Landlord of one of London's oldest pubs turns 'rundown and little used' site into one of city's best

A Holborn pub landlord has been awarded for 25 years at the helm of The Ship Tavern - a historic pub nearly five centuries old. The Ship is one of the oldest boozers in London and this year is celebrating its 475th anniversary, making the award to landlord Ross Evans doubly special.

Ross – whose family has run pubs in the West End since the 1920s – was presented with the ‘Dedication Award’ by Star Pubs, owners of The Ship Tavern, saluting his commitment to the pub and its community. He took over The Ship Tavernin 1999 and at the time it was rundown and little used.

Over the last quarter of a century, Ross and his family have lovingly transformed it into a top-quality traditional London pub that is a favourite of locals, students, workers, and tourists from around the globe. Ross said: “Having grown up in pubs, I always wanted one of my own. It’s in my blood, like osmosis. I feel very lucky we found The Ship Tavern all those years ago.

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Ross and his family raised The Ship Tavern to what it is today. Back in 1999 it was rundown and little used (Image: Matt Grayson)

"I still love running it as much as I did back then. Independently run traditional London pubs are part of the capital’s heritage and need to be cherished to preserve their legacy. I see myself as The Ship Tavern’s custodian; my ambition is to keep it thriving so that I can pass it on one day for future generations to enjoy.”

The Ship Tavern oozes character and charm. The downstairs is an old-fashioned wood-floored alehouse full of glass and brass and with dividing screens that create a cosy feel. Upstairs there is a Dickensian-style candlelit oak-panelled dining room with high backed booths and a real fire.

Thanks to the hard work of the Evans' The Ship Tavern is known for its great food and drink. It has six real ales on tap and is Cask Marque accredited. These include ales from London breweries, with two rotating weekly. The pub produces its own ‘Holborn gin’ and stocks an extensive selection of wines, spirits and cocktails.

The food focuses on home-cooked British cuisine using ingredients sourced from London’s markets wherever possible. Traditional snacks – like pork pies, homemade pork scratchings, sausage rolls and cockles and mussels – accompany drinks in the bar, whilst the dining room menu features classics such as pies and beer-battered fish and chips. Dishes – right down to the pastry – are made from scratch, and Beef Wellington and Sunday roasts are favourites.

To celebrate The Ship’s 475th anniversary, the pub is serving Ship Tavern 475 at £4.75 a pint and a venison and prune pie harking back to dishes popular in the sixteenth century. With all this history The Ship Tavern is thought to be haunted with some pub-goers and staff reporting seeing figures at tables when the pub was closed and glasses swinging by themselves.

Some people say the pub is haunted, seeing ghostly figures at tables after closing time and glasses moving on their own (Image: Matt Grayson)

Its believed to have taken its name from shipping on the River Fleet, which used to run through Holborn in the 16th century. Through out the hundreds of years of its life time the pub also served as an underground Catholic church during Edward VI’s reign and was consecrated as a Masonic Lodge in 1786. The pub is said to have been rebuilt in 1923 but still has its original cellar and layout. Ross is keen to find out more about this and is appealing to anyone with knowledge to get in touch.

London-born-and-bred Ross is the fourth generation of his family to have a pub in central London. His great-grandparents ran The Cock Tavern in Great Portland Street and his grandfather and father John Evans had The Wheatsheaf on Rathbone Place. When the lease ended at The Wheatsheaf, John and Ross took over The Ship Tavern.

Max Allen, Star Pubs Business Development Manager for central London: “It’s a great honour to present this award. Ross has worked tirelessly to restore The Ship Tavern as a quintessential London pub – it’s like stepping back in time when you walk through the door. It’s a fantastic achievement to have kept it at the top of its game for so long when there is so much competition in central London. It’s all down to Ross who never rests on his laurels and is always adapting what he offers to customers’ changing tastes. We wish him many more happy years at the bar!”

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Girl, 16, killed when car mounted pavement in Enfield as parents awarded in King's Birthday Honours list

A husband and wife have said being awarded British Empire Medals (BEMs) for their work as road safety campaigners is a fitting “memorial” for their late daughter.

George Atkinson, 77, and Giulietta Galli-Atkinson, 76, have helped to introduce tougher sentences for drivers who harm pedestrians during more than 25 years of work.

The couple, from Rugby in Warwickshire, started campaigning for change after their 16-year-old daughter Livia was tragically killed walking home from ballet when a driver mounted the pavement in Enfield, north London, in 1998.

READ MORE: First picture of young 'gentle giant' Ealing man who died in hospital after being shot

They have now been recognised in the King’sBirthday Honours list for their services to road safety. Asked about receiving their honour, Mr Atkinson told the PA news agency: “Initially we were totally shocked because we don’t know who put us forward for this award. “But we’re very humbled and delighted to have won it because it acknowledges what we’ve done with road safety.”

Mrs Galli-Atkinson said: “It’s fantastic. It was a surprise [and] we’re honoured, because it’s great recognition.

“Apart from anything else, it’s a suitable memorial for our daughter Livia for all the work that we have done. We’ve contributed to something that we’ve really believed in needed doing.” Mrs Galli-Atkinson said the couple felt compelled to act immediately after Livia’s death due to its sudden and violent nature, and because they had read of similar incidents in the newspapers that were “not treated seriously”.

She said: “We could see what other campaigners like RoadPeace and Brake were doing, and we supported them.

“But at the same time, we wanted to do our own thing… where we could see that perhaps we could be more vociferous.”

The couple’s campaigning has contributed to legal change, with more severe sentences now in place for drivers who kill and maim, and to 20 Government consultations since 2000. They have also been a driving force and regular contributors behind initiatives including Safe Drive Stay Alive, which has delivered road safety training to around 100,000 secondary school children across the country.

The Livia Awards was established by the couple to recognise a Metropolitan Police officer each year who is judged to have provided exemplary investigative work in serious and fatal road traffic collisions.

Now in their 26th year, the awards are regarded as one of the most important events in the parliamentary road safety calendar.

“The Met have made a lot of mistakes in other areas of crime, but where road policing and collision investigations are concerned, they’ve really tried to step up,” Mrs Galli-Atkinson said.

“Where there has been meritorious service, we need to be able to show how it can be done, not only in London.

“[There are] new generations of roads policemen coming in so they need to know this is what is expected, this is what families expect of you.”

A memorial garden for Livia was built adjacent to the site of their daughter’s collision in Enfield and opened in 1999, to allow the family to leave a lasting floral tribute.

Mrs Galli-Atkinson said the garden was a “lovely space”, adding: “[It] not only allows us to give something back to the people of Enfield for their kindness, but it also allows us to raise the profile on the issues that we care about.”

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EastEnders in huge schedule shake-up as BBC makes way for Euros 2024

EastEnders will be kicked off its usual spot on BBC One to make way for the The UEFA European Football Championship. Fans will be left disappointed in the coming weeks as the long-running soap will be moved channels.

The BBC has confirmed a shake-up to regular scheduling as EastEnders will be moved channel on some evenings. On Monday (June 17) EastEnders will be in its usual spot at 7:30pm on BBC One but on Tuesday (June 18) the soap has changed location to BBC Two as Portugal take on the Czech Republic.

BBC One is providing live coverage on Scotland's games against Switzerland on Wednesday (June 19) so EastEnders will air on BBC Two.

READ MORE: 10 tricky questions to find out which Walford family you belong in

Phil Mitchell and Sharon Watts in next weeks EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

The next day (June 20), BBC News at Six airs at 7:30pm on BBC One following the Denmark and England game, so EastEnders will again air on BBC Two.

There is no episode on Monday, June 24 but will return to BBC Two on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30pm. Thursday (June 27) sees EastEnders return to its regular spot at 7:30pm on BBC One with an episode to follow on Friday (June 28)

In forthcoming episodes, Callum Highway (Tony Clay) and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) grow suspicious over the death of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) and they pry into the murder case. Will they discover the truth about the mechanic murder?

Johnny Carter and Callum Highway in next week's EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Phil also gets closer to his son Albie but Sharon Watts (Letitia) is left spooked by Callum's behaviour. She call a meeting with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) but will they be able to throw the copper of the scent?

Across the Square, Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) is left reeling after she comes face-to-face with sexual predator Pastor Clayton (Howard Saddler), and Harvey Monroe's (Ross Boatman) new friend Maya Houssain (Bharti Patel) may be up to no good.

EastEnders isn't the only soap that has been disrupted due to the football, with both Emmerdale and Coronation Street facing a scheduling shake-up.

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Nigel Farage 'not distracted' despite attending Holly Valance's £78k ticket Donald Trump London fundraiser

Nigel Farage spent Wednesday evening (June 12) at a London fundraiser for Donald Trump's US presidential campaign where tickets cost £78,000 but he won't be distracted from the General Election, according to the Reform party. Mr Farage is standing as a candidate in the Essex seaside town of Clacton but he was pictured arriving at the event in Chelsea on Wednesday night, with guests including Mr Trump’s son, Donald Jr.

Tickets for the fundraiser cost up to 100,000 dollars (£78,000), the Financial Times reported, and it was hosted by Neighbours actor and singer Holly Valance. Asked whether Mr Trump’s event could interfere with Mr Farage’s own campaign efforts, a Reform party spokesperson said: “What Nigel gets up to is his call. It would be absurd to suggest he’s not concentrating on the campaign.

“We’ve got over 600 candidates running in this election – I’m utterly uninterested in what Nigel wants to do on one night. He’s doing a fantastic job on the campaign. This is tittle-tattle of little importance. I don’t think anyone can suggest he’s not putting his heart and soul into this campaign.”

READ MORE: Londoners in tight election seat use private healthcare and say Tories should 'get house in order'

Holly Valance, pictured kissing Donald Trump Jr, hosted the fundraiser that has already raised two million dollars (£1.57m) (Image: James Manning/PA Wire)

The fundraiser has already raised two million dollars (£1.57m) through donations and ticket sales, according to reports. It has been billed as a reception and dinner with Donald Trump Jr and his fiancée, Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host.

Prominent financial backers of Mr Trump and former European ambassadors who served under him during his time as US President are expected to be in attendance, according to the Financial Times. Valance and her husband Nick Candy, a real estate developer who was also reported to be hosting the event, were pictured with Mr Trump and Mr Farage at Mar-a-Lago in 2022.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser for Democratic candidate President Joe Biden also took place in London on Wednesday night and was believed to have been hosted by American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

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Three more Kensington murder charges over death of Janayo Lucima in shooting

Three more men have been charged with the murder of Janayo Lucima who was killed in West London on April 1. Janayo Lucima was found with a fatal gunshot wound on Comeragh Road, West Kensington, shortly before 11pm by officers who had been called to the street to reports of a disturbance in a home.

Three further suspects have been charged with his murder. The first is a 16-year-old male who was extradited from Spain. He arrived in the UK on Friday, June 7. The second was Issa Siteri, 18, from Chelsea, who returned voluntarily to the UK from Morocco on Saturday, June 8.

The final new charge was Yusuf Muhudin Abdi, 18, from Paddington who also returned to the UK voluntarily from Morocco on Saturday, June 8.

READ MORE: Shooting leaves man in his 20s fighting for his life in hospital

All three suspects appeared in custody at the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday, June 11 where they were remanded in custody to appear at the same court on Wednesday, June 26.

Five other people have been charged in connection with this alleged murder. They are: Khuedr Al-Kurdi, 21, of Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, Muktar Said, 22, from Kensington, a 17-year-old male, a 16-year-old male and another 17-year-old male. Those charged who are under 18 cannot be named for legal reasons.

All five have been remanded in custody to appear at the Central Criminal Court for a trial in February 2025.

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EastEnders' Reiss Colwell headed for dark twist as fans 'point out' detail about his comatose wife

EastEnders fans are convinced Reiss Colwell's wife can hear everything he has been saying, including his plan to steal all of her money to fund IVF treatment with Sonia Fowler. Debbie Colwell has been comatose for some time after suffering a major stroke before Reiss ever came to Walford as a relative of Dot Cotton's.

Reiss is now in a relationship with Sonia but is also committed to supporting his wife who receives around the clock care at a home. Reiss and Sonia are longing to have a baby and have started IVF treatment which has so far been unsuccessful.

As Sonia already has a daughter, Bex, the couple have to self-fund their IVF journey so Reiss stole Debbie's savings to pay for it. But during Monday's trip to Walford (June 10), Reiss visited Debbie and explained he would need to take the rest of her cash to pay for more treatment.

READ MORE: 10 tricky questions to find out which Walford family you belong in

Reiss visits Debbie but he has a surprise visitor during Monday's episode of EastEnders (Image: BBC)

While holding her hand, he said: "I need to take the rest of the money now Debs, to give us a better chance. And if it works, and we're lucky enough to have a baby, this will be the first place we will visit. I swear."

Reiss was left shocked when he realised Bianca Jackson had followed him to Debbie's care home and had heard everything he had said. Bianca walked into the room and muttered 'Oh my god' as Reiss turned around to look at her.

However, some EastEnders fans think Bianca isn't the only one who heard what Reiss said as they are convinced Debbie can hear despite being in a coma, and when she wakes up Reiss will be in danger.

Bianca Jackson is left mortified in EastEnders (Image: BBC)

Taking to X, one person wrote: "I bet Debbie can hear everything Reiss is saying... #Eastenders @bbceastenders".

A second predicted: "When Debbie ends up knifing Reiss. Let Sonia and Jay get together and have a baby. They can both be boring as paint drying while having what they want most in the world: a baby."

A third chimed in with: "Reiss is going to take the rest of Debbie's money. Just wait until she wakes up. I bet she can hear what Reiss is saying. #EastEnders."

"I wonder if Sonia tries to have a baby with Reiss, Debbie recovers and Reiss tries to take Debbie and his and Sonia's baby away from Walford? #EastEnders", explained one viewer. "Ohhh Reiss is going into his dark era... #EastEnders, exclaimed another.

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London restaurant prides itself on being 'little corner of Italy' that is TOWIE's Lydia Bright's favourite place to eat

The Only Way Is Essex star Lydia Bright has revealed her favourite restaurant in the capital: an Italian trattoria in Shoreditch. Gloria, part of the Big Mama group, offers a menu featuring products directly sourced from 180 small producers in Italy.

Lydia, also known for her appearances on Bear Grylls’ Celebrity Island and The Jump, recently returned to her old primary school after decades. During her visit, she shared her favourite dining spot with MyLondon.

The 33-year-old TV personality praised Gloria for its authentic and innovative food. Lydia added: “This was the first restaurant I saw on Instagram where they made the pasta inside of a cheese wheel, and I think they brought it to London! That’s my favourite dish, but everything else on the menu is also absolutely incredible.”

READ MORE: The school The Only Way Is Essex star Lydia Bright attended as she visits again decades later

Former The Only Way is Essex star Lydia Bright says her favourite food is Italian (Image: EssexLive)

Gloria prides itself for being a little corner of Italy in London, open for lunch and dinner over two floors. Their website states: “Joyful and lush by day, the place gets funky at night, with house made playlists and a cosy vibe downstairs.”

Part of the Big Mama group, Gloria joins other hot spots in London, including Ave Mario in Covent Garden, Circolo Popolare in Tottenham Court Road, Carlotta in Marylebone, and more recently, Jacuzzi, in Kensington High Street.

Gloria emphasises that everything on their menu is 100% fresh and homemade, from the Spaghetti al Tartufo, to the Neapolitan Pizza cooked in the gigantic Marana oven, and even their Italian gelato, Bronte pistachio. Their menu changes every month, based on arrivals and seasons.

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