Full Venue Hire at The Ship & Whale

The Ship & Whale is a whole-venue hire with genuine scale — 216 standing across the interior plus a beer garden that extends the footprint outdoors. For a neighbourhood pub in Bermondsey, that’s a serious number, and the single-hire model means your event gets the full building rather than a roped-off section. The interior carries nearly 150 years of character: deep red walls, dark wood panelling, leather banquettes, and a maritime theme that runs through the decor without tipping into novelty. It’s a proper London pub that happens to handle private events at a size most pubs can’t touch.

Inside The Ship & Whale

The main interior is one connected space — no separate function rooms, which means the whole venue operates as a single event environment. The combination of leather banquettes and traditional pub seating gives it a layered feel, with enough corners and sections for guests to settle into without the space breaking into disconnected zones. The vintage decor and low-key maritime references give it personality that doesn’t need dressing — birthday parties, team celebrations, and social events can let the existing atmosphere carry the room.

The Beer Garden

The outdoor area is a genuine asset rather than an afterthought. Wooden tables under green umbrellas, stone paving, and climbing foliage create a sheltered garden space that works as a natural extension of the main event — drinks outside, food inside, or simply more room for larger groups to spread. For summer bookings and warm evenings, it adds a dimension that indoor-only pubs can’t match.

Events and Entertainment

The Ship & Whale has the infrastructure for events that need more than just drinks and a space. The venue regularly hosts live music and quiz nights, so the setup accommodates entertainment without requiring external production. Family-friendly events are also welcome, with a dedicated children’s menu available. The building’s history adds context for events that want a venue with a story — roots tracing to 1767 and one of the oldest original buildings still standing in this part of Bermondsey.

Getting to The Ship & Whale

The venue is at 2 Gulliver Street, London SE16 7LT, a short walk from Surrey Quays station. The Bermondsey location puts it within reach of the wider South East London network, and the beer garden means summer events have the outdoor option that Zone 1 venues rarely offer. The alcohol licence runs until midnight, with extensions available.