The Gipsy Moth, Greenwich, SE10

Official site of the Gipsy Moth, contains menus and real ale details - www.thegipsymothgreenwich.co.uk

Originally called the Wheatsheaf, the Gipsy Moth pub was renamed in honour of the boat in which Sir Francis Chichester circumnavigated the world in 1967. The boat was moored in a dry dock not far from the pub from 1972 until 2004 when it was renovated and underwent a second similar voyage after which it now on public display in Cowes. The pub name however lives on. The building dates from 1795 and is Grade 1 listed although you wouldn’t have thought so by the way the interior has been hacked about by numerous renovations and, according to the barmanI I overheard recently, more is due in a few months. The smallish main bar is at the front with minimal furnishings giving it a bit of a hollow feel. The pub opens up towards the back with a large odd shaped section that bears further scars of a trendy makeover. Some of it looks particularly ugly, especially the ceiling with a trail of pipes carrying the electrics and some very unsympathetic lighting fixtures. The low flying chandelier may also claim a few victims although it sensibly dangles above a table. The rear section extends to a conservatory and beyond, a deceptively large beer garden with plenaty of cover. There are at least some decent ales to be found with 5 hand pumps offering Doom Bar, Pride, Sambrook Wandle, Liberation Blonde and Westoons Vintage Organic Cider on my visit. Prices were average for the area. The food menu looked pretty reasonable with main courses between £7-12 and special 1, 2 and 3 course offers. I’m not a great fan of the interior but if I’m doing the rounds in Greenwich I have no reservations about seeing what’s available on the pumps although I wouldn’t particularly class the Gipsy Moth as an essential pub to visit

Official site of the Gipsy Moth, contains menus and real ale details - www.thegipsymothgreenwich.co.uk