maintained so is comfy for a session. It can get quite busy after work, expect people to spill out into the passageway later in the week. Worth seeking out, for the novelty value at the very least and a great place to take a foreign guest in London.

One of London's Hall and Woodhouse pubs, this is a good choice for a pint if you find yourself at Charing Cross station, given that it is in an alleyway between the station and Embankment. The pub is actually split in two by the alleyway, effectively creating two pubs. I have only been in the larger side (the smaller room tends to be closed on weekends) which is a U-shaped room with light wooden panelling to one side of the bar and dark panels on the other. The darker side is livened up by some very impressive etched glass mirrors and it is atmospherically lit by small wall lamps. Seating is arranged around the edge of the room, with plenty of space for standing and a raised area to the rear of the room which had more comfy seating. Badger Best, Tanglefoot (£3.25) and the seasonal Lemony Cricket were the ale options, with just Peroni and Hofbrau for the lager drinker to choose from. The Tanglefoot was okay, if perhaps a little too warm, but it was one of the hottest days of the year, so that can perhaps be excused. Thankfully the room was nicely air-conditioned. A good pub all told and worthy of investigation at the very least.