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Cutty Sark Tavern, Greenwich

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user reviews of the Cutty Sark Tavern, Greenwich

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

I'd agree this is now set up for food, but it still has a good range of beers and a great location on the river
vinnnie - 9 Dec 2014 16:33
Another pub having undergone a pretentious makeover. The upstairs - including the seats with the fine views over the River - are now part of an overpriced food-only "dining room". They were sitting empty when I was there while the remainder of the upstairs was filling up when people could have been watching the beautiful sunset with a pint - surely the main reason to visit this pub!

This seems part of an irritating and mean-spirited trend to bilk punters out of as much money as possible instead of providing a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere in which to enjoy a drink, company and maybe some food.

This pub was always on my drinking route in Greenwich. Not anymore.
regvarney - 1 Dec 2013 15:33
4 youngs beers + guest + 3 meantime beers (£4.35 a pint) and interesting largers on tap
Had the youngs gold - dull and meantime yakima red - very simcoe-y
Great interiour, good food at 10.50 for burger / fish and chips.

8/10
legionuk - 14 Sep 2013 20:22
personally i think this has much improved .visited on the 22 june 2013 cant remember when i have seen it so busy inside they must be doing something right please keep it up . not many people outside mind you the weather wasnt great beer was also top notch and a good choice .this is in the gpca top 5 pubs in greenwich
gpca - 28 Jun 2013 12:24
this pub is always on our crawls .great looking building great views up and down the thames ,but i dont know there always seems to be something missing on a sunny day everyone sits outside leaving the inside looking like a saloon bar from an old deserted western town. also the staff are indifferent and look like they want to be somewhere else .perhaps now youngs have taken over there might me some changes as they usually run a tight ship .here;s hoping .all that aside the gpca still love it and would never walk past .still one of the best pubs along the thames
gpca - 16 May 2013 19:57
Decent sized pub with a outdoor seating area by the river which makes it very popular in the summer.
Upstairs there is a huge bay window with great views but you probably won't get near it as there will be a group of drink addled privately educated students sitting there playing scrabble.
Priceyish but not as much as the Trafalgar.
bigaerials - 16 Feb 2013 17:11
Youngs pub on Thames path. Pretty busy when we went in as they had a private party in occupying half the top floor. Youngs ales are not the most exciting but were well kept and staff were all very friendly and helpful. Food was fine although portions were a little small. Imagine it's a nice place for a pint in summer with views of the river.
DuchyBoy - 20 Jan 2013 13:12
Popped into the Cutty Sark last week whilst on a crawl.

Haven't been in for years, but was pleased that it still a decent pub. The location is great - particularly when the sun is shining and you sit outside on the river with some great views. Far enough off the beaten track to avoid the worst of the tourist trade but still close enough to Greenwich to make it pretty easy to get to.

Decent range of real ales and on our visit the barman was very friendly and happy to chat about the beers on offer. A big thumbs up from me and well worth seeking out if you're in the area.
Keef_Peacock - 22 Sep 2012 20:12
Went here at the weekend and was very impressed. Lots of eager friendly staff at the bar (5 of them!) and the draught cider was first class. Good selection of beers and wines, reasonable prices.
Pub is cosy inside, toilets clean and when the sun decides to come out the outside area would be perfect for a pint.
Mattyh34 - 18 Jun 2012 08:12
Found a hair in my chips and wasn't offered a replacement or a refund, awful service!!
Thewill1212 - 16 May 2012 15:53
Needs some enthusiam injecting...beer "ok"
pick_e_tippler - 17 Nov 2011 21:56
Super location but the pub is really tired and needs energy. We visited on a Saturday and it was pretty dead. Barmaid keen but the two other staff watching their laptop at the end of the bar is never a good sign.
bamberg1 - 22 Sep 2011 12:46
I really like this pub having only recently discovered it. It feels really authentic inside and I love the way they've made use of the barrels as chairs. Good selection of wines and beers and a fabulous location on the river with views of Canary Wharf. Had yet to eat there but I'm sure I will soon. Keep up the good work guys!!!!
djfunnyboi79 - 6 May 2011 12:37
Not bad place, proberbly tourist in summer.
loveleedshatebates - 14 Feb 2011 12:48
The website and all exterior signs indicated this pub would open at 11am on a Tuesday. By 11:05 and after a couple of unanswered phone calls, I gave up and headed to the Plume of Feathers. I returned just over an hour later to find a nice riverside pub with a bit of a commercial/touristy feel. Butcombe Bitter and Gales Seafarers were the 2 real ales available, whilst London Pride and a beer called Trafalgar were both off. Aspalls was the cider. The downstairs bar is bare floorboards and is a bit dark. Upstairs looked a bit brighter and offers good views across the Thames to the Isle of Dogs. Most people seemed to be here for meals, with little sign of any local drinkers. Could be a really nice pub. But a little disappointing.
blue_scrumpy - 30 Dec 2010 19:55
Called in on a Tuesday night, place was quiet and had no trouble being served. Sat upstairs by the window, fabulous view of Canary Wharf and the O2. Beer was fine. Can't comment on previous post as didn't eat and no problems encountered. Interesting old pub right on the banks of the Thames. Would definitely head back on a summers day with a chance of sitting outside although their 'beer garden' can't really be described as a garden!!
phill1110 - 28 Oct 2010 21:49
I have never felt the need to write a review on a pub before but this was awful enough to make me. The staff took 10 minutes to serve me despite it being not that busy, they didn't seem to know what to do and were painfully slow, and the girl who served me looked miserable, tried to talk to her but only got a series of one word answers back. Ordered the roast lamb and the pork belly which took ages to get to us and the meat was good but the veg was appaling, roast potaoes are supposed to be crispy, these were like boiled potatoes drenched in oil. I asked to see the manager but after waiting 15 minutes, was told that they couldn't get in touch with him but I was welcome to wait if I wanted too, which I declined to do as I really had enough at that point so we went to the Pelton around the corner and spent a lovely evening there.
I wouldn't ever go to the Cutty Sark again, seriously poor for somewhere in such a good location.
Simon276 - 17 Oct 2010 14:31
Lovely position on the Thames. Beautiful inside and a decent range of ales.
Biggest drawback is price. �3.20 the cheapest pint.
zapsincl - 21 Sep 2010 08:33
This is certainly a total contrast to the nearby Pelton Arms, being a full on tourist trap on the banks of the Thames. It certainly has a great location with a riverside beer garden across the road from the pub that was absolutely heaving on Saturday afternoon.

Inside the pub is done out in old world inn style with bench seating, old barrels for tables and old charts and maritime prints on the walls. The walls are bare brick. Thereis a seperate food bar on the left hand side and further lounge ares up a central staircase. The whole pub was clean and tidy.

There were four ales on and my pint of Wye Valley Bitter was tasty. Talking of which, the barmaids were exceptionally pretty!

Not a bad stop off if, understanably, a little expensive.
flashharry1965 - 27 Jul 2010 11:05
Ale in good nick, great location, nice staff, decent tuna bagettes...what more can one ask for, a very pleasent start to a 'Greenwich Crawl'.
MSE12 - 12 Jul 2010 18:40
this is certainly one of the best locations in Greenwich but in my opinion there are better, The Pelton, The Yacht and the Plume of the Feathers are better bets
vinnnie - 11 Mar 2010 14:00
Love this pub - go here regularly. In summer is great to sit out front in front of thames, in winter very cosy and warm. Great selection of beer and food is top notch - i recommend the steak and ale pie as well as fish and chips. Staff also very friendly and on the ball. Best pub in greenwich.
sir_adam_of_downham - 8 Mar 2010 01:11
Great food, lovely Sunday roast, especially the lamb shank.
really annoyingly when the management changed hands last year the wine list seemed to change for the absolute worst also.. the quality went down to paint striper and the price went up by �2/�3.. very annoying. We absolutely wouldn't order a bottle of wine in here again. The position on the river is really good.. you can enjoy a beer in the summer on their picnic tables.. it's just a pity their wine is so awful, it should be an absolute mainstay in a gorgeous pub like this.
simonmaguire - 2 Jan 2010 17:32
I went to this pub last week for the first time after a recommendation from the Landlord of the Gypsy Moth (another nice pub) in the centre of Greenwich and I loved it.
The ale selection was excellent and very well kept, tasters were offered by the very young and enthusiastic landlord. He knew his stuff and clearly loved his ale and whiskey selection, it was nice to see such a love for his products, he made our visit even more special, he talked to us for ages and made us feel very welcome. His lovely wife talked to us as well and they had us in stitches with the banter between them.
The big letdown for us was the food, as it seems to be to a lot of people, don�t get me wrong, it was edible but it wasn�t anything special and for a pub as special as this, I would have expected something fantastic and different but it was bland and uninteresting. We had the Veg Wellington and the Fish and Chips, and both were bland, not horrible just nothing to say good about them.
This could be the most outstanding pub in Greenwich if they had as good food as they do drinks and staff, such a shame they don�t. 10 for service and drinks, 4 for food.

philday - 16 Sep 2009 11:13
Have recently moved near to this pub, and was really looking forward to visiting as it's in such a great location - great views and close to home as well as the centre of Greenwich.

Having visited, I must say that I still love the pub as somewhere to drink - there's a nice feel to the place and the view are everything you'd expect. However, please don't eat there!

I had read a previous review, suggesting that the food had gone downhill here a bit - this must be a massive understatement. The prices charged suggest a good standard of pub food - but I've had better pretty much every pub I've ever been in!

To be fair, my brother-in-law enjoyed his steak, but the rest was hugely disappointing. My sister and I had the Steak and Ale pie - the pie itself was average, but passable - it came with mash and veg that were all very dry and salty. My girlfriend chose the Sunday roast and you could see from the second it was served that it was an awful piece of meat. Really dry - I've never tasted beef like it!

The deserts were terrible as well - my girlfriend and my sister chose the apple crumble, which resembled vomit more than pudding. It was clearly a cheap, ready-meal type thing - the custard managed to be both watery and lumpy, which was impressive! Yet they still charged about �5 for it.

This place has the potential to be one of my favourite pubs in London, but it isn't. It's nice for a drink - especially if the weather's nice - but the food is the worst I've come accross, and I've eaten in a lot of pubs! Avoid eating here at all costs - I paid �73 for the four of us to eat two apalling courses. Not funny.
DrBurgoyne - 8 Sep 2009 16:59
I have been coming to this pub for years and it is very good, the beer is great and the food is decent. There is no better place to sit on a sunny greenwich day.
greenwich_girl - 14 Aug 2009 16:36
Greenwich Girl - Thanks for the info.
anonymous - 3 Aug 2009 19:00
Well even if the quality of the beer and service has improved the quality of the custom base is clearly deteriorating . . .


DCGH - 31 Jul 2009 13:37
Still a Freehouse - owned by the same family for 50 years now. Just using different brewery for Ales and beer. All spirits, wine and food items sourced from local businesses.
greenwich_girl - 30 Jul 2009 22:50
The big sign saying 'FREE HOUSE' was there well before the Fullers beers came along, so thanks for your entirely unhelpful response. Also this is a pub review site which means people leave both positive and negative comments, justified or not. They should be able to do so without receiving abuse.
anonymous - 29 Jul 2009 12:31
As can be nuanced from the foot-high, white on black writing on the front of the pub that reads 'FREE HOUSE', the Cutty Sark is a free house.
Like I said, people critical of this pub must be either competitors or... WIERDOS.
crossfield - 27 Jul 2009 17:03
This pub now appears to be run by Fullers as all beers are now Fullers or Gales. This is probably an improvement on what went before but the loss of a free house is a shame. Anyone know anything about this?
anonymous - 14 Jul 2009 08:47
The bad reviews below must have been left either by competitors or wierdos. This pub has excellent beer, an excellent location, a nice outside area, a freindly clientelle, and competent staff who seem prety happy to work there. My only criticism is that the beer is a bit expensive. I have not eaten the food, but it looks like pub food. If you want good food, go to a restaurant, but not one in Greenwich, because they're all crap, but the Cutty Sark is a pub, so let's judge it on its beer.
crossfield - 13 Jul 2009 19:01
Took some friends here for a meal a few eeks ago and the Sunday lunch was dreadful. Microwaved roast potatoes. Not good. Perhaps an off day in the kitchen but not good. Beer is still usually good but not exceptional - perhaps a change in guest ale occasionally?
anonymous - 1 Jun 2009 20:57
This is good for a quiet drink and a bite to eat on a weekday afternoon whenit's quiet. I have always found the food to be good. The ale is fine, there is a great selection of bottled and draught Belgian beers and draught Budvar.
Avoid like the plague in the evening though - hell on earth: defeningly noisy, absolutely rammed and the staff seem to loose the plot!
As for the price - it's on the river by the Cutty Sark in Greemwich: what do you expect �2.50 a pint?
flashharry1965 - 27 May 2009 11:59
I am a long standing CAMRA member and I really like this pub, and enjoy the Ale, which despite previous comments is extremely well kept and the price of the Ale is reasonable for a cask mark pub and is actually the same price as all other cask mark pubs in the area.
I find the staff very knowledgable about the Ale and are more than happy to provide samples and tasting notes at request.
It is rare for such a busy pub to take such care of it's Ale and this is one of the many reasons why it is in both the good ale and good pub guide for 2009.

publover25 - 24 Apr 2009 13:08
Hellish!! Amazingly over priced ale. Yes, I know we are paying for the location by the river but come on��How can most of the real ale pubs in town can charge LESS than the Cutty? I asked the moody/quirky barman why the price had increased to �3.25 for a pint of tribute. I was told it was the budget and it was usual for the pub to increase their prices in advance because �we knew it was going to go up anyway�! The place is a disaster beer is relatively cared for but just the usual suspects on tribute, London pride and Adnams. This is a free house and would do well changing the beer or at least being honest and saying they don�t have a guest! Food is also very over priced and mediocre. It�s just sad the place is going down the pan. I live locally and now refuse to drink there. The competition round the corner is improving greatly and I hope the Pelton gives the place a run for there money.
tomtomtom20082008 - 8 Apr 2009 19:36
This used to be an excellent pub particulary during the long summer months. The beer choice is good but it's expensive and almost always stale and flat. I've returned many a pint to the often unphased staff who just don't seem to understand what a pint should smell, look and taste like. The atmosphere used to be cozy but the staff seem more concerend with entertaining themselves rather than keeping the place tidy and serving the customers. The food is overpriced junk. Until something drastically changes I simply refuse to return and recommend any potential customers stay well away. Minus the views over the River Thames ; The Hardies, The Kings Head and The Pelton Arms all have much more to offer.
DCGH - 7 Apr 2009 13:48
not impressed, a dark pub with no atmosphere. the staff seemed more concerned with chit chat amoungst themselves then getting onto serving people. seems you have to be a regular to get served there. did not try the food beer seemed ok but is now on my list of last boozers to visit in greenwich when i am back
pub_boy - 30 Mar 2009 20:40
hmm, I live right next to this pub and it certainly used to be my favourite, hands down. I find now that I am torn between it and the Yacht down the road. Yacht is getting better beer than it used to and is rapidly taking the local trade (decent beers, attention to wine), cutty seems to have bar staff that are a bit too cool for school (i.e. wait for an in with the conversation to dare to ask for a drink) and things like crazy bright lights make sitting upstairs a bit rubbish unless you are lucky enough to get the window seat. Nevertheless the beer is good and the outside wall excellent on a sunny day.
dan88 - 20 Mar 2009 11:23
I was at this pub on Saturday and have to say I totally disagree with the past couple of reviews. The pub is quirky on the inside and charming outside. The food was good pub grub and the bar service was great. It was pricy but location is so lovely i didnt mind. Also it was really busy compared to the other pubs we went to on our greenwich walk. I would be happy to recommed this pub to friends visiting greenwich. It was the best one we visited.
aussiefi - 16 Feb 2009 12:09
What have they done to this pub??? Was in London a few weeks ago, meeting up with some old friends, had a couple in here early Saturday afternoon. Could not believe how bad this pub now is. The old bar has been ripped out in favour of something that looks like it was knocked up in a CDT lesson, a truly shocking range of lagers on offer, the jukebox has gone so there iswas no music and the they have some monstrous fake wood burner in the fireplace. Hows has this been allowed to happen?

Also, the place was empty bar for a few people around the bar, but it was like the end of the world in there, it really was.

Being fair, the bar manager was friendly enough and was offering free tasters of the guest ales, but it felt like he was trying to breath life into something that was long dead. I stayed for the single pint and left. Thinking it might be me I brought my mates back later on to get their opinions - part of me was hoping that I would be proved wrong. Sadly, however I wasn't.

Whomever is responsible of the ruining of this fine pub should hang their head in shame. I despise pub "refurbishments" at the best of times, but to attempt one so half-heartedly and with what looks like half a budget is nothing short of scandalous.

I love this pub - but I'm now in the situation of; "do I come here again simply because I used to like it? Or never set foot in here again because it's tainted all the memories I had of it when it was excellent?"
PigPen_in_the_Fens - 15 Feb 2009 13:23
Well...Went last sunday and to say it was dreadfull is an understatment. NEVER EVER AGAIN!!!!!!!
browny18 - 13 Feb 2009 14:35
myself and the missus popped in new years day as I thought after all the slagging off the place had , and as I hadn't been in for a while itwas only fair to give it another go,as others have said it is very cosy atmos on a cold day,cant comment on the food as I didn't eat but my pint of broadside was tops
vinnnie - 6 Jan 2009 13:57
One of seven pubs visited by 6 of us over the course of as many hours....and elected the best overall for the combination of welcome, cosiness (we didn't want to leave..a cold miserable day outside and good music within) and a good beer (We had Tribute). Yes expensive pint but you didn't feel you were being ripped off....Definitely one to revisit
jeremyb - 13 Dec 2008 08:47
Visited last night after the Saints game at Charlton. We had the top area reserved as the manager and some of the players came back to meet the London Saints. Pride, Tribute, Broadside and Hancocks HB. Black Sheep was off. Expensive at �3.20 per pint. Atmospheric with wooden beams etc and a great view over the Thames.
GuideDogSaint - 30 Nov 2008 15:43
Having read through the reviews that the pub has received so far, my feeling is that it has probably improved considerably since the problematic period this summer. We booked for a family meal on the basis that it seemed a good option in Greenwich that wouldn't be too packed for Sunday lunch.

Staff were friendly and the setting was ideal and I found the beer and the food to be good quality, with Tribute and Hancock's HB both in good condition. With regard to value �9 for the roast and �3ish for the pints (�5 a large glass of wine) it was on par with expectations and the food seemed representative of the price paid.

Personally I was very happy when we left and would choose to go again for a meal in the future.


Adam123 - 24 Nov 2008 11:22
I am a local regular, yes it is expensive and yes it can get a bit busy some nights but basically it is a decent pub, the ale is good and it is where i choose to go for a pint. On winter week night evenings it is an excellent cosy pub.
dan88 - 11 Nov 2008 21:27
my apologies to sarahq, but i can only speak as i find, and having used this site for many years you usually find single entry reviews are bogus, especialy such over the top glowing ones after a series of bad ones, if you bothered to check my other entries you would find some really positive ones and you may not have been in such a rush to be so judgmental,
i hope you enjoy all the other tourist trap rip offs in London as you seem very easily pleased
vinnnie - 6 Nov 2008 09:56
I am responding to the comment left by VINNIE. I am visitng the UK from New York for a month sabbatical and only arrived LAST WEEK!!!!!
I found this pub recommended in the New York Post and when visiting Greenwich wanted to visit it as the reviews in there were excellent!! I find it highly insulting that you would say I am not a 'genuine' reviewer as this is just the first pub of many I intend to visit and review!!! Dont judge everyone with the same eyes!!!
My partner and I ARE real english pub fans and your negative attititue is sadly one of the things that ruins this county. You get the friendly lovely english people and then people like you!!!
sarahq - 5 Nov 2008 17:03
I am a regular in the Cutty Sark, and I think pubfan101 is being too harsh. It can get particularly busy as people come from all over to sit by the river and enjoy the view and the ales. Even on days like these, I have always found that the staff are very friendly, helpful and cope really well, even when run off their feet. They serve food every evening until 9pm. Go during the week when it is quieter and there will be no wait, and one of the 4 handpump real ales can be enjoyed in peace. The best pub in Greenwich by a mile.
prospector - 5 Nov 2008 15:41
I've reviewed plenty of pubs and I can say that this a good pub. Recently under new management the food is good and the ale well kept. Only gripe is the price which is a bit steep even for Greenwich. �3.20 for a pint of shandy is a p!ss take.
anonymous - 4 Nov 2008 20:03
it allways amuses me that these over the top endorsements of places that have had some bad reviews are always the only pubs that these people have commented on, genuine reviewers have allways commented on far moore than just one pub,unlike sarahq and the entries from anskibonankski sound like the letter Bazil Fawlty read out in his restaurant that he'd wrote himself and claimed the chef wrote it
vinnnie - 3 Nov 2008 17:19
I went to this pub on Saturday and WOW!!!!
We went for one drink and ended up staying for lunch and dinner. The decor, the staff, the atmosphere, the food, EVERYTHING was AMAZING!!!!
We were made to feel so welcome, the manager talked to us, let us try the ales and actually convinced us to buy a few pints of pride which as wine drinkers was quite an achievement!!!!
At the food bit, we were served by a lovely friendly dark haired girl (maybe the rude one mentioned in previous comments is no longer there as we didn�t see a blonde member of staff!!!!) The fish and chips we got for lunch were so good; my other half had them again for dinner!!!!!
The vibe in the bar area was so good for a Saturday rainy cold afternoon, it was like walking into a different zone!!!!
LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!!!!!
Visit this pub as soon as you can, its so good!!!!

sarahq - 3 Nov 2008 13:12
I totally agree with pubfan101 this is pretty much the experience I had except that despite me booking a table 2 weeks in advance the lady managing the food part had no record of it even though I had come in and booked it with her - she was rude and had no explanation for us. Good bar service - rubbish food service.
pub_guru - 28 Oct 2008 11:52
I visited this pub a few sundays ago - bar service was amazing, they were very busy but the bar manager took it in his stride and took the time to chat about ale, which he was passionate about, and my shirt which he liked, he made us feel very welcome and the black sheep he recommeded was excellent. The atmosphere in the bar was great, the staff were very happy and smiley and seemed to talk to every customer which is rare.

This ecellent atmosphere made us want to stay and order food, which was a big mistake, the food service was appaling, being run by a manager who clearly had no clue and couldn't cope with the sheer volume of people.

She was surly and short with us when taking the order which didnt bode well.
We waited nearly an hour and saw people arrive after us getting their dinner first, and when we went to ask, she had totally forgotten us and she was very dismissive and rude.
Turned out that they had subsequently ran out of the lamb roast dinners we had ordered so we had to make do with the pork which took another 30 minues to arrive, it was ok but nothing to write home about.
My advice to you is to go to the excellent bar and enjoy the ale and the great staff but stay well clear of the food counter and the blonde manager otherwise it will just ruin your day.
pubfan101 - 13 Oct 2008 14:19
apparantly the new management hounded out all the old kitchen staff, maybe thats why there having so much ag food wise
vinnnie - 1 Oct 2008 12:44
Also I would just like to state that the Management team only consists of two people. There is the manager and the manageress. Due to the illness of the Manageress the Manager has been working 120+ hours per week. They are very good at their job but alas they are not super human!
anskibonbanski - 2 Jul 2008 22:40
I have read the recent comments on here and felt obliged to reply. I am a member of staff at the Cutty Sark Tavern.

In response to the last post (made by Marcoswiss) I apologise for the service you received and I will ensure management are aware of this. Food is served until 9pm all week and until 10pm on saturdays. This should ALWAYS be the case..regardless of how busy they appear to be.

Secondly in response to the comment made before that of Marcoswiss (by Bob_brown) the date which you are referring to was over the bank holiday. I sincerely apologise for the service you received as you clearly felt it was unacceptable. In management defense however, 2 staff were present that day, in addition to the chefs. The two staff present were the manager and the manageress.

Having only taken over the pub 4 months ago they worked this day solely by themselves when ideally another 5 or 6 staff were needed at the very least. As double time or time in lieu is not paid for staff to work (not a management decision)on a sunny bank holiday it was impossible to get anyone to work. Those that were down to work, called in sick. Instead of closing the pub as would have been the better option in this instance, the managers continued to work despite all draught beers going due to a problem with the gas. Due to this, bottled beers sold out. In addition to this the pdq machines went down as well as one of the tills playing up also. On top of all of this the toilets got blocked by an inconsiderate customer. When you have a queue of about 400 people outside your pub and there are only 2 staff working, one of whom is not well (which is the reason they will be leaving very soon) and with so many technical problems the only option I would see would be to close. However, the management continued to try their best in an incredibly bad situation and of course, provided a less than perfect service. They were deeply upset at the comments made on this board and again I felt obliged to reply.

Please accept my own and the managements apologies in providing a less than perfect service. We invite you to visit the pub on another day and hope that the service then will be second to none. However, as I have already stated, the current management, unfortunately, will be leaving shortly due to one of them being unwell.

anskibonbanski - 2 Jul 2008 22:37
One of my favourite local pubs , great location but as with bob brown food was not forthcoming. Last night, having checked that food was on until 9 as it said on the menus, we went to order at 8.45 to be told "the chef is too busy so the kitchen is closed - err sorry". Well good luck to them if they can't be bothered to take the trade when they have it. I fear for them if and when we hit recession - they might then regret not bothering a bit more.
marcoswiss - 2 Jul 2008 09:34
I'm afraid the place is going downhill. I still love the location, but the service was impossible.

Went there with a few friends a couple of weeks ago. Long wait for service. EVERY draught beer was off except extra-cold Guinness and cooking lager, and even that didn't taste quite right. Not even any cider. We asked about food and were told that they didn't do food, even though there were menus on the tables.

"Oh we've stopped now because we don't have enough staff to do food any more" Which might be true of course.

This looks like a management disaster turning into a beer disaster.


bob_brown - 8 Jun 2008 18:27
I've had some bad experiences with service here but there appears to be a change of management and I found things much friendlier this time around. A couple of lovely pints of Tribute coupled with a delicious cajun chicken salad. Good stuff and I am much more likely to come back than on previous visits.
JonW999 - 18 May 2008 15:56
5 casks. Pride, Bombardier, Tribute, Abbott and guest. Gorenwulf on tap. Sunday lunch was �10. Great view upstairs. Solid wood panelling. Stunning view of the Thames. One of the best beer gardens in London because it's right on the Thames with a breathtaking view. Interesting refurbishment which is modern yet quirky and retaining some old charm. Wonderful view up and down the river. Wood everywhere. Did I mention the view?
SilkTork - 16 Apr 2008 20:42
Unbeatable location

Unbearable beer
Magpie - 3 Apr 2008 18:31
This seems to be a fairly welcoming Greenwich pub with an excellent riverside location. Had the St Austell Brewery Tribute, which was in fine form, but fairly expensive, even by London prices, at �3 a pint. Food pretty poor value � ploughmans at �8.95 that contained some rubbery cheddar and a small pork pie that looked to be of Tesco value range quality, plus an inadequate bit of brown pickle that didn't look good enough to be Branston's. No problem with places charging top prices, but if so they should provide decent quality.
RexRattus - 20 Mar 2008 18:52
Great location. a definite summer pub for the views BUT by crikey the smelll of chip oil!
kathpower - 19 Feb 2008 21:03
Busy - depsite being slightly off the Greenwich tourist trail. Expensive, and beer average. Still worth a look though, and wonderful views on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.
mtaylor40 - 13 Feb 2008 20:55
Well worth making a short detour to if visiting the tourist spots in Greenwich. The good range of ale was very well kept but overpriced. The location is brilliant. I agree with the comment in an earlier posting that the decor seems artificial, even though it isn't.
Dave_the_Bee - 7 Feb 2008 20:53
I really do want to like this pub. N, I take that back, I DO like this pub. But...

The beer is a little expensive, the food is vastly so. Fourteen quid for fish and chips? WHat's that about? You can get a bigger plate of the same stuff for not much more than half the price in the Pilot, and for less than half the price in any of half a dozen cafes within a few minutes walk. Beer is OK - no, better than OK, but not up to the standard you'd want from a destination pub.

Its a lovely location just enough outside of the main tourist drag of Greenwich to be a little less crowded and hectic, but not so far away that those of a nervous disposition risk encountering any of the grottier side of south-east London. And it feels a little fake. It's not fake, its been there for two centuries, but it feels like it. As if some corporate management have taken it over and don't quite know what to do with it. It is aimed at tourists? Locals? Real-ale freaks? Families? Students? Pub-crawlers? Or all of them at once? Bar staff wear uniforms, always a bad sign.

The location is unbeatable. I'd advise any tourist visiting London to take a boat to Greenwich and stroll downriver to it - the walk alone is worth the journey, and you will get a view of London you rarely see in the postcards (literally). And the inside looks like a set from Pirates of the Caribbean. (Or rather the other way round, seeing as this is actually the real thing) Its a great place to sit outside with some mates on a cold dry day and have a fag and watch the river flow. Drinkers with kids love it in summer, there is room to run around safely in the little public square that is right outside the door. But if you are on your own in the evening, or if you want to eat, or if you are up for a session, it can be just a little disappointing.


bob_brown - 3 Dec 2007 21:44
The Cutty Sark is an excellent pub with good atmosphere and friendly staff. For food, it is certainly one of the best in the area, although the price of a pint is scandalous for the locale.

Not quite sure what happened to PigPen with the juke box, �1 gets you four tracks every time.
Fles - 11 Nov 2007 16:50
Nice little pub on the river, good selection of beers and the organic red wine is superb.

Food is of a good standard, and unlike the beer very good value. The missus had a fantastic lamb shank, while my steak and ale pie was good also.
mrse1 - 5 Nov 2007 14:09
The building itself and the superb river views aside, the pub is very large and feels rather impersonal. This is of course probably due to its location and history as I suspect most trade is passing/tourist based. Anyway I enjoyed a decent pint of St Austell tribute in the upstairs bay window overlooking the river, even if it was three quid! London Pride and Brain's Reverend James on too yesterday.

Didn't eat but the menu looked ok, standard pub fare generally around a tenner.
Maldenman - 25 Oct 2007 10:25
There is little really to add- charming old building, great views, pleasant enough atmosphere, and expensive. Actually a lovely place to sit in silence with a pint upstairs watching the river with the wind rattling the windows. However, as a secret cider buff, my little ears did prick up when I saw that they offered a cloudy scrumpyish type of cider. It is complete crap. Basically cloudy strongbow.
Dan_P - 19 Jul 2007 18:47
Certianly not the pub it was, even a year ago. I'm amazed that theu think they can justify 3.10 for a pint of Grolsch! yes, the view and location are winners, but that price would shame a West End pub. Just as bad is the price of tunes on the jueky (though they had a rocking selection from the "Man in Black", so I can't really complain about available tracks). One pound per track! I don't think I've ever seen one quite as expensive. And it ISN'T user friendly. Period.

I will say though that most of the bar staff, are, on the whole pretty good and friendly - Which can make or break a pub. So thats all good. And a pub like this deserves to have decent staff.

It would be churlish to say that the CST is going down the pan, but I think the high prices for music and beers will put a lot of people off. Which is a shame beacuse this place does a liberal sprinkling of pub magic about it.
PigPen_in_the_Fens - 21 May 2007 16:41
great...view, outside seating, staff (on a good night)grim....prices, licensees visage, mixers, choice of beers, juke box, staff (on a bad night!)
haze - 20 May 2007 17:43
�3.10!!!

Absolutley appalling!
davefrom78 - 18 May 2007 15:18
Okay, hands up, I am a staff member (only a lowly barman though), but want to give an honest opinion. First of all, we know aren't cheap - beers range from �2.90 to �3.10 - but we don't purport to be a cheap-drinks pub. For the ambience and the views, and the amount we care for our beer, lines etc., I don't think it is unreasonable. Some accusations levelled at our jukebox are rather unfair - very few people have difficulty with it, and it brings a lot of joy to many of our customers, some of whom come in especially for it. The pub does get shockingly busy at weekends, and yes, you will have to drink out of plastic glasses if you want to sit outside. This is necessary because, as we are located in a pretty and historic part of Greenwich, the residents get understandably upset about broken glass in the road and outside their front doors.

Considering that Greenwich is running out of independent pubs, now Greenwich Inc are taking over everywhere, I think the Cutty offers good value for admittedly a bit more money than the Wetherspoon charges. I am familliar with all the barstaff, and we and the managers will always try hard to be friendly and welcoming, even during stressful busy weekends. Do please come down and give us a try, but I would advise you do it on a weeknight to fully enjoy the experience!
charltonapathetic - 27 Apr 2007 15:00
Not cheap,but a decent selection of ales 2 be had. Really nice sitting outside in the sun aswell all be it with a beer in a plastic glass, 8/10
fat_beer_badger - 27 Apr 2007 07:02
I had a chat with the new landlord about ale selection, with the same point that they are all a bit alike. He showed me the beer list he is allowed to select from according to the brewery, and it is pretty limited so it is not his fault. Having said this he could alternate the Tribute or another once in a while - they had Everards Tiger or Deuchers IPA on the list which were a little bit different. �3 a pint is completely over the top though. Have not been back since this price limited was reached.
anonymous - 8 Apr 2007 18:42
Sadly im a very unhappy local. I loved this pub for the obvious reasons ie the views and half decent (but by no way perfect) ale choice. The views have not changed but the management have (jan 07) and with that the beer choice has disapeared and the prices rocketed!!

They used to have the usual suspects London Pride, Bombardier and adnams broadside. A pump was used for alternating guest ales (well a change is better than a holiday). Previous ales seen have been as far as cumbria.

The new management with their wisdom have not had any guests on since their arrival although they have put tribute on which now seems to be their best seller and a resident. This is all well but they (as expected) are allways busy at weekends and they run out of tribute. which leaves you with the usual.

Their lines are cleaned and in good nik, I think this is the only positive point I have appart from they are now non smoking upstairs.

Finally, the price of all real ales went up to �3 a pint for any of them!! The management now have a heavy arm on "tasting" ales due to loss and the staff are forced to keep a harsh wastage log.

The food menu is now a bit of a joke. All is deep fried and served with chips (or pots) apart from the option of their salmon salad �9.95 or their "fresh" fish and chips �10.95.

Its such a shame this pub is aggresively persuing the cash. I have been to a number of pubs in greenwich & central london which have not reached the �3 pint.

Sorry for sounding so "bitter". Enjoy.
jayjayjay2007 - 3 Apr 2007 19:48
Great pub, great atmosphere, friendly staff and even friendlier customers. I wish Greenwich had more of the same (But 'Greenwich Inc' will make sure that never happens)
Citizen01 - 26 Mar 2007 17:23
Been a while since I've been round these parts, so was glad to get back to one the best pubs in the Greenwich area. Shocked to find that the prices had gone up somewhat and even worse was the new jukebox. How they can justify a pound per song is beyond me! Even worse is the GUI on the jukebox - I gave up after trying to locate some ddecent music and ended up putting on whatever. Shocking.

That said, this fine old pub has lost none of it's atmos and charm in the intervening 18 months since I was last here (Christmas 2004). And will always make a point of popping in when in London.

Oh, and it seems to have got slightly busier than I the last time I was here.
PigPen_in_the_Fens - 22 Mar 2007 13:10
Prices have gone up, although how this is justified I don't know. Now �3 for a pint of Tribute. This is daylight robbery.
anonymous - 23 Feb 2007 22:19
Have enjoyed some good evenings here but this could be influenced by usually beong the last pub on the crawl round Greenwich. Food looks good although not tried it myself.

Beer is fine and always have a least one draft cider.
DrWatson - 8 Feb 2007 16:37
Starting point for a works pub crawl a couple of days ago. London Pride was very good and the atmosphere was relaxing as the pub was quiet. We didn't have food but some tables around us did and it looked excellent.
nrj746 - 22 Dec 2006 11:52
Seems to have changed managers recently - 2 or 3 months back. They now appear to stock a more limited range of similar ales and occasionally they run out - unthinkable previously.
anonymous - 4 Dec 2006 21:45
A tourist pub. Should be miles better than it is. Expensive and rude barstaff. Wouldn't bother with it. Plays some awful music. Smack My Bitch Up by the prodigy playing recently. Not really what this place deserves. Masquerades as some sort of great historical drinking establishment. Its not.
davefrom78 - 15 Nov 2006 15:02
Really nice pub, very good atmosphere. If you fancy a quiet one, then this is your best bet in Greenwich. Nice place to kick off your night.
easyskip - 14 Nov 2006 17:48
Enjoy it while you can! Greenwich Inc has its greedy little eyes on this one!!
anonymous - 7 Nov 2006 11:39
Last in here just before Christmas 2005. One superb pub. And away from the tourist trail which so blights Greenwich. Enjoyed some excellent company that night.

Times change and time waits for no man. Even the Pig. Will hopefully be able to enjoy a few jars whn next in the smoke. Hopefully later on this year - the view seems to be better int he winter as well!

Rock on!!
PigPen_in_the_Fens - 6 Sep 2006 21:34
Nice enough inside but a bit lacking in atmosphere for some reason.

There is a restaurant that I really wouldnt recommend eating in. Fish and chips for just over a tenner presented oily soggy haddock in a thin greasy batter dumped on a bed of overcooked peas and limp salad. This was paired with a pile of unpleasant undercooked prefrozen chips.

My partners vegetable pie was practically cremated and served with the same undercooked chips as my meal. Nasty. The staff are very nice but thats about the only saving grace.
ruggedtoast - 14 Apr 2006 16:07
one of the best pubs in Greenwich, seating area outside with fantatasic views of the river. Welcoming and with good food too.
dynamicbaddog - 3 Apr 2006 13:40
This place is awesome... excellent pub, great couple running it. No better place to enjoy the river in the summer. The Greenwich meridian laser goes overhead... AND, I'm reliably informed it points at a rock in Essex, not into space, so it can never blind a passing pilot (just to settle everyone's favourite boozed up discussion when looking at it :-).
anonymous - 1 Apr 2006 00:44
Fantastic Pub with a proper bar man. No nonsense service, remembers your order, is polite and courteous with out being obsequious. Top gent.

The pub its self is fantastic.

Its quite simply everything a pub should be.

Jesper - 30 Mar 2006 17:31
Best pub in all Greenwich. Great authentic interior and some good bitters. Nice view of the river and the Millenium Dome too. It's definitely worth the walk from Greenwich town centre. Let's hope they don't go and ruin it like they did to The Cricketers.
JamesW - 16 Mar 2006 01:05
By the way - great punters too - unlike much of the rest of the south-east London pubs!
BlueStringPudding - 18 Feb 2006 20:59
One of the best pubs I've ever been to in my life and was my local for several years (not the nearest pub to my house, but I walked the extra distance coz it was so great!)

Landlord and landlady are wonderful - bar staff are very attentive and have a great sense of humour and the beer is marvellous. They also have a really good selection of swish single malt whiskies and one of the bar staff really knows what he's talking about ans can talk you through tasting them.

And the jukebox has an amazingly wide choice of music - everything from Aka Bilk to Abbaand Athlete; Motown to Morrissey and Metallica; Sinatra to Starsailor and Suzi Quattro; Pink Floyd to Prodigy and Elvis Presley. Often, though you can just have a quiet pint - which is great.

Marvellous food, stunning 17th century coaching inn, unique location (over-looking the river Thames as well as the modern Docklands sky-scrapers in the distance - magnificent when reflected in the water at night). Can't recommend it enough.
BlueStringPudding - 18 Feb 2006 20:57
My local with many good points but spoilt by one phenomenally surly and rude member of the bar staff who actually lead to myself and a mate walking out last time I was there. Won't be back soon. Stupid policy of reserving tables when a) they don't have the space to do this b) it annoys people sitting down to have a reserved sign placed on the table (whilst still eating) without a word of apology. If you are going to do this have a denoted restaurant section as at the Trafalgar.
JonW999 - 14 Feb 2006 14:05
Popped in last week with an old friend, beer was good, food was good. ONly thing to moan about? The new "Internet" Jukebox! Not good. Another sign of "progress"!!

Still, had a very cosy night though. Just love this place!
Robbo73 - 30 Dec 2005 18:25
This is a great little pub. I went for Sunday lunch today having read the reviews here, and it was fantastic.
rbristow - 4 Dec 2005 21:53
I was there during the early part of yesterday evening. We got a good table upstairs overlooking the river and I drank excellent Adnams Broadside. We didn't want to eat but the food looked good. The bar staff were very pleasant and helpful and the clientelle seemed calm and civilised. I'll revisit when I am in the area.
Padger - 13 Nov 2005 21:25
Lovely in the summer when you can sit outside admiring the view and cosy in the winter too sitting around old beer barrels.
Good food served and full of character but a bit out the way to be a regular haunt.
Esty - 27 Sep 2005 12:52
I love this pub. Great food, lovely atmosphere, very friendly manager with well kept ales. I would disagree that it's always empty - it seems to be weather oriented. If it's full outside 300+ then be prepared to wait 20mins (minimum) to be served. Think they had a staff shotage over some of the very busy summer days, but lately they seemed to have sorted that prob out. The only thing that's missing from all of this is the fact they don't seem to have any live music.
durrell34 - 23 Sep 2005 16:00
Ancient pub, originally called The Union Tavern, that has been much altered over the years, but still retains some charm, even if much of that charm comes from factory issue faux "olde worlde" furniture and grand staircase. There is a sad Berni Inn/Beefeater feel about the place, but the pleasant location on the Thames and in the heart of the industrial working class area of Greenwich compensates. I had an Addlestones Cloudy Cider which while not exciting was pleasant enough. This is probably the best of the three riverside pubs in Greenwich.
SilkTork - 16 Jul 2005 10:15
Was at the pub on Sunday for lunch at about noon. Had a great Rib Eye Steak and found the staff to be helpful and happy. My friend enjoyed the food also. Started to get busy at about 1.30pm with no outside benches available, so for a lovely relaxing sunny lunch meal, best advice is to get there middayish.
RichLondoner - 31 May 2005 11:47
Best pub in Greenwich by a country mile, great views, good beer the food, is by pub standards very very good. Jukebox is alrught. BUt the very best thing about this pub is that it's never crowded. Best time to go is in the evening, summer or winter, doesn't matter.
Robbo73 - 14 May 2005 17:20
I love the Cutty Sark
anonymous - 11 May 2005 13:04
I'm afraid I must agree with Matt. What is it about staff from the antipodes when they are put in a position of responsibility. They seem to become obsessed with power.
bertramr - 12 Apr 2005 12:45
Attractive traditional riverside pub with lots of character, friendly service, and a cheerful atmosphere. A great, warm place to spend a cold February afternoon. There's a big range of well kept ales, and the Sunday dinners look inviting. I'll definitely visit again on my next trip to Greenwich.

foxski - 20 Feb 2005 21:04
Got some great memories of this pub from the summer.
All round good 'un.
VickieB - 20 Jan 2005 13:38
Again love this pub - but on my last visit the Staropramen was almost unpalatable. Very dissapointed!!

However the food was good. Am prone to accept that this was just an "off" day for the beer.
Rob - 4 Aug 2004 16:54
Lovely big outside area so an excellent pub in the summer. Views across the Thames are nice as well, but a bit spoiled when you are pestered by boring blokes called Eric.
Kal - 4 Aug 2004 15:54
this lovely old tavern now has night time bouncers why?? an australian manager who closed the bar bar at five to eleven on a saturday night why? kicked my friend out for being under age (her name is Leo and she is over 21!!)doh! another historic Greenwich pub down the drain booo hooo! maybe the greenwich inc posse will buy it aaaargh xxx
matt the greek - 2 Aug 2004 23:55
In response to Nicky's comment about not going back to this fine establishment.

I didn't mean it. in fact I was in there just the other day for a cheey afternoon pint. Sat outside in the fine spring sunshine.

Beer was first class as usual.

Might start going a bit more regulary now. Who knows who you might meet in there!
Rob - 18 Mar 2004 11:22
Fantastic pub, especially in the summer. Scores highly in every category you can think of. I'd be hard pushed to think of a better place to spend a lazy summer's afternoon drinking.
Slipperduke - 11 Feb 2004 15:33
I LOVE this pub. It is everything I think a pub should be. In winter it is lovely; cosy and inviting and in the summer you can sit outside and take in the view of the river. Lived locally for years so may be bias, but definately worth a visit. Bit confused by the comment by Rob... Why if you love a pub wouldn't you go back?!! Think it rates a bit higher than "nice!"
Nicky - 5 Feb 2004 19:09
It's not often you can describe a pub as "magical". But this place is. Has some very good memories for me. Most people say this place is best in the summer, but I've always found it best in winter. As it tends to be less busy.

Anyway, beer is of a pretty high standard compared to some pubs in the area. Andy, not sure where you usually drink, as the prices are pretty damn reasonable!!!

Love this pub, but can't see myself ever going back there. Which is a shame.
Rob - 9 Jan 2004 16:50
big pub big prices but worth it nice beer nice staff nice views oh did i say it was nice
andy - 5 Jan 2004 17:27
Brilliant views, nice staff, my favourite in the summer.
Clarey - 25 Nov 2003 14:53
Well it fooled me and I'm not a tourist! In fact it's my local & I'm a born and bred Londoner. I'll check out the beams & look for the discs next time. A very good illusion & still an excellent pub though.
Wayne - 17 Nov 2003 12:11
Used to work there, the authentic beams everyone raves about are actually the stands from an old greyhound stadium. Next time you go in there look at the beams to the left of the entrance you can see the little discs which marked the seat numbers. Even has a lovely fake fire to complete the illusion. The americans love it. Still a very good pub though because of its location on the river.
anonymous - 14 Nov 2003 11:08
If you like your boozers to be genuine with a bit of history (think Georgian oak beams, old windows that don't close properly and a real fire) AND serve decent beer then this is the place for you. Staff are helpful and friendly. You can sit on the river wall with drink in hand and dangle your feet over the Thames if you like (not recommended in winter!) Try the Hamster wheat beer - they'll know what you mean (I think it's called K�renwolf). Food is average to good, but that's not what this pub's about. Try it, you'll like it.
mindwarp - 13 Nov 2003 16:40
Fewer tourists than the Trafalgar - always worth the extra walk along the riverfront (don't be put off by the power station and industrial bits). Food is not bad - standard pub stuff but fresh, hot, and promptly served. Don't be tempted by a jug of Pimms and lemonade in the summer though! Well overpriced...
Graham - 7 Nov 2003 09:53
Best views in Greenwich and not full of tourists!!
gem - 3 Sep 2003 10:46
When I studied in Greenwich this had to be my favorite pub! I loved sitting by the water in the summer and drinking cold beer! Avoid the trafalgar and come straight here!
Clare - 25 Jul 2003 19:56
I can't belive this pub has got such a low score! 6.4, should be 9.4 at least. Been here a number of times, food is excellent, and I've eaten in a number of 5* resturants before, amazing veiws across the Thames, actually think it's a listed building as well. People, you have to try this pub at least once, it's none better for watching the world go by on lazy sunny Sundays.
Richard Mills - [email protected] - 2 Jul 2003 14:52
Absolutely my favourite pub in London. Has a great atmosphere, serves a wide range of drinks and food. Views over the thames in the evening are superb, and if you like that sort of thing you can sit outside and watch the boats chugging up and down, and take in the cityscape. Worth a visit if you've never been. Not an overly noisy pub - nice for a quiet drink on a summer evening.
Lucy - 11 Jun 2003 19:11
absolutely the best pub in south east london without a doubt.best grub and best service....
Lars Rasmussen - 8 Jun 2003 12:26
I used to work in this pub about 1993/4. Great place to work, wide variety of customers, used to have one of the best chefs in Greenwich working there. I must go back and visit. Sounds like it hasn't changed much.
stuart - 6 Jun 2003 16:55
Best pub in Greenwich! Why everyone always talks about the Trafalgar Tavern and not this lovely pub is a mystery to me. Genuine, cosy, nice staff, good beer and nice food.
Michelle - 24 May 2003 18:33
I was taken there by my (then)boyfriend in July 1986 when we were both a lot younger!! Can remember good times there. The landlord was very friendly & I still have a copy of some piano music I recorded there!! Hope its not changed!
lad_newton - 24 Apr 2003 17:29
Marvellous pub full of character,best pub in Greenwich by far. Good quality food at resonable prices. If staff could shape up and make an effort this would be almost perfect.
arturo_morales - 18 Mar 2003 16:09
One of the only pubs in Greenwich where you can actually site out by the river. It's also away from the tourists which is even better. It's a large airey building so even in the winter it's not to smokey. Worth a visit?
Paul - 18 Mar 2003 15:38
The chairs and tables are all made out of old beer barrels. This pub is a bit out of Greenwich centre, but has tables outside by the river and is nice and welcoming.
Clare - 16 Feb 2003 18:54

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