The Ship, 12 Gate Street

The Ship, 12 Gate Street, WC2A 3HP

A wedge-shaped gem of a pub hidden on a narrow lane between Holborn and Lincoln's Inn Fields. It was established in 1549 and for some reason was rebuilt in 1923. It has been the haunt of some famous (and not so famous) historical figures. The name that caught my eye was John Smeaton, the civil engineer for the Eddystone Lighthouse near Plymouth. Nowadays it seems popular with local office workers who have the option of visiting the upstairs bar and restaurant. I preferred to remain downstairs and sample of the two excellent guest ales served by the friendly staff. Not bad.

Reviewed by Paul Melton, Oct 2004

Telephone: 020 7405 1992

Nearby pubs: The Old Red Lion, 72 High Holborn (160 metres), Princess Louise, 208 High Holborn (190 metres), Hercules Pillars, 18 Great Queen Street (180 metres), The Newton Arms, 33 Newton St (180 metres)

Nearest station: Holborn, Zone 1 (60 metres)