A Heritage of Hospitality
The Story of The Ship & Shovell, Past & Present
Steeped in history and brimming with character, The Ship & Shovell has been a cherished fixture near Charing Cross for centuries. From its origins in the 17th century to its unique distinction as the only pub in the UK split across two buildings, our story is one of heritage, tradition, and community. Today, this historic gem is lovingly run by Lou and her dedicated team, offering a warm welcome to all who visit.
Our Present
Get to Know Us
The Ship & Shovell seamlessly blends its rich heritage with a lively atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd, from local workers and tourists to residents near Charing Cross. Under the attentive guidance of General Manager Lou and her passionate team, the pub provides a welcoming space where guests can unwind, enjoy a fantastic menu, and explore our unique history.
With its mix of historic charm, cosy nooks, and warm hospitality, The Ship & Shovell is the perfect place to experience the character of London in one unforgettable setting.
At The Ship & Shovell, we’re proud to create a pub where everyone feels welcome. Whether you’re a local, a city worker, or a visitor exploring Charing Cross, we’re here to share our history, our hospitality, and our passion for great food and drink. – Lou (General Manager)
Our Past
The Ship & Shovell has a fascinating history dating back to the early 18th century. Originally constructed between 1731 and 1733 as two separate terrace houses, the buildings evolved over time and became two distinct pubs, The Ship and The Shovell. In 1998, the two establishments were uniquely connected by an underground tunnel beneath Craven Passage, merging them into a single pub while preserving their individual charm.
The pub’s name sparks some debate, it’s often said to pay homage to Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, a 17th-century naval commander who tragically died in a shipwreck and whose portrait hangs over the fireplace in the larger half of the pub, serving as a tribute to his legacy. However, the pub’s name is also believed to reference coal shovelers who worked near the Thames, reflecting the pub’s proximity to the river.
Discover More of Our History
If you’re intrigued by our story and enjoy uncovering London’s pub heritage, explore Tweedy Pubs on YouTube. Their channel delves into the fascinating histories of the city’s most iconic pubs, including The Ship & Shovell. Packed with captivating tales of maritime heritage and unique quirks, it’s the perfect place to learn what makes pubs like ours so special.
Explore Our Sister Venues
The Shaston Arms
Close by in Soho, discover The Shaston Arms, a quintessential London pub offering a cosy retreat with a great selection of drinks, perfect for relaxing after exploring the vibrant heart of the city.
St Stephens Tavern
A short journey away, visit St. Stephens Tavern, an iconic pub steeped in history, located near Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, offering classic British charm and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Old Nick
Close by in Holborn, discover The Old Nick, a quintessential London pub offering a welcoming retreat with a fantastic selection of drinks, perfect for unwinding after exploring the rich history and charm of the city’s legal district.
The Prince Edward
Just a short distance away, discover The Prince Edward in Bayswater, perfectly positioned near Notting Hill and Hyde Park, offering a welcoming atmosphere, hearty food, and a vibrant spot to catch live sports.
The Eel Pie
Nearby in Twickenham, explore The Eel Pie, a charming pub nestled near the River Thames, offering a cosy atmosphere and a perfect spot to unwind after visiting local landmarks like Twickenham Stadium or Marble Hill House.
Fundraising
Community is incredibly important to us and as part of this, we help to fundraise for a local charity. For more information on which charity we are supporting this year, speak to a local team member at the pub or view our company website.
RNLI Water
We currently serve Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Coastal Spring still and sparkling waters and 1p will be paid in support of the RNLI for each bottle sold. Payments are made by Cornish Natural Spring Water to RNLI (Enterprises) Ltd (Which pays all its taxable profits to the RNLI, a charity registered in England & Wales (No. 209603) & in Scotland (No SC037736). Charity No. CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.
Blue Light Card Discount
Enjoy 15% off your whole bill when you dine with us Monday to Sunday when you present a valid Blue Light Card.
T&Cs: Minimum Spend £10. Valid for Food, Soft Drinks, Hot Drinks, Alcoholic Drinks & Accommodation. Excludes Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Easter Sunday, Mothering Sunday, Fathers Day, Valentines Day and Bank Holidays. This discount cannot be applied in conjunction with any other offer. Maximum size of table is 6 people when receiving the Blue Light Discount, for larger Tables the Blue light Discount does not apply
Impact Report 2024
Hall & Woodhouse is proud to present our 2024 Impact Report, highlighting our commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. As we approach our 250th anniversary in 2027, we’ve set ambitious goals, including achieving carbon neutrality. Recent initiatives include £140,000 raised for Teddy Rocks supporting children with cancer, and £100,000 raised by our pubs for local charities. Explore the full report to see how we’re making a meaningful difference across the South of England.
Stay up to Date with What's Happening at The Ship & Shovell
Stay in touch with us to hear about our news, latest offers, and to get a birthday treat from us.