The Gipsy Moth, a historic pub on Greenwich Church Street next to the Cutty Sark, has become a favourite destination for visitors and locals alike, thanks to its spacious beer garden, maritime heritage, and strong online reviews. The pub holds a 4.4-star Google rating from almost 5,000 reviews and a 4.1-star Tripadvisor rating from more than 1,200 reviews, and has received Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice recognition for three consecutive years.
A Beer Garden Among the Largest in Greenwich
The pub's standout feature is its beer garden, which general manager Leo believes could be the biggest pub garden in Greenwich. "It's probably one of the biggest ones in Greenwich, if not the biggest, and it's always popular, especially in the summer," he said. The garden is split into three distinct areas, offering customers a choice of settings depending on the weather and atmosphere. A side garden offers views towards the Cutty Sark, while the lower garden provides a quieter space tucked away at the rear of the pub. The upper garden serves as the main seating area and is sheltered by a large awning.
According to Leo, the garden can seat around 200 people and hold up to 300 customers including standing guests. "It's big, it's got lots of different places you can sit and look at things and often customers want to sit with views of the Cutty Sark," he said. Reviewers frequently praise the garden's spacious layout, relaxed atmosphere, and views of the Cutty Sark. Many mention its mix of covered and open-air seating, making it a popular choice whether visitors are looking to catch the sun or shelter from unpredictable British weather.
A Busy Summer and Historic Roots
The garden proved especially valuable during a busy summer in Greenwich as Britain battled heatwaves, with temperatures reaching highs of 38 degrees in London. Leo said, "The sun definitely benefits us a lot." He added that a Saturday during the Labyrinth concert series at the Old Royal Naval College became the busiest trading day he has seen at the pub.
While the garden may draw much of the attention, the pub's history stretches back centuries. The pub, formerly named The Wheat Sheaf, was built in the 1700s and renamed The Gipsy Moth after the boat of Sir Francis Chichester, who used it to circumnavigate the world. Inside, visitors will find traditional wood-panelled interiors, cask ales, and a menu centred on British pub favourites. Fish and chips, pies, and sausage and mash remain particularly popular with tourists, while Sunday roasts feature beef, chicken, and porchetta.
Real Ale, Local Pride, and a Ghostly Tale
The pub also places a strong emphasis on real ale and holds Cask Marque accreditation, recognising beer quality and cellar standards. Bartender Martha added that the pub is popular with tourists and that working there has "given her an appreciation of Greenwich" and where she lives and works. She explained: "Having so many tourists come into Greenwich and love the area and its history makes you realise how great it is to work and live here."
Not every story connected to The Gipsy Moth is rooted in history. According to staff folklore, the pub may also have a resident ghost. "I believe we do have one alleged ghost," Leo said. "I haven't met them myself, but a few of the team say they have." The mysterious figure is reportedly most often associated with the cellar beneath the pub, although Leo was quick to stress he has never encountered it himself. Leo said: "They're not a particularly mean ghost as far as I know."
Whether visitors arrive for a pint in the sunshine, a traditional roast, or simply to enjoy one of Greenwich's largest outdoor pub spaces, The Gipsy Moth remains a prominent fixture beside one of London's most famous landmarks.
