The Old Ship - Hammersmith

The Old Ship is a historic pub in Hammersmith, London, serving as an inn since 1722. It's housed in a grand building, often compared to a Roman villa, with prime views over the Thames as it bends around Barnes. The pub is considered one of the best spots to watch the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race live.

The Old Ship is much older than it appears, with records from the Court Rolls of the Manor of Fulham mentioning it as early as the 1600s. The pub’s porch, dating back to the 17th century, is Grade II listed and still stands behind the main bar. Initially, the pub faced away from the river, but it was rebuilt in 1850 to take advantage of the waterfront, with the new entrance facing the Thames.

The pub has a riverside terrace, a veranda, and a charming railed-in patio. Inside, there’s a large lounge bar with modern decor, along with a separate restaurant area. The Old Ship offers a good selection of drinks, including ales, craft beers, and fine wines, alongside a seasonal British menu. Some visitors rave about the quality of the food and the beers on tap.

The pub has had its share of challenges. It was nearly demolished during the construction of West Middlesex Water Works, but it was saved because of its important riverfront landing stage. Until the 1960s, the pub was cut off from the Thames Path, and the only way in was through a passage that ran behind Lord Napier Place.

The Old Ship previously served as the headquarters for the Eyot Sailing Club. The pub has hosted many events over the years, including the first annual dinner of the Old Ship Slate Club in 1904.

Historically, the pub has attracted attention from locals and historians alike. While writing for the ‘Panorama of the Thames’ project, Jane Bain and Georgina Williams noted that while not much is documented about the Old Ship, it was recognized in 1915 as an ancient building, with parts of it dating back to the time of Charles I.

The Old Ship has seen its fair share of history, including a tragic incident in 1941 when the licensee, Arthur Riddle, was found shot in the boathouse and later died in hospital. But the pub has endured, earning the "Pub of the Year" title from the Evening Standard in 1978.