Gay London Life | August '26 Edition - Magazine - Page 4
Still Steering the Ship
The Old Ship has long been one of East London’s best-loved
LGBTQ+ pubs. Tucked away in Limehouse, it’s the kind of place
where you’ll find locals chatting over a pint in the afternoon, drag
queens bringing the house down at the weekend, and a crowd that
reflects London’s wonderfully diverse queer community.
Now celebrating its 15th year, landlord John Fell has
The pub has built a loyal community over the
before, what’s the one thing you’d tell them
helped turn The Old Ship into far more than just a
years. What does that support mean to you
before they walk through the door?
pub. It’s a genuine community hub where everyone
personally?
Walk in with an open mind. There will be a very warm
is welcome, whether you’re a regular, a first-time
Oh, it means a great deal to me to see it grow from
welcome. The prices are reasonable, and the beer
visitor or simply looking for a great night out. We
strength to strength. We are now in our 15th year.
tastes great! Take your time, and you’ll be coming
caught up with John to chat about what makes
People see all the hard work put in by everyone
back for more.
The Old Ship so special, the secret behind its loyal
involved in running the pub.
following, and what’s still to come.
Looking back, what’s been one of your proudest
With new drag bingo nights on the horizon, weekend
The Old Ship has become a real cornerstone of
moments since taking on The Old Ship?
cabaret continuing to pack the place out, and the
East London’s LGBTQ+ community. What do
I have so many. I’m proud we attract a wide range
same warm welcome that’s kept people coming
you think makes it so special?
of patrons, not just our LGBTQ+ family, but our
back for the past 15 years, it’s clear The Old Ship
We are unique, attracting a traditional East
allies too. We’re a safe space for women, men,
isn’t slowing down anytime soon. If you’ve never
London clientele mainly during the daytime, with
gay, straight, bi, and everyone in between. We also
visited before, perhaps it’s time to see what all the
a good mix of gay & straight in the evenings. We
have quite a few celebrities who pop in regularly.
fuss is about. Just don’t be surprised if your first pint
are inclusive of all genders and nationalities,
You’ll have to pop in to find out who! Plus, we
turns into an all-evening stay.
which is what a good pub should be. We are very
always get fantastic reviews from lots of hospitality
welcoming. We were named as number 19 in the
platforms like Historic Pub Crawls London and
The Old Ship is at 17 Barnes Street, Limehouse,
top 50 pubs in London by Time Out from a list of
Time Out and yourself!
London E14 7NW.
4500, which is fantastic!
What’s coming up at The Old Ship that people
Find out more, see what’s coming up and plan
Cabaret is at the heart of The Old Ship. What
should be excited about over the next few
your visit at www.oldship.net.
makes a great night on your stage?
months?
We have cabaret every Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
We’re not just a pub; we have regular cabaret every
Each performer is chosen by us, even down to the
weekend and quiz nights every Wednesday. This
actual day. We have a strong following of support,
autumn on Thursday evenings, we will be launching
with acts coming from all over the city and abroad
a new drag bingo night with Queera Lynn with
to work here. The audience is very responsive and
special guests every month. Watch this space!
supportive and loves to party!
If someone has never been to The Old Ship
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