The Ship, 47 High St, Croydon

The Ship, 47 High St, Croydon, CR0 1QD

I didn't know my youth was still alive. I didn't even know that places like this still existed. Way too cool in its uncoolness for the centre of London, the Ship - with its large array of bitters, trad decor, toilet roll either in the urinal trough or behind the bar, but certainly never in the toilet cubicle - is a Heavy Metal pub. Guitar riffs slam out over the PA, black-clad hordes stand by the bar growing long hair and big tattoos, time swims backwards and I feel like I'm eighteen again. Some people headbang. Others play air guitar. Many simply get very drunk. Most importantly - and this is what I recall from the hazy memories of my yoot, something completely against the media image of Metal - it's warm-hearted, inclusive, extremely social. Make like the devil and get to the Ship - it's not only got the best tunes, it's got the best atmosphere too.

Reviewed by Fred Flange, May 2008

Telephone: 020 8688 2810

Nearby pubs: The Dog and Bull, 24 Surrey Street, Croydon (130 metres), Green Dragon, 60 High Street, Croydon (100 metres), The Crown and Pepper, 242 High Street, Croydon (350 metres)

Nearest station: East Croydon, Zone 5 (700 metres)