please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Nice place worth a visit (pick your time if you're not into the music). Good beer.
|
Nice dark little metal pub. Served a decent pint of ale. Not my usual sort of place, a bit dark, a bit loud. But it was still good, and if that's your thing, I'm sure this is the place for you in Croydon.
|
It's a bit dark in there and I'm not into metal.
|
The outside is being decorated, possibly prompting another visit,the improvement over the last couple of years has been vast but has gone unrecognised as it still falls a bit short on its peer group of pubs.
|
After years in Croydon, i only ventured in this pub recently, as always heard it was a bit of a grunge and goths haunt.
While to an extent this is true, this place has a charm to it. While the music gets extremely loud on a Saturday evening, and its of hard rock and metal lines (although im sure they have different types on different evenings) the staff and clienette are friendly, and the beer/ale range is decent and extensive.
Not for the stiff upper lipped, if that even exists in Croydon, it maybe a starting point for the Black Sheep, but its worth a pop in at the right time
|
What a strange pub it is to dark for me. The beer was good,
|
Spiritandmixer, I'll forego a visit to the Ship if they are pouring back the spent ale into the Bank's Bitter, the effect on my system would be catastrophic, ..erm you could say i'd prefer to remain anally retentive than risking a visit.
|
Slerpy. have you really had a good look at this pub lately? The toilets are disgusting, the ceiling paper is all peeling off, they use the fire escape as a smoking area which is littered with crap. The place totally smells of sweaty metallers. urckh.
A word of warning, do not drink the Banks bitter, it gets poured back in from the drip trays.
|
A couple of points looking back at the reviews. The beer has improved greatly since I last wrote on here and, yes, whoever it was who wrote about the wizard and the cat- either it's true or we both had the same alcohol-soaked delusion!
|
Millay's Croydon reviews are superb. The only one that I very slightly disagree with is the Ship. I understand that it has some way to go but at least a baby is being passed around rather than appearing on the menu ! The real ale was totally undrinkable a year ago and is now good, the range has been extended. A casual outsider would not see the changes but this pub has transformed itself,yes some way to go but now in Physio rather than on the critical list.Whilst not the only genuine pub in town certainly "beer barns" predominate.The Ship is now sailing in the right direction and has found a compass.Whoever nicked the figure head please return it as it added character.
|
Any pub that bills itself as 'The last real pub in Croydon' has a bit of a challenge living up to the claim and, for me, the Ship fails. Dark and dingy with loud and inconsiderate customers who block the bar and steadfastly refuse to move. There was also the bizzare sight of a baby being passed around the bar staff. The Brakspears was pretty poor but I didn't think it was the sort of pub where a stranger takes back beer. Other reviews show this to be a much better place so I guess I caught it at a bad time.
|
The ale served seems to be from the Marston's range which is prolific. Ringwoods , Jennings Banks. Ringwoods 49er is one of my all time favourite beers and the Ship keep it in the best possible condition. Probably The Ship is the best pub in Croydon for quality at the moment.The Ship is the cleanest it has ever been it used to be a bit dirty.The new upstairs function room will boost trade no end.9/10
|
Went in for an early evening session ahead the music for the which the pub is better known. Can't recall the ale served but it was pretty good but the main attraction was the superb food. Reasonably priced, good portions and excellent quality.
|
Beer quality has improved considerably, previously i had not ventured over the threshold for sometime, now worth a visit on my Croydon pub crawls.
|
The Ship, for so long at the forefront of Croydon's alternative scene, has been caught napping by the nearby Green Dragon, who are now arguably the premier alternative pub in town and also a good quality ale pub as well.
The Ship has been forced to respond and it seems one of their first improvements has been with the ales. I had a great pint of Sneck Lifter this afternoon and although their remaining selection isn't wonderful, I'll be back soon to sample more.
The food was also very good.
|
You know you are in for a good night when you walk into a venue and you can find the dj booth in the immediate vicinity of a circle of teenage jailbait, too cool rock and roll chicks, and 40 something mums in make up, the DJ himself, a drunken mess, manically playing whatever comes to mind no matter whether it fits, is suitable of if anyone likes it, fending off all complaints with a swig of snakebite and a cheerful “F**k OFF! Leave if ya don’t like it…”
Yup, the man with the huge ears, who I recently found out is called Steve, but seems to go by about ten different names, ranging from just that, Steve the ears, to the oddly spelt freakboy, (freekboy? Freekboiy? Something like that), an entity who used to back in the day with his cronies holding him up play wholly unsuitable music in the legendary ship of Croydon, (he was apparently supposed to play rock and metal, and in the many times I was there this was the basis of what he played, but seemingly randomly playing sets of Motown soul, rock and roll reggae and dub, electro/ house/techno, rap j-noise classical and anything else that seemed to piss off the newbie’s and/or took his fancy) needles to say, the guy was a legend often ending the nights naked atop the bar or dj booth, randomly walking around the pub abusing people, and being a drunken mess… then I stopped going to the ship for a while, only to return to find he’d quit DJing. So myself and my friends consoled ourselves with the thought Ziggy and Linton still played and found somewhere else to drink…
We caught him a few times outside the Ship too, mostly in London like club x and Dingwalls, and the underworld, tho he was spectacularly thrown out of the underworld mid set for being extremely abusive to the owners better half., much as we tried to follow him he never advertised when or where he was playing and we resigned ourselves to the truth that he really had had a kid and quit.
Later
Over the road, the green dragon rose from the ashes of the hogshead, and with a new music policy and as I’ve since found out Esther wot used to run the ship at the helm, this sounded good so we tried it, found some wonderful bands and some wonderful DJ’s, (mostly ex ship types we discovered to our joy) Sam and les. Benny the indie guy and more. One Saturday we drunkenly fell thru the door around 11insh hoping to catch last orders and low and behold... that slightly smaller circle of women, the hair was gone, but the ears stayed... yes we had found Steve again. He has a new partner, (CherryBomb? Helen? No-one could seem to hear above the music to find out, and the bar staff were too busy dancing to answer tsk tsk) a slightly different take on music, a little more mainstream but still just as random, but still bloody awesome. And to top it all off the Green Dragon was open till one am… the music screamed with what seemed to be 90’s alt. classics, the Dj’s were friendly but took no sh*t as always. We got drunker and staggered home happy.
I’ve since been back on the off chance to see if they were still playing there, but alas, no-one seemed to know for sure, aside of one night a month, usually the last. I have heard that him and his old compadre from the ship did a one off night there, and I’m assured by the landlord that they will be back in the beginning of February and I shall keep my eyes out for that, but all in all, I urge all and any of you with half an interest in the weirder side less predictable side of music to go check this guy out… just look for the huge ears and the loudest most obnoxious person there and you’ve found him, and you know your in for a treat. You will not like all of what he plays, some of it is pretty unlistenable, but the point is he plays it. And anything else no one else will play. Ask him and he will do his best to get it on, just don’t expect him to be polite. Or dressed. Seriously, one of the best Dj’s around today.
|
This pub is not going to wow you with a massive selection of beer, nor does it give a marvellous and eclectic menu from which to savour.
Let's just face it, the pub is like Marmite - you'll either hate it or love it
1. It plays rock/metal - so if you don't like that you're going to be in trouble.
2. It has a wizard. No other pub I know has a wizard. He also has a cat. No, I was not that far gone when I saw it, and my wife who was with me would testify to this
3. Beer choice is limited to identi-kit lagers and a couple of bitters. However the price is great, considering the pubs in the nearby vicinity
4. The locals are a good friendly bunch who despite the tattoos and Iron Maiden T-Shirts are a very pleasant bunch. Never seen any trouble, unlike some pubs in Croydonia
5. It's not Yates - which in itself is a worthy bonus
So if you like rock music and beer, this is a good place. If not, you'll probably hate the place. I seem to end up here far more frequently than I should do......
|
Great pub for metal and rockers as night times there are just ace. If you aren't in to the rock / metalness then i would say to stick going there during the day time.. unless you just feel like letting your hair down and rocking out for a bit in the evos.
I think it is a great little put, a little warm but they have installed some high tech air systems recently *heh*
But a great little place to grab some food and drink. The food aint bad.. so go for it.. pop in
|
I'd echo redjim's comments. It's a great place if you love rock music (which I do) and like it loud. The beer is OK, but not brilliant. The DJ will play requests if you ask them nicely!
|
Never had a decent pint of real ale from this pub, best to stick to Guinness.
THE place to go if you are into rock and metal, great loud music in the evenings, occasional live stuff. If you want decent real ale or a quiet sit down I suggest you look elsewhere, but this is a great pub for music and mixing with exotic goth types.
|
This place was once a great place to eat and drink but it's now gone a bit downhill. They pour their ales back into the barrell from the drip trays, don't drink the cheapest ale as you might not like the tummy trots you get the next day!
Shame as it was once a great pub.
Music wise though it's ok but you can hear the live bands half way down the street so bring ears plugs.
The toilets are GRIM!
|
Croydon is really quite crap for decent pubs (and everything else now you mention it) but this place is definitely well above par - guest ales reasonably poured (Hobgoblin sometimes), nicely scuzzy atmos, not bad at all.
I'm a bit mystified by the previous review - why didn't you go to Wetherspoons in the first place mate? Or a restaurant?
|
Hadn't been in here for a few months due to college and work. However met up with an old mate and decided to enter the legendary ship of croydon for a nice pint and a meal. However we were much mistaken in thinking that we would have a good night. My friend asked for a curry and was replied wth "we are not a wetherspoons!!!". We were eventually sold two curries and they were brought down in six minutes. SO MUCH FOR THE FRESH FOOD!!! Most of the oldclientelle seem to have moved on and I don't know whether this is due to the smoking ban. Very dissapointed with pub. Seems to have gone downhill in a short space of time. Horrible staff, horrible food, horrible boozer. Go to the green dragon or the goose opposite!!!
|
Always a good pub to go to after work, friendly and attentive service and the draught ales are always kept in excellent condition. Was told by one of the barstaff that they just got an award for their cellar, and rightly so, the ESB I had was fantastic. Altough not sure about the funny shaped glass it was served in!!! Fairly spacious area outside for smokers altough will be interested to see what happens after summer. Will keep coming back though for the beer alone.
anonymous - 6 Jul 2007 17:31 |
Nice atmosphere, real ales and excellent quality meals - the best in my opinion in Croydon.
|
as the review says below, great place to come for a friendly relaxed pint. staff make you feel welcome and have a chat to you which makes you feel comfortable enough to spend the evening in here. never any trouble, top place.
|
Great pub. Always come in on a thursday after a hard day at college and always have a good laugh. There are a wide range of beers to choose from in draught or bitter and they are not too pricy. It has a wide selecytion of locals which gives the place a nice friendly atmosphere. The food is great and is very reasonable too. Worth a visit.
|
Spitfire, Pedigree & Banks bitters; tried latter which was in good condition. Surprised by loud music at noon when I was the only punter in the place but was ok and the small stage at the street end of the bar shows it to be an evening music pub. Cheap basic menu inc '2 meals for £4.95' eg Steak & Marstons ale pie, possibly not homemade organic. Bohemian feel appeals to me more than the bland looking Spreadeagle on the next corner.
|
Nice to see there are still pubs that do their own thing. Lots of atmosphere, great not to hear cheesy pop blaring out. Like it!
|
Tis the best place in town Yar!
Nice songs comin out speakers, and rum to drown my sorrows. Live music is good, pricing is fair, anad the home of the grubby and long of the hair!
Pirates welcome.
|
I like the Ship. No TV screens or crappy music (although it has music), reasonably priced drinks, mixed clientele featuring well behaved old hippies, old soaks, old bikers, young long-hairs, new agers, goths, witches, office workers, shoppers, warlocks, the dispossessed. It's warm and comfortable, kind of cosy, friendly, with good service, reasonable range of drinks, good food. Long live the Ship!!
|
Used to be very much a metallers' pub in the '90s, and I think it has yet to shake that image off even now. But for all that that might conjure up, it is a friendly place to all and during the day presents the punter with some good-value food, and a reasonable range of well-kept ales, if that is your bag. Banks Bitter is not one of my personal favourites, but at £1.85....Rude not to perhaps. It is operated I believe by a large pubco, but they have successfully avoided ghastly inappropriate and predictable faux branding.
Not everyone's thing, but nevertheless, an honest, genuine sort of pub.
|
Visually nice pub here, i love the look of this place. Great pub all round, just gets a lil hot when the place is packed. But other than that the food is ace, the staff are friendly and has a different atmosphere to what you would get in the majority of pubs in croydon. (which is a good thing) :)
|
Go for the music with good beer not the venue for a fine pint and a chat
|
Been here a few times. They do a lot of live music and the decor is very rustic. It can feel like you've walked into a goth convention (lots of men with long hair), but if you can cope with that then this place is a nice little boozer.
|
I used to drink in this pub 20 years ago, and even then its "bark was worse than its bite" re: violence and punch-ups. At weekends most people used it en route to the dreaded Underground Club. THE pub to avoid was The Horn on the steps down to Surrey Street, but it shut down years ago, thank goodness. Glad to read below that The Ship is now even better than it was in the 80s!
|
It makes me laugh when people are scared to go in. It's amazing what a reputation from 20 odd years ago can do to a place.
Infact it is one of the friendliest, easy going places in croydon.
Well looked after ale, amazing food all home cooked, the best roast dinner you will find.
Yes there's loud music at the weekend but week nights you will hear a mix of music and a really well known quiz night on Mondays.
Sundays you will be listening to funky sounds!
The staff here are the nicest around too.
anonymous - 19 May 2005 11:15 |
I keep hearing (mainly from rival publicans) that The Ship is a pub to be avoided, apparently because of the risk of getting your head kicked in by gorilla-like regulars. I have since discovered this to be utter rubbish. Went in there during a Friday afternoon pub crawl recently and it proved to be the complete opposite of most pubs in Croydon. The music was varied but at a sound level where you could still engage in a normal conversation with the people on your table. The beer was well kept and the atmosphere seemed to be really friendly. Will definitely be returning soon.
|
Best pub around by far!
GREAT MUSIC...WONDERFUL ATMOSPHERE!!!
|
Best place to hear decent tunes in Croydon. Friendly staff, lots of interesting people to meet.
Beer selection not always that great, and last time I was in the beer quality was terrible, but that's not typical of The Ship, just a one-off. Still well-worth a visit.
|
Been drinking in this pub for 17 years, never seen a fight and the only place in Croydon that plays decent music. I love the place.
Gavin - 4 Oct 2004 14:33 |
Great pub check out the landladies daily specials, great beer aswell
Darren - 30 May 2004 20:37 |
The best pub around!!! The staff are fantastic as is the lovely landlady. If you want to go to a pub with no hassle, no doormen and no attitude then The Ship is the place. I've been drinking there for 11 years and I don't intend to stop any time soon. Oh yeah, try the quiz on Mondays for a laugh!
Grizly's nipple - 15 Apr 2004 20:25 |
if you want a nice quite pub lunch in a friendly atmosphere this is the place for you but be warned if you stay after dark its a completly different pub(in a good way) the music is rockin and its loud every one in there is in there to have a great night pure r & R never encountered even a miner skirmish good crowd.
|
Its a great place if you like metal. I work there and dont like metal but most of the customers are friendly, lots of odd characters but makes it all the better.
Still too hot and smokey and the music being so loud does my head in.
Good fod, cheap drinks and a good place to start before heading to the Sheep.
anonymous - 9 Jan 2004 12:56 |
i like it. i hang out there a lot, and Ziggy is fantastic... nice atmasphere, good music, good times.
sam - 4 Nov 2003 01:05 |
Too much damn smoke makes the atmossphere very uncomfortable and i'm a smoker myself ! In general the staff are good and the people are nice, but the music is too load, its too hot and the air conditioning doesn't work. Good beer though.
piethief - 31 Oct 2003 11:41 |
Currently the only decent place to go on a Saturday night. DJ Steve plays some of the best choons around, everything from Nu and Old Metal to The Banana Splits Bunch! If you like it loud, this is the place to be.
Deano! - 21 Aug 2003 13:59 |
I found the attitude in this pub as bad as any "trendy" pub.
The music was shite and the place
was too packed out. I wonder if
anyones spoken to the local H&S officer of Croydon council.
I could only see one fire exit, and that was the way I came in.
I found the people rude and arrogant.
If I had to rate this pub out of 10 I'd give it a 2.
Nowhere near as good as it used to be.
dark_lord - 7 Mar 2003 13:24 |
Best pub in Croydon if you like a wide variety of rock/indie/almost any music with good beer. Best of all is DJ Ziggy on Thursday nights - like having your personal record collection in the pub. Nu Metal at weekends is a bit monotonous but always a friendly crowd ranging from kids to after-work commuters to punks to ageing rockers. No posers/idiots (unlike many central Croydon bars). Brilliant friendly bar staff - no service with a grunt here. Used to be a bit rough 10 years ago but not now. Fantastic.
Neil - 31 Jan 2003 16:11 |
Register for a free BITE user account click here.
