The Old Ship is a charming LGBTQ+ pub in Limehouse *insert several nautical puns here* full of heart and unmistakable east end hospitality. It’s the perfect place to grab a cold pint and have a chinwag with friends… and you may even bump into Sir Ian Mckellen, who has been known to drop by now and then. Don’t know if we’ve mentioned that before! QX’s very own cabaret queen Jason Reid caught up with guv’nor John to chat about life after lockdown…
Hi John! How have things been going since you reopened?
So far so good, thanks Jason. We opened on 6th July, a few days after the majority of pubs, as we were a bit nervous. Thankfully we have been busy whilst maintaining the government guidelines – and our regulars and a few new faces have been enjoying our outside space and backroom.
After four months of enforced closure, you must be glad to be back?
As much as I love this pub, I did enjoy the rest. Although it wasn’t all rest as we did a lot of work behind the scenes during lockdown, refurbishing the place and making it covid safe for the public
What did you miss most?
I missed our loyal customers and still miss the drag queens who I haven’t seen for a while now, other than Saucy Sophie on Zoom (can’t get rid of that one!).
The Old Ship is a real community pub; were you supported well during lockdown and vice versa?
We are indeed a real community pub, and that is at the heart of everything we do; our customers missed us and kept check on us regularly and we also donated all of our bar snacks to a local primary school for the children and staff to enjoy – rather than go to waste.
What’s your major concern right now?
Our major concern is keeping our customers as safe as possible, whilst also giving them an enjoyable environment but sticking to the guidelines. The Old Ship has a real party atmosphere on a weekend and we don’t want to lose that. Things have changed a little as you can imagine with the social distancing etc but people are still leaving with a smile of their face. We also hope to get our resident DJs, Phatt Matt and James Armour back very soon.
When will drag be retuning?
Drag will 100% be returning to The Old Ship! When? I don’t know. As soon as it’s safe to do so, but drag will be back!
What does the future look like for The Old Ship, taking into account all that’s happened this year?
The future of The Old Ship still looks strong; understandably things have been rocky these past few months, but we have sailed through rocky waters before and we always come out the other side.
The Old Ship 17 Barnes Street, Limehouse, London, UK E14 7NW.
Nearest Tube: Lime House Station (2 minutes).
Monday to Thursday 12pm-10pm. Friday to Sunday 12-11pm
Download The Old Ship app for bookings here
