It's fitting that Captain Kidd should be remembered here at Wapping, although it took almost 300 years for it to happen. Kidd was hanged a little further upstream at Execution Dock in 1701 after being found guilty of murder and piracy; charges that were, at best, exaggerated. The hangman's rope snapped on the first attempt, so they hanged him again. His corpse was covered in tar and left to rot in a cage overhanging the river, a stark reminder to passing sailors of the penalty for piracy.
The pub, like the 'pirate' status of its namesake, is a fabrication, skilfully executed, but not authentic. But don't let that spoil things. Although It was created in this old Wapping warehouse just over a decade ago; the grey stone floors, mellow brickwork and soft timbers give the impression of an ancient pub softened by passing centuries. The warehouse is, after all, a listed historic building and what better use could it be put to than a traditional pub?
The spacious ground floor bar has the Thames lapping beneath its windows, which are open wide on warm days. For sun worshippers there's a substantial south facing riverside terrace. Upstairs, the pretty restaurant has views over the river, a large hoist a reminder the building's previous life. Above the restaurant is the observation deck, which is available for functions.
Whatever its provenance this is a nice pub, in a wonderful building, in a great location. Just relax and enjoy the river views, you may even hear the sound of a creaking rope.
FOOD: Bar food includes tortilla wraps, burgers, hot dogs, scampi and sausages and mash. Priced from £4 to £6. Same times as the restaurant except 9pm weekdays.
The restaurant offers a good choice of freshly cooked food, the menu changing with the season. Starters of soup, foie gras, salmon and blinis, scallops or warm goats cheese will set you back £5 to £8.50. Meat main courses of wild boar sausages with celeriac and potato mash, roast duck, rump of lamb with crispy polenta or Aberdeen Angus fillet steak range from £10 to £20; whilst the fish dishes of monkfish with fennel, red mullet, salmon and herbs, or simple haddock and chips are around £11 to £15. Vegetarian options of wild mushroom risotto or warm feta cheese with vegetables are £8 to £10 respectively. Please note all or none of these dishes may be available depending on the season.
paulk, 2008-09-25
The Publican has not yet submitted a review for this pub.
"A new pub opened within the past fifteen years or so in Wapping High Street. A large venue which until recently I would have highly recommended as it's been my local for several years. However a new licensee took over around three months ago and since then the service has gone rapidly downhill. Woefully small measures given on pints of all description. I have even complained to the licensee about them but he takes no action. I shudder to see some of the inadequate pints served to tourists. I find the inadequacy of the measures embarrassing as a British person to the point where I now boycott this pub. Sam Smiths as a brewery should hang their heads in shame for foisting such a poor quality manager on the good people of Wapping."
