This pub has been voted by our readers as one of the best in Kennington. See the full list of winners here.
In our poll of decent Kennington pubs, The Ship came fourth. Much as we trust the views of our readers, we have to say that The Ship is a fine pub and would probably have sailed into first or second place were it closer to Kennington tube station.
In any case, you're sure to be greeted with a warm welcome at this old pub, which recently celebrated its 250th birthday. A choice of at least six ales, including a couple of lesser-known guest ales, line the bar. The wine list is also admirable, with 10 each of white and red.
The decor feels homely, with mis-matched second-hand furniture, nautical nicknacks, and a pleasant lime-and-brown colour scheme. Speaking of which, there's a bar billiards table in one corner that, on our visit, was being keenly monopolised by a family of locals. Following the official pub crawl visit, we returned for Sunday lunch and can wholeheartedly recommend the pork roast and (for veggies) cauliflower and blue cheese.
With a weekly quiz night (Tuesdays) and regular live music, The Ship would make an ideal local. Indeed, you could actually live here, with several suites offering accommodation.
Bonus fact: the pub appears in 1971 film Melody, little known on these shores, but a cult classic in Japan.