The Ship & Shovell Pub in Westminster

2 Craven Passage, London WC2N 5NF

About This Pub

Ah, The Ship & Shovell – what a characterful little spot it is, tucked away near Charing Cross. I have to say, it's one of those places that really captures the essence of a traditional London pub, with its fascinating history dating back to the 17th century and that quirky setup split across two buildings. You'll love the warm, welcoming feel as soon as you step in; the team there are always up for a chat and make you feel right at ease, which is just perfect for sinking into one of their well-curated beers or tucking into some solid pub grub like those acclaimed fish and chips. It's in such a handy location too, making it ideal for a quick stop after exploring the city. On the flip side, though, it's not all smooth sailing – I've seen a few mentions of drinks not being served at their best, like a pint that didn't quite live up to expectations with a dodgy glass, and some dishes that didn't quite hit the mark, leaving you wishing for a bit more consistency. Still, with its affordable prices and that genuine historic charm, it's worth a visit if you're after a proper pub experience, just maybe keep an eye on the busier times to avoid any frustrations. All in all, it's a solid choice for a relaxed evening out, with the good bits far outweighing the minor niggles.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The historic charm of The Ship & Shovell is absolutely delightful – it's got that timeless feel with its unique setup across two buildings, making it a real gem near Charing Cross.
The staff are so welcoming and professional; they really make you feel at home, whether you're there for a quick pint or a catch-up with mates.
They've got a cracking selection of drinks, like their signature Badger and Outland beers, and the food menu hits the spot with hearty options like fish and chips that folks rave about.
It's in a brilliant location, just steps from London's landmarks, perfect for a post-work unwind or a casual meet-up.
Prices are pretty reasonable for central London, so you can enjoy a good night out without breaking the bank.

Cons

There have been a few grumbles about drink service, like beers not being poured just right or glasses not being spotless, which can put a dampener on things.
Some food items, such as the mac and cheese, might not always come out perfectly – we've heard it's been a bit mushy at times.
It can get quite busy, especially given its prime spot, so you might struggle to find a seat or get served quickly on peak evenings.
The pub seems to have odd operating hours or days when it's closed, which could be a hassle if you're planning a visit and it turns out to be one of those quieter times.

Contact Information

2 Craven Passage, London WC2N 5NF

+442078391311

Pub

Opens at 11:30

Opening Hours

Monday	11:30 - 23:00
Tuesday	11:30 - 23:00
Wednesday (Today)	11:30 - 23:00
Thursday	11:30 - 23:00
Friday	11:30 - 23:00
Saturday	11:30 - 23:00
Sunday	Closed

Location

Recent Reviews

Ordered the Outland Stout. On a previous visit, it was served properly in a pint glass with a clean pour and great presentation. This time, it came in a lager-style glass with no two-part pour, and the glass had visible bubbles clinging to the sides, a classic sign it wasn’t beer clean. When I mentioned it, I was told it was just condensation and “normal.” Shame, as it had been excellent before.

Robert

Very cute pub in a great location! The chicken tenders were seasoned very well. Skip the Mac n Cheese though, a bit mushy and overcooked noodles.

Andrea Thayne

Lovely pub only pub that is on both sides of the road staff very friendly very professional clean tidy represented nice range of beers sorry can't give a review for food as I'm only there for the beer 🍺🍻

Geoff Grey

Nestled down the back street craven passage lies a lovely old pub unusual that it has another pub on the other side, food and drink was excellent and the fish n chips were ammmazzzing I can see why this pub is very popular Highly recommended

Dave Ockenden

My boyfriend insisted on us seeing this pub and it definitely lived up to the hype. Really cool history throughout while maintaining a fun casual vibe. Although the outside looks busy it’s still very easy to get a drink.

L Kess