The Cutty Sark Tavern

To tourists, Greenwich is about the Cutty Sark, while to locals it’s about the eponymous tavern, even more so given the recent fire aboard the vessel itself. Built in 1804 as the Union Tavern – its current moniker was changed in 1954, when the famous ship moved into a nearby dry dock – it was the haunt of Georgian stevedores who shovelled gravel into hulls to prevent the unloaded clippers from capsizing in strong winds. The moody interior feels like the captain’s quarters on a galleon. Beers by the galleon (groan!) include London Pride, Broadside and St Austell’s Tribute, plus guest beers on tap. But you’ll probably feel obliged to sup rum; the spirits of old salts and tars seem to seep out of the dark woodwork.