The Ship, Borough, SE1

A surprisingly traditional Fullers pub which has swerved the excesses of their refurb department, probably helped by its positioning as a halfway house between Borough and the E&C. Entrances at both ends of a long narrow room which has 3/4 length wood panelling, Wedgwood green uppers, varnished wood floor and nautical paraphernalia – an inter-war feel, as noted elsewhere. The main entrance exterior has lovely green tiling, square leaded windows and some nice hanging baskets. I spotted a dart board, again a bit rare round these parts and attests to it being a local, rather than an office workers, haunt. Five pumps at the bar with Pride, ESB, Seafarers, Red Fox (fair) and Dark Star Revelation (excellent shape). There was a nice relaxed atmosphere and it was an enjoyable stop – one to know about if you’re in the area.

One of those annoying places that could be nice. However, the barman here was busy talking to his friends and totally ignored people who actually wanted to drink here. I hope he enjoys the beer here, I don't know what its like, after a few minutes I just left

This is an attractive looking street corner Fullers house, accessible both front and rear, with well preserved green exterior tiling and colourful hanging baskets, giving a welcoming feel especially as I had traipsed from Waterloo along The Cut and Union St finding some of my other intended watering holes closed along the way. The external impressions are reinforced within, it is a clean and tidy place, well looked after, polished wooden floor, three quarter height wooden panelling and a wooden bar counter with exposed grain, looked like walnut to me. I'd say the pub retains many aspects of a 1930s fit out, but the yellow stock brick exterior and Georgian style windows date the building earlier for me, 1880s probably. The Ship theme is maintained within the pub with numerous nautical prints plus clocks and gauges mounted on a wall behind the bar, there are candles on the window cills, some set within ship's lanterns. Seating is mixed, there are a few high tables at the front entrance, but standard issue and a run of banquettes elsewhere. There are a few small round copper topped tables which remind me of my formative drinking days. I went for the ESB, served properly in its trademark goblet and at a refreshing price for Fullers of £3.65. The food looked decent value too with the burger, gherkin and chips at £8.95 and sarnies between £5.50 and £6.95, clipboard menus on the tables. You are at the far end of Borough/London Bridge here, bordering on Elephant and Castle so I suppose the prices reflect the predominantly local trade. Two TVs were showing early 90s cricket reruns on Sky, muted, the low level dance track music was a minor irritant. More traditional entertainment is available thanks to the dartboard by the back door. Clearly dog friendly, there were three hounds in although it amused me that the woman with the prissy Yorkie had to pick it up and shove it in her bag when a larger staffy type came in and started to bother it somewhat. There is some outdoor seating to the side and an upstairs function room available for hire which remains unvisited by myself. I liked it in here, the service was good, a proper local feel and a good well kept and keenly priced drop of my favourite Fullers beer.

Located at the southern end of Borough High Street, just a short walk from Borough tube station, the Ship is a tidy, street corner Fuller’s house. From the outside, the place is certainly an attractive proposition with smart exterior tiling and colourful hanging baskets combining to create an appealing look. Inside, things are a bit more standard, with a bare wooden board room with high dark wood panels describing an unusual shape caused by the pub’s corner position. You enter into a mixed seating area with the servery on the far wall extending through a narrow space with room for a couple of high tables before things open out again beyond the bar where more seats are available, as is a darts area. Various pictures of the local area are on display and a vague ship theme emerges behind the bar where a number of nautical implements can be found, including clocks, meters and gauges. A couple of TV screens were showing some Premier League football and there was a big stack of board games in one of the front window sills, which didn’t seem to be enough for one lady who was most upset that Scrabble wasn’t included in the pile. There is a function room upstairs and a decent patio area with some picnic benches. Just the three Fuller’s ales on the bar – London Pride, ESB and Chiswick, but Oakham JHB was also on as a guest and my pint was in fine shape and slipped down nicely. The bar staff were friendly enough and seemed to have a good rapport with some of their regulars. Whilst there is nothing particularly out of the ordinary about this pub, it seems to be doing all of the basics well and I was glad to find a well kept pint awaiting me. There are a few good pubs in the Borough area that might merit investigation ahead of this place, but if you’re touring the area, this is a solid addition to any crawl.