The Ship Tavern: A Holborn Landmark Since 1549
Nestled in the heart of Holborn, The Ship Tavern is a historic Dickensian gem that has been serving Londoners and travelers alike for nearly 500 years. Combining the rustic charm of a traditional English pub with the refined elegance of a premier dining destination, we offer an authentic taste of British heritage.
Mahogany-panelled 16th century pub with traditional real-ale bar and upstairs dining room.
Phil Newman
This place is not a pub serving food. It’s a high end restaurant serving beer. Absolutely fantastic on every level. Service, decor, food and great beer and wine. Stunning venue and very traditionally English. Recommend this place for excellent food. Everything was tasty and the chefs know how to cook.
… moreNora Fletcher
Lovely meal after my graduation yesterday! Our food items were really lovely. We got the salmon plate, pork ribs, butternut squash soup, the burger, chicken pot pie, and the beef brisket. The martini and the gin-let drinks were watery, but the sloe royal drink was very nice and not too sweet. Great service and great atmosphere in the Oak Room. Very nice to dine here around Christmas, they have beautiful decorations.
… moreBrent
A cozy and atmospheric pub tucked away in an alley off of Kingsway and High Holborn. Booked a dinner reservation for our one chance at a Sunday Roast on or visit to London and it was everything we wanted in that regard. The cozy dining room was warm and comforting and the Butchers Board was luxuriously abundant. Loaded with roast beef, lamb and pork belly with roasted potatoes, carrots, parsnips and giant Yorkshire puddings, we ate the leftovers for days afterwards. The pub downstairs was bustling with energy. The service left something to be desired, we were left without silverware and staff were difficult to access to even fill this base requirement. We were right by the kitchen but the staff’s attention always seemed to be elsewhere tainting the experience with a mild feeling of neglect. As this was likely a personal experience and the food and location are very nice, I would overall recommend the experience but would hesitate to go back myself.
… moreChantelle
We visited The Ship Tavern on a Saturday evening and had a really lovely time! The decor was warm and inviting, and the staff were all super friendly and welcoming. We ordered the fish and chips, and it was delicious! It was crispy, and the portions were very generous. I also had a latte (yes, at 8pm… don’t judge!) and it was tasty!
… moreKassim
Great hidden gem, pub downstairs which can get a little crowded but great atmosphere. Dining upstairs was brilliant, very tasty and beautifully prepared top quality gastro pub food and the prices are fair for central London. My only very very slight critique is I feel like the Guinness was not the best, not the worst but a little lacking
… moreJeff Locke
Found this Pub while looking for a place close by our hotel. The Ship Tavern has a dining area upstairs which is very nice and quiet. We sat downstairs and enjoyed the music which want loud. The service was good the beer was really cold tried the local beer which was excellent. We had a few appetizers the beef croquettes and beer battered onion rings, 4 ⭐️. We both had and enjoyed a huge Fish & Chips plate. This is a great place to go and eat and drink!!!!
… moreSarah Barry
Stumbled upon this place on a cold winter’s evening, and wow—what a find! It was exactly what we needed. The pub is stunning, and the food was fantastic. We were lucky to get a table for dinner upstairs. We both ordered the slow-cooked beef brisket, and it was probably the best beef we’ve ever had. The staff were so lovely and polite, and the service was excellent. We had a truly wonderful evening.
… moreSally Reeve Edwards
Lovely Sunday lunch. You get bottomless gravy which in my opinion is essential. Stunning interior – perfect to bring out of town guests to. My American friends had never had British Sunday lunch – they’d never tried a roast potato before! They loved it.
… morePaweł J.
This 16th-century tavern is a genuine London treasure, with its timber walls and floors offering an incredible historical atmosphere. The extensive selection of real English ales, combined with genuinely friendly and efficient service, made the experience exceptional. We greatly enjoyed the hearty and delicious food, which elevated the pub from a stop for a drink to a great dining destination. Tucked away in a fantastic central location, this spot is perfect for spending quality time in a superb, authentic British setting. It is simply a must-visit for anyone seeking a true, atmospheric London pub experience.
… morePJ Murray
Holy moly the beef Wellington is insanely good. Some of the best meat you can put in your mouth this side of Soho. If you like food then you should probably go here as they have it and it’s pretty bloody good. Trust me, I know. Or don’t. You do you boo boo.
Shout out to that marrow too. Really really really yummo.
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