The ship in wandsworth is an iconic local for us south west Londoners. Over the years I have spent many a long summers afternoon there enjoying multiple pints and general gaiety.
I have never particularly taken much notice of the food that is on offer apart from the infamous barbecues. This changed somewhat for me quite recently when I bowled along for an impromptu shepherds pie, it was really excellent, well seasoned unctuous minced lamb with a buttery potato topping served with al dente green beans. I then started to investigate a bit further to ascertain what was going down in the kitchens on jews row.
It became apparent that since the last time I ate there, probably over four years ago, new management was in place along with a new chef.
I have wondered along on various lunch times and evenings since that 'shepherds pie visit' and have been really impressed with the vibrant feeling about the place. Yes it has always been busy but it seems like the pub is 'flying' nowadays. Team ship; Osh, Emma, Phil and David in the kitchen are great hosts and deserve much credit for making the ship such a fun place to visit.
Thankfully youngs/charles wells the owning brewer has allowed the ship to stock the delicious and local wandle brew from sam brooks brewery so great bitter is on offer amongst the lagers and wines. The youngs best bitter has never been the same since production shifted to bedfordshire from wandsworth
As for the food, David has done a great job with the menu, he is a very enthusiastic, driven chef who clearly has high demands for the quality and innovation of cooking that comes out of the kitchen.
I was invited along recently to try the new spring summer menu and was impressed; starters of crayfish cocktail, asparagus with perfectly poached egg and a very good hollandaise, nicely caramelized scallops with fresh pea tortellini shone. A memorable main course of new seasons lamb with kidney, black pudding, mash potato and broad beans worked well, the lamb rump and kidneys cooked pleasingly blushing pink. Dessert lovers will not be disappointed either with winning dishes such as orange panacotta with poached rhubarb and sticky toffee pudding on offer.
I have been told by friends that the sunday roast the ship offers is superb, and they bat on serving it all day. It really is a well run, punter friendly pub.
There is also quality live music on all the time and I am told it IS the place to be if you fancy a large sunday evening. They are consistently drawing big, fun crowds. The riverside garden is one of the best I have seen thameside.
I am lucky enough to be local but really the ship is worthy of a special visit. Great beer, good quality, well prepared restaurant food or an accessible, efficient and tasty barbecue plus a great garden, live music and an undoubted warm welcome awaits.
Something for everyone.
The Ship
41 Jews Row
Wandsworth
London SW18 1TB
