The Gipsy Moth, Greenwich (From News Shopper)

Review: The Gipsy Moth, Greenwich

9:18am Wednesday 18th April 2012 in Pub Spy By PubSpy

PUBSPY'S VIEW

Unlike Bono, I don’t want to run and hide down a street with no name because that would be very weird.

But drinking in a pub with no name on the other hand, I can handle that – it just proves harder to find the place.

At first I thought The Gipsy Moth was called Merton Scaffolding Ltd as that was the only sign I could see on the building-site- of-a-pub.

But on closer inspection the menu outside revealed the bar’s true identity.

Battling through the gaggle of foreign smokers huddled together around the entrance we were most pleasantly surprised when we stepped inside.

I never would have guessed how spacious, inviting and full of character this place is from the outside - just remember to bring your sea legs capt’n.

With dimly glowing lamps, twinkling fairy lights, naked and amply-breasted silver figureheads and antique-looking boat ornaments it’s truly ship ahoy in here.

Just this week my very dear friend admitted to having a terrible phobia of the side of ships, so I was relieved it wasn’t her I was with.

No, luckily my drinking companion for the evening feels at home in almost any boozer and upon any sea vessel.

We were starving but there were no little fishies in sight as our friendly tattooed barman broke the news the kitchen was closed for summer menu training.

He also told us the pub was undergoing a dramatic refurbishment and will be shut for around four days next week.

Whilst I love the quirky deco, the pub does look a little bedraggled and I vowed to come back and check out the transformation.

I just hope the modernisation doesn’t strip The Gipsy Moth of its nautical charm.

We ordered an ice cold pint of Red Stripe and a small glass of merlot which came to £8.25.

And despite the pub’s name being totally concealed outdoors, it hadn’t stopped anyone from setting sail for their favourite watering hole – it was rammed.

We were lucky to find an unoccupied spot nestled between feisty drinkers near the open kitchen.

But maybe the pub doesn’t need a name when it has the impressive Cutty Sark next door.

‘Just head for the bloody great ship’, you could say.

Middle class women next to us let their inner sailors out as they spewed foul language and downed copious amounts of booze – it’s all great fun in here.

And whatever your poison, you will find it at the bar.

It might cost you a few pieces of eight, but the choice of lager, fruity beer, wine and spirits is immense.

The 1920’s style conservatory looked amazing and we decided we’d definitely be returning in summer to see it at its best and sample treats from the new menu.

Fair enough the place looks like a dump from outside right now, but it’s all for the greater good.

So start collecting your doubloons, hoist your anchors and set a course for the new Gipsy Moth.

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How The Gipsy Moth rates

DRINK: **** (great choice of beers)

PRICE: *** (a little painful on the purse but worth it)

ATMOSPHERE: **** (cosy, quirky and full of character)

STAFF: **** (very polite and helpful)

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Address: The Gipsy Moth, 60 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, SE10 9BL