Old Ship Inn

Something has happened at the ship in Hackney. The last time we skulked through the tight alleyway and in the backdoor here, this was a blandly modern pub without an ounce of originality running through it. Granted, the new Old Ship might not score high on originality but the vintage tattoo style branding, stylish white wall tiles and the emphasis on craft beer, ‘hard liquor’ and trend-based street food is a step up. And if you really like it when you visit, then you can stay upstairs in the 10-room boutique hotel.

Large and loud, the Old Ship has grown a new personality. The décor, drinks and snacks might be a symptom of the changing Hackney Central, but the clientele is still a fair representation of the area. Unlike say, The Cock, around the corner, the Old Ship seems like a welcome-all type of place where it’s not just artisan ale on the minds of those drinking here. We like that. Onwards and upwards, a menu of burgers, chicken wings and “good old fashioned basket food” is appealing in its simplicity and while this by no means feels like a serious beer pub, the options are fairly extensive behind the horseshoe bar.

Aside from the food, drink and pleasingly Hackney atmosphere, the pub puts some work into its goings on. Sundays are about roasts, records and quizzing, the alleyway in from Mare Street acts as a temporary gallery space and if the music is ever disappears then that could just be that it’s because Eurovision and the likes are getting some screen time.