Bars & Pubs

Sir Cloudesley Shovell is a strange enough character to name a pub after, let alone two facing each other prow to prow at the Thames end of the Arches. Both taverns bear the decorative nautical traces of the 18th-century captain whose ship ran aground in the Scilly Isles. Each also offers the same praiseworthy range of draught beers: Badger, Tanglefoot and Sussex in terms of British bitters; HB and HB Export the German lagers. Food is served in both, in the case of the smaller, more intimate branch, via a dumb waiter. The selection ranges from bacon sarnies (£3.95) to a 'famous' Sussex smokie (£7.95) - smoked fish in a savoury crumble.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9