The Ship, Soho, W1

Classic small street corner Soho pub,tied to Fullers but with an exterior devoid of heavy branding and windows with good etched glass. The frontage can open out in fine weather,the interior is very traditional with a mirrored bar back on the left side,a mix of low and high tables and a rear section that opens out a bit.A fine staircase leads to a private Captains bar,presumably gay friendly.The muzak was a good jazz track,enhancing the atmosphere early doors on a Sunday. The 10 keg fonts do include some craft keg options,while the handpumps were drawing Fullers ESB,London Pride and Sticky Wicket besides Dark Star Sunquake (NBSS 3.5),and Hogs Back When Hogs Fly. Food is snacky and under £7 ,the short menu comprised three pies and three toasties but the quality was terrific and my mushroom and emmental toastie was accompanied by a very strong mustard which I was warned about by the barman,it certainly cleared my sinuses ; a perfect drinking snack. I liked this pub and would return,it feel authentic and straight people are welcome but be tolerant.One of the better pubs in Soho.

Official site of The Ship - www.shipsoho.co.uk

Another pub dating from the late 18th century when it was the Ship in Distress, but rebuilt at the end of the 19th. A first in here, to a place which boasts a CAMRA inventory interior, being of Some Regional Importance. There’s much etched glass, some tinted and a fine bar with ornate cornice. Seating, high and low is traditional, with a boarded floor, some pale grey paint and Anaglypta ceiling. I think the place may have had something of a music reputation in the past. Certainly, there’s a huge selection of CDs behind the bar and a Who album was playing at a volume the band would appreciate, which though would have made conversation impossible; the bar staff were stomping around as if at a concert. Décor comprises some framed prints and the pub may be gay, judging by the rainbow flag behind the bar; the pub is certainly in Soho’s Gay Quarter. Ales: most of the Fuller’s range, with Dark Star Pale and Hophead on at £5.20 a pint and on good form. This is a decent pub, playing some good sounds and is worth a visit if in the area.

Official site of The Ship - www.shipsoho.co.uk