please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I was looking forward to visiting this Sam Smiths pub, but it was ruined by the attitude of the staff who couldn’t care less the quality of the beer. On a positive note there is a great view of the river, but will not be returning.
|
A perfectly nice Sam Smiths pub, but unfortunately the bar-staff are utterly useless and unbelievably rude. Don't expect to get served in order, or to be able to ask politely whether the upstairs section is open or even make eye contact with the bar staff without getting a barrage of sarcasm and passive aggression.
|
Had high expectations of this pub. Visited late afternoon on a Thursday. Not that many people - mainly tourists drinking lager. Thought the pub lacked atmosphere, particularly after The Grapes further along the Thames Path. Worst pint of OBB I have ever had in Sam Smiths pub - vinegary and stale.
|
Visited just after opening time yesterday lunchtime. Normal Sam Smiths beer range, OBB was good. Great views of the river.
|
Visited on a Saturday lunchtime after Turner's Old Star. As stated elsewhere typical Sam Smith's offering, OBB et al. Good pub, great views of the river and 2 friendly bar staff.
|
5th and final pub of my short crawl of Wapping and we decided to finish it here in this quality Samuel Smiths pub
Around 9pm when we arrive and it’s busy inside and out.
A full compliment of Sam Smiths ales and lagers on tap and in the fridges. I had several pints of Best and treated myself to a £12.00 bottle of Yorkshire Stingo. A beer that is limited edition and in my eyes was worth the money…it was handsome.
Only one barmaid one at the time of my visit but she was very competent and speedy.
Drinks purchased we took a seat in the nice outside area and soaked up the atmosphere.
Historic pub with plenty of history and in a great location.
My review this time is much better than from my last visit when it was winter and the pub felt incredibly dark inside…in the summer it’s a cracker and a must visit along with the Town of Ramsgate.
|
Situated in former warehouses this riverside pub is roughly 2-3 minute from Wapping station. The pub itself is on 3 floors - the top floor being a function room. The interior is very traditional which you'd expect from Sam Smith's boozers with great views of London and the Thames from the beer garden and other parts of the pub.
The 1st floor is the restaurant area with typical S Smiths fayre being served. The food was good and fairly priced, nothing out of the ordinary it has to be said. Again, the beer is OBB, Alpine Lager etc, exactly the same as you get from other Sam Smith's outlets. The atmosphere in the pub was relaxed and suitable for families if visiting in the daytime.
This was an enjoyable visit, the staff were friendly with the pub having a welcoming feel to it. It's worth a visit to The Captain Kidd if you're in the vicinity.
|
Second time I've had a bad experience here in the last 3 months. The staff clearly don't know what they're doing and a couple had a seriously bad attitude. A pleasant pub but has a desperate air of misery once you walk in. The terrace is pleasant but I wouldn't return until the shambles behind the bar get their act together.
|
After seeing that they have just one (of their own) ale(s) on pump, I went to the Rochester down the road where their was a fine choice. There is no excuse for this when all other pubs and bars are waking up to the renaissance in ale driven by youthful micro breweries. Avoid.
|
With reference to the previous review by "Uncle Dunkle", he states that hand pulled real ale is not available in The Captain Kidd - strange because Sam Smiths Old Brewery Bitter certainly was on sale in there (on two hand-pumps) when I was in there two days ago. As a fairly regular visitor to the pub, it's been many years since keg beer was all that was available in there. As to the price of the Sam Smiths bottled beers - yes, some are expensive though I don't remember seeing one for than £12. Regarding price lists - last time I looked there was one on almost every table inside the pub. I fear - as we say in the East End - "Uncle Dunkle" is talking "bollocks". Yes, The Captain Kidd is a bit of a tourist trap - it would be because it's slap bang on Thames with stunning views. But the one thing it's not is expensive (just over £3 per pint) unless you want you sample some of their more "exotic" bottled beers - check first!
|
A Tale of Piracy on Dry Land
~~~Or~~
The Sting(o)
Wandering alsong the Thames Path one fine spring day, having already called at my old haunt, the Prospect of Whitby (on excellent form, BTW), I notice a new kid on the block...the Captain Kidd to be precise.
It's a Sam Smith pub.
I cut my drinking teeth in Sam Smiths..although a southerner. I went to Uni in Yorkshire and their brewery best was on sale for 49p a pint, back in the day, I consider them a good value brewery, or used to...
Nostalgic rambling over. I went in and stated peering at the bottled beer selectoion. (Britains most mystifying real ale brewer seem to have lost interest in actual hand pulled real ale some time ago). They had a new one called Yorkshire Stingo.
I only had about 7 quid cash on me, utility I optimisitcally assume that would cover just about any bottled beer. I was wrong. I was wrong. The barman removed the top and asked for 12.45. Feeling stung, I demurred, and ambled towards the exit, only to find him physical blocking my path
He stated that the price, which he had nor seen fit to pre-warn me about, was on the price list, which if course was written in minuscule type and hung in the darkest corner in accordance with the standard scam perpetrated by most pubs. He ...Australian and at least 20 years younger than me ...also informed me that I was a "rookie".
After I delivered him a number 3 Paddington Bear (rhyming slang for stare), I was allowed to leave without injury.
Two words: "trap" and "tourist".
|
A great example of why pubs tied to a brewery are so poor. Everything on offer is such poor quality so seek ye a decent pint elsewhere. The brewery ethic seems to be to try to please everyone yet contrives to please no-one.
|
I hadn't been in this pub for a couple of years, and always had fond memories of it. Alas it has become awful. They've divided up where you can and can't have food, gained the most surly staff I've come across in a while, and generally taken all the loveliness out of what should be a great Sam Smith's pub.
|
I hadn't been in this pub for a couple of years, and always had fond memories of it. Alas it has become awful. They've divided up where you can and can't have food, gained the most surly staff I've come across in a while, and generally taken all the loveliness out of what should be a great Sam Smith's pub.
|
Nice looking pub, if you like what appears to the Wapping aesthetic, which I do, with good outdoor space. But further to the below, if their limited selection of weirdly branded not great tasting beer which makes you feel extra ropey in the morning is good value then I can take that hit, but if it's not (£8.30 for two pints) then it isn't that appealing.
|
WHAT A FANTASTIC LOOKING PU-oh it's a Sam Smiths, keep walking.
|
Nice Pub, pity they haven't got any decent beer.
919er - 16 Feb 2013 12:18 |
I used to be a regular-ish visitor, but is it really as bad as the reviews say? Is t ever worth going back to an old haunt? What do the people really think?
|
Was in here the other day and was absolutely disgusted at how Sam Smiths have smashed their prices up to poncey Clapham Bar levels, I used to have a walk up to this pub to have a relaxing pint and now, judging by the prices, has turned into some ghastly tourist trap. £4.25 for a pint of pure?? It was acceptable to drink this when it was cheap as the inevitable hangover was offset by the cheap evening, now at that money, this is just overpriced diabetics pee, there is nothing pure about it for that price, a large glass of wine was over £6, this looked like it had come out of an old fashioned lemonade bottle.
Arrrghh, I am so angry because I love Sam Smiths, and actively tried to get mates to go to their pubs as they are usually in great buildings. If these price rises are across the chain I wont be going back. I am genuinely upset. I'm not adverse to paying a bit more for a good pint, but these rises feel like being testicularly cuffed.
8 for the location, 1 for the bare faced cheek of the price of drinks
|
Back in Aug 2010, I ranked this pub highly. Have been back a few times since and it has varied between "OK" and "poor"
The management and staff seem to change frequently (confirmed by a "regular" I chatted to) and the last time I went (Feb) the staff were indifferent and unenthusiastic; one of the girls spoke little English ! The previous time I visited, the staff (mainly Australian) were super, friendly and efficient.
So, the pub is still good, but the atmosphere and service variable.
|
If 'ascotinny' thinks the Food is great, Taddy Lager was good and the first floor Dining Room is atmospheric then he must have moved here from the Moon. This once great Pub has been ruined by the Owner.
|
Under new management as of early Feb 2012. (The previous managers walked out, apparently.) The new landlord & lady are very friendly and experienced in the pub trade, which is reassuring - this is a great pub which deserves better than it's had for a while.
Lovely spot on the river, great views, good selection of Smith's beers (the Taddy Lager was good, the Stout better). Food served in the large, atmospheric dining room on the 1st floor - hearty pub fare, not expensive and very flavorsome. The "observation deck" top level is soon to be re-opened, which will make for a great drinking hideaway.
Good atmosphere as always, but seems a bit brighter and friendlier than in the past. We will be going back.
|
Had the misfortune to visit this pub whilst out on a works Christmas meal. There were twelve of us, and some sat at a table in the side section of the pub, while three stood at the bar ferrying drinks back and forward. Apparently the Manager has some rule about keeping the serving area clear (even though there were other people sat at the bar on stools and there was NO notice to say "keep the bar area clear") and refused to serve us because we were blocking the service area. The pub was fairly empty at the time and there was plenty of space at the bar. When one of our group said "I dont know how you expect us to get a drink if we dont come up to the bar" the Manager basically said that he wasnt interested in serving us (casual trade), he just wanted his regulars in. He was very rude and when I asked who I should complaint to, flicked his finger onto the Samual Smith's logo on the beer pump. I have been a bar manager myself in the past, and I would never have spoken to any customer in such an aggressive way. Avoid this place if you want any standard of customer service.
|
Visited here as the 6th and last pub on a friday night crawl
A good honest Sam Smiths pub, young staff, a fairly young crowd, nice enough atmosphere if not a bit nothing'ness for me.
The lighting was quite dark and i know it's probably good for the ambiance, but i could of done with it being a little bit brighter.
Good selection of Sam Smith ales & the Stout that i had was very well kept.
Worth a visit but not as good or charming as the Town of Ramsgate
|
A group of us popped in here yesterday as part of a pub crawl from Tower Hill to Canary Wharf. We found the bar staff to be very friendly and the pub had a good atmosphere for a Saturday afternoon in early December. Excellent view of the river. The upstairs restauarnt was the only place where you could eat. We didn't, we just drank!
|
Returned to the Kidd (one of my favourite pubs) on Saturday 22nd October after an absence of a couple of months. Sadly I found following a change of management it has gone down hill. Unfriendly and slow bar staff and the upstairs room with amazing views of the river closed. This could be forgiven if not for the behaviour of manager at the end of the night. He called time at 10:45pm and then at 11:10pm proceeded to 'encourage' people to leave by aggressively snatching away their unfinished drinks. In one case a snatch resulted in throwing beer over a number of patrons who were getting up to leave. Given the nature of the clientele who drink in the Kidd on a Saturday night this was completely unnecessary and quite unsettling. I won't be in any hurry to return again soon. Sad news for a once great pub.
|
Sat 22nd October. A group of us turned up for a pre dinner drink at this pub. The manager said he would not serve us as we were a large group (10). He said rather brusquely that it is company policy not to serve parties as large as 8. Wapping High Street doesn't have that many pubs around and the taxi had now left so we were stranded. For some reason the manager seemed to delight in breaking this news to us and the people he was drinking with were laughing and snickering and said go and get a drink in so and so pub where they will charge you �3.00 a pint more. Terrible attitude + No manners = 0 business.
|
I had the misfortune of going to this pub in the evening of Saturday 22nd October 2011. The behaviour of the landlord, who is relatively new and a disgrace to his predecessor and Samuel Smith brewery, was totally appalling. At closing time, rung at 10:45pm, he began shouting out to patrons going to all the tables, that is was time to drink up and leave. When he took a glass of water from my table I asked for it back and I was told I could have the water or the beer and not both as he wanted me and my friend out of his pub. When I remonstrated with him, saying that he was not shouting at other customers with more to drink up, he physically grabbed the glass of my beer from my hand and in the process covered both my friend and myself with beer. Other patrons were equally appalled at the behaviour of the landlord. Since this individual took over running, what was once a fine pub, the service has dropped off markedly with people so fed up queuing at the bar that they leave, food most of the time is unavailable, the toilets are not maintained, and the upstairs room (despite a sign downstairs saying that it is open at the weekends) is permanently closed.
I would not advise anyone to visit this pub under the current misrule of the appallingly abusive and incompetent excuse of a pub landlord. What was once a great pub has been wrecked by this person.
|
This is the best place in Wapping. River side and excellent non-generic beers. Not much more you can ask for!
|
Visited last night... Very nice manager, good staff though busy, lovely location and the terrace is great.. Ok so it's the same old sam smiths beer -kept well though - wine list limited, lots of generic spirits which is irritating and the food is also the same as every other Sam Smiths pub.
For the countries oldest independent brewery they should really try to catch up with the last 2 decades where customers want choice and some better food. Food sales so slow that upstairs room with amazing views over the Thames is almost always shut for lack of interest. It's a shame as the pub is great and it could be a little gem
|
Popped in yesterday while walking the Thames Path. Great location in a courtyard with seating by the river. Pint of OBB was OK. Worth a stop if you are walking by.
|
Have given this pub two chances and will make sure we don't go again.
The staff are rude and unhelpful with illogical reasons.
The first time we went we ordered some food and the guy at the bar who looked like he couldn't be bothered forgot to put through half our order and gave us half our food and made us wait an hour for the other half.
The second time a different guy came out and had a go at us for taking a stool to sit outside in the garden and gave us a lecture on how much the stool would cost to replace if we broke it before virtually pulling the stool out from under our friend.
If you want to spend your time in a place where someone is bound to spoil your mood then give this pub a go.
|
I used to live practically upstairs from this pub, and always enjoyed popping down for a half of cider (not a big fan of Sam Smiths beers). It's got the best river location of any of the Wapping pubs, with a wide terrace and low wall so that you can actually see the river (no annoying screens here!) That alone makes it a good pick for me. I agree with others that the food is not great though (even the upstairs restaurant, which is a bit dead, was fine but not amazing when we tried it).
|
There is NOTHING wrong with this pub per se - I've been going there every week for three years now. It's a Sam Smiths. It's on the Thames. What more could you want? The beer, wine and spirits as any Sam Smiths (my other favourite is Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese) are all well looked after. BUT! (And sometimes, there's always a BUT isn't there?) The new three-week old manager IS brutal - little imbibing himself with the chilled-out attitude that the place is famous for. He's a bit of a skinhead, sits there with his skinhead mates and tells you who's boss - whether you want to hear it or not! Great place, but god forbid you should be there five minutes before closing time.
Just to re-iterate; NOTHING wrong with the pub at all - great staff, who'll help you anyway they can, fantastic, cheerful, lovely place to be - just don't be there towards closing time, it's not pretty. The man needs to realise that he's not just shuffling paper but managing people.
|
same as the last post great pub, good service, friendly bar staff just dont like sam Smith's beers.
|
One of the best pubs in London and somewhere I always take foreign visitors, it's a real slice of history. Been going for years and have always found the staff to be friendly, the pub to be laid back and spacious and the views - especially in summer - amazing. Not a massive fan of Sam Smiths beers but am drawn back to it because it's such a great place.
|
Nice pub and location but a shame the landlord is rude and offensive to customers at no provocation whatsoever. And I have to agree with previous comments about the food. Terrible. If you come, come for a beer and check the view. But then move on.
|
Good location, it is Sam Smiths (the beer, not their wonderful characterful pubs), but on the plus side much cheaper than other riverside pubs
|
Good ale, nice atmosphere and a great view of the Thames. Mrs Skatalite's favourite London pub.
|
This is my favourite pub. The staff are so nice. It is always full of nice people not drunks, and the service is very fast and I can usually get a seat because there are so many tables. Good pub for a girl's night out.
|
Clearly the place to be in London on a Friday night. This place is always packed and the barstaff are gorgeous.
|
Awful, awful food. Go there for a beer and a view of the Thames, but eat at your peril. Disgusting microwave slop. Pub grub at it's worst, and pub management at it's worst too. What a waste. Such a great location. So much potential.
|
I will disregard the previous reviews as I had a great experience at this pub on several occasions. The restaurant is indeed missed but I understand it was just a company decision and not anyone's fault. I don't really know the new managers too well but I must admit they are doing a great job in getting this place always looking good and very busy. The staff are very very good and on busy nights they couldn't do more to serve everyone as fast as possible. As fo the food they have now I can only say that I tried a pie and it was surprisingly good!
|
Great pub, great location but rubbish food and management. It's such as shame because other than the crap food & very nice but very inefficient manageress it's a lovely place to go.
|
I've met some classically rude landlords but this one takes the biscuit. We travelled quite a long way to visit friends who lived nearby otherwise we would have left right away. His emotionless staff helped to give the place a cold and unwelcoming atmosphere. I really regret parting with my money in that place. What a shame. Such a beautiful location and such great beer. But please don't spend your money there.
|
Paid a visit with some friends and their young baby in a pushchair.
Atmosphere pleasant.
Even though I'm not to keen on Sam Smiths, beer was acceptable.
Food passable but small portions, although not expensive.
Outlook on to the Thames very nice, with good outdoor seating area (nice for the summer).
Indoor seating varied and plentyful.
Staff quite pleasant and helpful - provided hot water to warm baby's bottle with no problem.
I would go again.
|
I disagree with the other comments posted before the Kidd is a great place to drink and has great views and there is a Landlord who is great and so are all his well trained staff.
Keep up the good work at the kidd great place to drink.
|
What has happened to this place? Go abroad for work for a few months and come back to see the place has changed. Unsmiling Barstaff, no Landlord visible, absolutely crap Food!!! What happened to the First Floor Restaurant, I took many clients there who loved it. Where are the Aussie Staff who had a laugh? Where is that great Landlord with the Hairy chest? Looks like I will have to find another Riverside Pub, BIG SHAME!!!
|
Very nice - but more so for the fabulous view outside than inside - which for example compared to the Prospect Of Whitby isnt half as interesting. Like others have said the fact these pubs have no landlord but just a bunch of foreign girls working the bar slightly makes a place lose its identity also........
|
The pub that needs no introduction. Although I'm going to give you one anyway! Ha Ha Ha. The I believe was opened in 1980 as a homage to Man United captain Brian Kidd.It has a wide selection of ales and a good sit down food area which makes it a viable eatery I particualy enjoyed the fresh bread which I believe is baked on the premises.This is without doubt the best pub in wapping, and therefore the best pub in the world. If I ever I win the lottery.....It's Mine !!!!! Haha
|
Best Sam Smith pub going. A monumental difference having the real ale on now.
|
I really like this pub and now the east london line is open it's just a short hop from home. I like the range of beers and the staff are friendly too
|
Tried the hand-pulled OBB yesterday and it was drinkable but a little bit too cold. Other than that this is a good pub. Iron out that small problem with the bitter and it'd be even better!
|
Must agree with Jimdee on the whole, but having called in today on a quiet Wednesday afternoon, I wonder which I am - local, tourist or tycoon. Okay, I'll admit to being a tourist, but I was the only customer which makes it hard to comment on service and attitude. Lovely outside terrace for river watching, and bearing in mind the relatively dark passageway leading in to the pub congratulations are due to whoever maintains the plants and hanging baskets. Very impressive ( see photo ).
|
I visit quite often and always find the staff friendly. Food is pretty basic pub grub, but good quality and nicely presented. Beers are good and much lower priced than most London pubs. Customers nice mixture of locals, tourists and tycoons. Well done, Sam Smiths
On a sunny day it's very pleasant to sit on the terrace in the sun watching the Thames life. In the afternoon, when the sun goes down, travel to the other side of the river on the London Overground and pop in to The Mayflower, Rotherhithe where the sun will still be out !
|
As a American who lives half my time in London and the other in Chicago, hospitality is important to me. It is my opinion that this is one heck of a hospitable pub.
The layout, the old warehouse decor and the ambience is wonderful. The view of the Thames is a million dollars. The ale here was very nice.
The best thing about the place though is the couple who run it. It was my pleasure to meet Mikayla and Tony, who were charming, genial and interesting people. They seem to know all of their customers names and bring in real nice friendly customers too which obviously makes a difference to me.
A real credit to London this place. I'll be back next time I'm in London
|
Great place for passing a summer evening, the large beer garden overlooks the Thames and London Docklands. It's a Sam Smiths pub so it's there normal beers and great value. Quite busy when we went on Friday but still good service. Would certainly recomend.
|
The best Sam Smiths pub in London.
As you can see from image 3, the beer garden is right on top of the Thames.
Nice mixture of people. There always seems to be fat blokes sitting at the left hand side of the bar discussing West Ham Football Club.
A fantastic spot if the sun is out. The beer garden I mean, not sitting next to the fat blokes.
|
Two Old Brewery Bitter handpumps now on the bar. A sign last Friday afternoon stated that the beer itself would be on within the next few days. A good step forward for what is already a good pub
|
I don't know how some people could experience bad food in this restaurant as I have only great views about it! I know they've changed the chef recently but the food is even better. I take my business partners once a week here and we are always more than happy .The service is always first class!
|
Went to the upstairs restaurant 19 June. Been before and always ok. This time around! The food disgusting, overcooked and cold. One meal sent back, no apology offered and the staff complete waste of sapce. Have they changed management here or the cook? Just completely appalling. Get it sorted and deal with complainers instead of ignoring them.
|
If the previous post about cask ale being put in is correct then it will make what is already quite a decent pub even better
|
Attention all real ale lovers. Just found out the Captain Kidd is going to have a real ale put back into the pub in the next few weeks. About time!
|
First time I have been in to the Captain Kidd since the change of management and WHAT a difference. The pub is clean, the staff are dressed smartly and there has been new benches and tables moved in. A great atmosphere with a lot more suited people than I remember. I don't know what the new guy is doing, but lets hope he keeps it up, it really seems to be working.
|
As with all SS pubs, amazingly kept place, amazing prices, but I can never stomach their bitter.
Very pleasant on a scorchingly hot day. Only negative comment was not understanding what a J2O is - OK it is a brand but I got a dumb look from the barmaid and then the English barman, or manager, said that they 'don't sell branded drinks". Odd as they had something almost exactly the same. Go into a stationers and ask for 'sellotape' they don't look at you blankly even if they just sell scotch tape.
|
Haven't been in the Kidd for about 2 months. Things are different - good different though. New staff who actually smile. Place seems busier. Love this pub.
|
Pleasantly surprised to discover not only a choice of 2 white wines now, as well as 2 reds, but also the option to have a large or small one also. That's good news.
|
what a great pub !! the beer was excellent and the staff knew exactly what they were doing! really impressed to find such a welcoming pub in London. well done
|
Went to Captain Kidd last week to eat in their Gallows Restaurant. We paid �11.00 for a piece of Haddock, overbattered, with frozen packet chips. The lamb shank cost us �16.00 and was described as being Red wine enfused, but did not taste as if anything had flavoured it at all and served with mash only. Not even garnish to colour the plate. Very basic presentation - you could probably have got both meals for �4.95 at Weathersoons. Poor job Captain Kidd.
|
truenortherner... you are a disappointment.. after you have been in London for a few more months you will realise that Sam smiths pubs are a god send. And the kid is a fine example.. just a tip get into Ale and have an old brewery in the summer..
|
Given I am a new entry to this area and a northern lad, I thought I�d give this a go. It is after all, probably my nearest Pub.
Disappointment is what I found. It is a lovely looking Pub, with a great history according to what is written on the walls. It does sadly, lack all I want in a Pub, atmosphere, good food and good beer. I have a feeling I have moved into an area that lives on tourists and cares not for the local.
|
Lovely large pub with excellent views over the river. Not a great fan of Sam Smiths drinks myself, but the lager is passable. The landlord has a great memory for faces! Well worth a visit if you're in Wapping.
mavin - 20 Oct 2009 15:05 |
Good location and Samuel Smith's beer. Pleasant interior but I feel this pub is missing something in the way of atmosphere for what is quite a historic building.
|
Went in for one - ended up having 3. Fabulous location at Sams cheap prices watching boats fly up and down the river and a thunderstorm in the distance. There was a good atmosphere to the place and went back a week or so later (July). Will be returning soon.
Bus route 100 but please TFL, hurry up and finish the East London line as it would make getting to this pub so much easier.
|
Excellent Sams pub, although it would not be among my favourite beers on draft but their bottled beers make up for it (although much pricier than the draft option, the Oatmeal Stout is particularly fine)
|
Paid my inaugural visit a couple of weeks ago and I strongly suspect that I'll be back. Great location by the river and a cracking spot to sit outside - especially when the weather is nice. It was red hot when I was there and I certainly caught the sun! It's a Sam Smith's pub but they don't do cask Old Brewery Bitter - not too much of a problem for me as I had the bottled Cherry Beer which is very good. Further investigation is required I think.
|
Nice setting - especially in the summer, but don't go near the bar food. Worst pub food I've ever had.
|
Love this place. Great river views. Sam Smiths so �2.19 a pint of lager. However please dont be tempted upstairs to the awful restaurant.
|
Fantastic location visited on a couple of occasions with the Prospect down the road it's a decent area to spend a 'touristy' day or night, and always fairly priced Sam Smiths which you either love or hate.
|
Paid my first visit of the summer. Great Location. excellent service. Great VFM. Wish it had some real ale though. Don't mind the Keg bitter, but it just doesn't hit the spot.
|
Popped in on a weekday lunchtime. Lovely old riverside warehouse building with a decent view.
Sam Smiths, so you know what to expect from the beer. I'm not the biggest fan of their bitter, but I'm usually kept quiet by a couple of pints of the wheat beer. As ever, decent prices. Also has a reasonable restaurant upstairs.
Definitely worth a visit.
|
Really unusual place ...great location well worth going to for a pint (or 5)
|
No real ale or Guinness yesterday. However good location and pleasant views over the river. A good stop on the trail through Wapping to Limehouse and the Grapes.
|
The building housing the Captain Kidd used to be a tackle shed when the docks in that part of the world were a going concern. It's been a pub for about 20 years or so. Agree with previous reviewers that it is a shame that they don't do a decent ale. The keg version of OBB is just not as good as the handpump version. But I still rate the pub a 6, mainly for the location.
|
Fantastic building and beams etc, looks like it could almost be inside a ship. Decent tables and space. Sam Smiths beer always does the trick and great value. Wapping is a interesting area to walk around too. Great location and views of the river side. Well worth a visit. 9/10
|
NEEDS A DECENT RANGE OF BEER AND SPIRITS,THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT THIS PUB IS THE OUT SIDE AREA. FOR A FREINDLY PINT TRY THE WHITE SWAN & CUCKOO.I FOUND IT BY CHANCE TRYING TO GET A CAB JUST ROUND THE CORNER WAPPING LANE I HAD A GREAT TIME POOL, MUSIC,LOOKS TO ME LIKE IT HAD JUST BEEN REVAMPED,
anonymous - 29 Jul 2007 17:49 |
Lovely pub, great location. Just lacks a decent draught ale. Unlike a lot Of Sam Smiths pubs only bitter is on keg. Saying that a nice place to have a drink especially in the summer. I pop in there from the City every now and then on the 100 bus. Well worth a visit. Food is nice upstairs too.
|
Done a good job to chuck in a pub near the top two on the Wapping High street Strip.......
|
Popped in at 5 to check this pub out. Sam Smiths seemed to be the only bitter. Not my choice of what I would normally order, but okay pint. Barmaid very friendly, but with only 6 people in perhaps she was lonely! Nice outside area to watch the river, ideal in summer. I'd certainly go back when its warmer.
|
Agree entirely with previous comments about the beer - what is so difficult about getting in a decent barrel of beer for customers who don't like the gassy keg or bottled varieties? didn't pay much attention to the bar staff, so I suppose the service must have been OK, but when I was there in the summer I spent an enjoyable hour or two supping with long-standing locals who were retired dockers and were experts on the area. Gratifying to discover that such people still exist.
|
It is Sam Smith's and in a decent little converted warehouse. The beers on tap aren't very good but the bottled stouts and porters are. If you don't care about your beer then all is well and good for you. If you don't like the rubbish in a box then drink the bottles. If you don't like the bottles the pub isn't for you!! IT's by the river and in a good little area but all in all very average.
|
Was just here earlier on, this is a great little place and another Wapping gem. Not enough choice of beer brands but nowt wrong with a bit of Sam Smiths!!! Just like the Prospect Of Whitby it has a great outside area and is perfect for a summers evening. Staff are all Aussies but we can't have evrything can we but are all nice enough
anonymous - 24 Jul 2006 20:35 |
But with temps like today at 30 degrees C all you want to start with is a lager shandy, made with the cheapest lager which they do for �1.75p. Followed by some cold cider at �2.50p a pint.
Great views and a couple of shady window seats inside.
Friendly staff.
|
Agree totally with Dave the Dog - the classic Sam Smith's conundrum - great boozer, fab decor (see also Citie of Yorke, Princess Louise, Earl of Lonsdale, Sir John Snow etc) but horrible booze and no choice to drink anything else .. one of the great mystreies of our time (as is the apparent willingness of most customers to drink the bloody stuff)
|
Great location, I can see why it's popular. Good place to take people from out of town to show them London is not just a concrete jungle. Wapping High Street is certainly different to most London Streets - alot of history down there.....
The only let down for me is Sam Smiths beers, but that's only my view.... Great place to enjoy a summer evening. Service was attentive too.
|
This place makes Wapping. One of the best venues for a Gary in London. Great beer at a great price
|
On paper sounds like 'ye olde theme pub' but in the flesh Sam Smiths have pulled off another cracker.
The wood beams and rickety appearence is all genuine and work your way through to the back of the pub to something thats surprisingly rare in london, a view of the thames.
As with all the Sam Smiths the beers are excellent value. If you miss your pint of Stella or your bacardi breezer then leave and never come back as we dont want your kind anyway!
Ace Pub for people who appreciate atmosphere and beer
|
It's well off the usual track and worth a stop or going out of your way for, especially in summer, although the fixed picnic table set-up is a little impractical if there are more/less than 4 of you! The food is indeed a little overpriced, especially being a Sam Smith's, but booze makes up for that. It's an extremely popular place for antipodeans over the weekend for some reason.
|
The Captain Kidd is a great London pub. Stunning location, great for outdoor summer drinking, equally as great for indoor winter drinking. The range of Sam Smiths beers are, as always, delicious, well kept and actually have flavour compared to the modern-day crap sold everywhere. Plus they're incredibly good value (although don't drink the Ayingerbrau Pils: it's lethal).
The downside is the food - it's well below aveerage and horrendously over-priced. �3.50 for a bowl of chips is, frankly, taking the piss.
Highly, highly recommended.
jossv - 26 Oct 2005 11:26 |
"If Dave doesn't like the Captain Kidd, it must be great!" Well, that's not very nice! The pub itself, the location, the views, they're all great. But nobody I know, whether they drink lager, ale, cider or whatever, can stomach the drinks served by Sam Smiths.
The lagers taste vile and you're guaranteed a throbbing head the next day, even after a moderate session.
|
My thanks to DaveTheDog for his comments about Sam Smiths pubs. Read his complaint about The Angel on the otherside of the river, which I liked and thought, "If Dave doesn't like the Captain Kidd, it must be great!" And it is!
Visit it outside of the 'tourist hours' and sit in the alcove watching the ferries, police boats, incredibly expensive yachts(suitably decorated!!), a group of ducks which live nearby and just celebrate the world floating past while enjoying a Sam Smiths beer, which is still the cheapest, real beer in London.
An absolute gem of a pub.
mikem - 30 Jul 2005 09:50 |
What is it with Sam Smiths? They manage to find the most beautiful pubs in the most wonderful locations and then make us suffer their revolting drinks! This lovely wooden pub with riverside terrace would be a great summer hangout if any other brewery owned it.
|
My local and one of the best pubs in London. If you haven't been... GO!
Cheap beer, excellent staff, wonderful location, great atmosphere.
Not touristy but very popular with visitors when they find it.
|
Best pub in the world, ever.
Sam smiths chain means its cheap and friendly. On the river with beer garden means summer nights are excellent. Have had two birthday "all-dayers" in here and the staff showed the patience of saints.
|
Very disappointing! Despite nice ambiance and excellent riverside location, food my party had on Sunday 15th May was awful. It was Onion Soup that tasted as if it was from a packet with lump of completely undigestible cheese in it, badly cooked Roast Beef like leather, Raspberry Creme Brulee like the egg custard my mother cooked in the '50s (and she was no cook!) The main course was served luke warm as if it had been hanging around since breakfast. And it was expensive even for this area of London. It was exactly the sort of meal that gives English food a bad name. Only saving grace was pleasant waitresses.
petew - 16 May 2005 13:39 |
Took a bunch of friends here two years ago after a river boat tour. Had a large alcove reserved, the Landlord kindly evicted its occupants upon our arrival. Perfect location, with a great terrace on the river. Its a huge multi-storey pub, with a restaurant at the top, and as such can get very busy with large parties (like my own), feels perhaps a little touristy and tacky but not enough to hide the incredible riverside ambience. In that respect its quite similar to The Anchor in Southwark. Can't remember the quality of the beer, was far too pissed.
|
Right on the river with a small yard area bordering the water the pubs a real winner for summer.
For winter too this is a refreshing break from the shitty city bars, with there be-mulletted essex wide boy clientel.
|
Lovely pub; relatively recent conversion of old warehouse, but beautifully done.
Best time to visit is at dusk on a sunny day, when the sun bounces off the skyscrapers at Canary Wharf. Gorgeous.
|
Lovely little pub and a nice terrace out back overlooking the river - highly recommended. Tourist parties visiting Wapping frequently visit though...
wpjh - 13 Oct 2004 17:06 |
Absolutely fantastic pub, friendly staff, cheaply priced drinks, nice atmosphere, and great views of the river. Well worth a visit.
Craig - 22 Sep 2004 16:35 |
This is my local and I have landed on my feet. Superb, great beer Gardwen with views of Canary Wahrf and really friendly atmosphere. Lovely women as well.
|
A wonderful place. Good views of the sludge by the wall, and yuo can watch the polic boats come in and out with their officers trying to be all cool. Lovely to see the lights twinkling on Canary Wharf away to the left, and oh, the beer is darn good too. Get there.
Lawrence - 6 Jul 2004 15:12 |
One of my favorite watering holes in London!
Stuart Claassen - 9 Jun 2004 14:44 |
This is without a doubt one of the best pubs I've been to for good properly cooked food, with a great atmosphere. If you book a table upstairs in the restaurant, the view of the river is great
Tessa Ritchie - 7 Jun 2004 13:09 |
I love Samuel Smith's pubs, this one is excellent. Nice interior and great view. Good for liquid lunches in the summer as you can laze on the terrace in the sun and watch all the activity on the Thames.
Get a pint or six of Prinz lager when you're in there - bloody great stuff and cheap!
Mark - 12 Mar 2004 20:34 |
Cheapest riverside pub in greater London. It's Sam Smiths so if ya like Ale/Bitter it well under �2 a pint. It is the DOGS ****** in the summer, the garden is a right sun trap.
Dan - 10 Mar 2004 13:14 |
A quite remarkable pub. The beer is very good, and cheap as chips. Where else in London can you around �1.60 for a good pint, and be directly on the river?
Nick - 10 Feb 2004 21:45 |
Good beer (fantastic stout) and the food upstairs is very good as well. Nice view out over the Thames.
James Small - 22 Dec 2003 15:26 |
Fantastic beer garden, cheap beer and good quality clientelle
|
A brilliant riverside pub with excellent beer garden, great landlords and a great restaurant to go with it as well. Samuel Smiths pub.
Anja - 21 Aug 2003 11:08 |
