The Ship & Shovell,
underneath the platforms of Charing Cross Station, is quite unique being
two buildings separated by the Cravens Passage pedestrian area.
They are directly opposite each other and of very different sizes.
The smaller bar, which is tiny, also has an upstairs room called the
'Crows Nest', which can seat up to 25 people. This smaller bar has
a snug and booth seating for more private, homely conversation.
The larger building has been a pub for over 300 years and the smaller
one has steps which lead down to the river, although these have now been
covered over. Both are traditionally decorated with the larger one
being carpeted with a real fire in the fireplace, a TV, seats and
tables. An unusual feature of this type of pub is the ornamental
mirrors lining an entire wall and hops evidently growing along the top
of the bar.
The unusual
spelling of 'Shovell' is because it is named after
Sir Clowdisley Shovell,
from the book Dava Sobel’s Longtitude.
He was the foolish Admiral whose fleet was lost in the foggy Channel and
was erroneously informed by his staff that they were safely off the
coast of France. Subsequently a sailor was hanged for mutiny after
suggesting the calculations were incorrect!
Today we predominately attract business men but being next door but one
to Sherlock Holmes pub we do welcome many tourists, mainly on Saturdays.
Benjamin Franklins House is also very near by as is the theatre.
As a result we see famous actors who pop in for drinks and food.
James, Louise and the team will give you a warm welcome.
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