This well-loved Borough-based pub has now closed its doors after more than 200 years amid rumours that rent prices got too high for owners to continue.
The Ship, on Borough High Street, began as The Old Ship in 1805 – and became part of the pub group, Fuller’s in 1991.
In 2020, it was one of three pubs in Southwark listed as Assets of Community Value (ACV) by Southwark Council.
A spokesperson for Fuller, Smith & Turner said: “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we are now permanently closed.
“This was a leasehold site and we have exited the lease. We are sorry to disappoint our regular customers and we hope they will continue to enjoy excellent Fuller’s hospitality at our nearby pub The Trinity, by Borough tube station.”
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It was a favourite amongst locals, and its closure comes as sad news for many who have fond memories there.
Kate Wyatt, who works a Guy’s and St Thomas’ said it was her local when she lived in Borough so hearing the news is ‘very sad.’
“My husband Mike and I were living in Borough during the late 90s – early 2000s and [The Ship] was our local,” she said.
“We had many a good time spent in there – including our wedding reception in 2001. We took over the whole pub for dinner and drinks.
“It is such a lovely, friendly local pub and it’s such a shame it has closed.
“I work at Guy’s and St Thomas’ still and every time I pass the pub I think back to those fun times.”
Regular customer John Shearn – from Croydon, has been meeting friends at The Ship every week for nearly four years.
“My friends and I meet there on a Wednesday to play darts,” he said.
“The beer’s a good price and it’s in a good central place for us to meet.”
“A lot of regulars go there and the beer garden gets busy in the summer. It’s a big shame it’s closed.”
John explained they will need to find a new pub to go to now: “A good pub is hard to find these days. There’s the other Fuller’s pub down the road – The Trinity – but the beer is more expensive and there’s no dart board.”
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Hundreds of others expressed their disappointment when the news hit social media.
There were unconfirmed rumours that the freeholders upped the rent by 30 per cent and this is what led them to exit the lease.
Fuller’s did not comment on these rumours. The News tried to make contact with the owners of the freehold for comment, but unfortunately, no contact details were made available.
According to Camra, a charity that campaigns to save pubs from closure – The Ship is one of five pub closures in Southwark in the last 12 months.
“Our records show five pub closures in Southwark in the last 12 months. As well as The Ship, The Junction and The Pigeon – both in Camberwell, The Beer Shop London in Nunhead, and the Canopy Beer Company Tap Room in Herne Hill have closed.”
But there is better news on the horizon, as it was announced last month that The Old Justice in Bermondsey could be opening again after a big refurbishment.
Bermondsey’s The Old Justice pub restored after previous owner tore up its Tudor-style fittings