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The folk of London like nothing more than seeing the sun come out. It doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of April and only 14ºc, you can find us out in force sporting flip-flops, vests, skirts and shades. In the sun, the buzz of happy Londoners can be heard, like sticking one’s head in a beehive. It just won’t hurt as much.
And if there’s anything better than a sunny day in London, it’s a sunny Friday in London: work’s finished, it’s still light outside and hip-hip-hooray the sun has got his hat on and he’s still out to play! Being a true Londoner and guilty of all the above, I was more than ready to hit the pub. I didn’t know much about the pub-du-jour but I did know it was on the river, it had a beer garden and it was called The Ship. What more did I need?
Dinner was booked for 8pm but as the sun was out, Big Sis, our lovely South African friend, and myself had a lot of catching up to do and with the promise of a beer garden we headed there at 6pm, before it got busy.
Too late, The Ship was already heaving with happy chaps, sipping delicious ice-cold beer, basking in the warm sun, watching the boats on the river and the cars on Wandsworth Bridge go by. They were buzzing in their droves and it seemed the drones of the colony were looking mighty fine under those UVA rays. Oh, ladies, did I mention that most of the England Rugby squad like to frequent The Ship from time-to-time? You’ll be seeing me there a lot this summer.
To say that this place has a beer garden is an understatement. We ordered our drinks inside. Another error on our judgment, we didn’t even have to leave the sunshine to get a drink as The Ship has an outside bar and I’m sure if we were hungry enough we could have enjoyed an amuse bouche (sort of) of ribs and burgers from the outdoor barbeque. It’s no wonder why the men love it here” an ice-cold beer and a burger served at the same time without any washing up.
So we were on the decking, supping on our second bottle of wine, when the smell from the Doolali reminded us of last summer’s South Africa Brai. It smelt divine. With bellies rumbling, we left the hustle bustle of The Ship’s deck for the galley where dinner awaited.
If the barbeque outside the pub is so successful, I wondered if the menu inside would be of a similar fare. Traditional pub grub, it is not. If Masterchef’s Greg Wallace had been there he would have shouted: “This is a gastropub at it’s VERY finest.” The menu changes every day, you won’t get pate here, it’s all about the Foie Gras terrine with hazelnut, spiced apple chutney, celery salt and toasted brioche. Wait a minute; I feel another Wallace moment coming on.
The pub classics are taken on with a vengeance. Surf and turf here does away with gammon and steak and is replaced with mouth-watering and uber tender braised pigs cheeks and tiger prawns.
We were indulged, not only with the food, but by the waiter too. The young Irish chappie could certainly hold his own against three young ladies three bottles of wine to the good. He looked after us far past our expectations, and kept the wine and banter flowing, leaving us in fits of hysterical laughing.
After dinner, it was time for us to leave, not because we had to, or wanted to, but because after four bottles of wine and some delicious dessert wine we were finding it hard to see straight. If it wasn’t for me I’m sure Big Sis would have waited there for a rugby hunk to come along and swoop her off her feet, or pick her up off the floor.
One hangover later and I pick up a text from Mrs SA: “Thanks for such a fun night! I haven’t laughed like that in ages. The Ship is my new fave! Enjoy the sunshine.”
I couldn’t agree with her any more. The Ship is hidden away and that’s what makes it so unique. It’s a charming pub, in fact I wouldn’t call it a pub, I’d call it a great night out.
So please don’t go there, I want this one (and Johnny Wilkinson) all to myself.
Reviewed by Rebecca Brett
Description:
Overlooking the River Thames, The Ship - Wandsworth is a charming pub and restaurant with a private garden and live Irish music sessions. There is an outdoor barbeque kitchen during the warmer months.
Full of history and character, The Ship was founded as a public inn in 1786 and sits on the banks of the Thames by Wandsworth Bridge. With a cosy interior, there is a warm ambience and homely, traditional decor.
Fresh produce is used in the seasonal menus, which feature traditional classics like pan-seared calves liver with horseradish mash or London Gold battered cod and crushed peas. Other sumptuous dishes include pan roasted fillet of beef with lobster pithivier and celeriac purée or assiette of roasted seafood with saffron potatoes and shellfish cream.
Offering real ales, superb food and great wine, The Ship is a popular South West London pub. (Updated 24/10/2010)
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The Ship Address & Contact Details
- Address: 41 Jews Row,
Wandsworth,
London,
SW18 1TB
- Nearest Tube / Rail: Wandsworth Town
The Ship Location Map & Nearby Venues
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