Perhaps the best-placed pub in the whole of south east London is The Gipsy Moth in Greenwich.
In the shadow of the Cutty Sark, opposite a pretty square, next to the Old Royal Naval Collage, the river in the backdrop, just in front of the market and yards from the DLR – it’s perfect and it looks lovely too.
It is an imposing building with a pretty outside space. As you would expect somewhere as picturesque as Greenwich, the good taste extends indoors with a fetching the conservatory perfect for dining being the stand-out feature.
Just because it’s smart doesn’t mean it is without personality. The bar staff are sparky and there’s a tips mug on the bar which says ‘All tips go to the Punch Justin Bieber in the Face Fund’. Ok, so it’s not high wit but it’s better than nothing.
While the drinks were typically Greenwich priced (about £4 a pint), the selection was pretty pleasing. I counted more than 15 different brews on tap and settled on a tasty Camden Hells lager.
The thing about ordering food at the bar – and this isn’t a criticism of the Gipsy Moth particularly – is that some blighter is bound to nab your table while you’re ordering, especially if it’s busy or you’ve picked the best seat.
Yes, I’m bitter that I was dispossessed of my spot with a great view of the Cutty Sark but for all I know I’d pinched the chair of another chap at the bar ordering his dinner too.
As I approached the bar to update them on my table number, I must confess I was fearful a bold punter would nick my back-up place too.
Thankfully that didn’t happen and I got an almost-as-good spot slightly in the shade where I ate my quite disappointing pork and chorizo burger which lacked a bit of flavour, had a borderline stale bun and wasn’t nearly as refined as I was expecting given the price and my surroundings.
The Gipsy Moth, 60 Greenwich Church Street, SE10 9BL
How it rated:
Atmosphere*** Touristy but convivial
Decor **** Smart but not dull
Staff **** Had a spark
Drink ***** Great range
Price ** Greenwich
Food ** Underwhelmed
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