The Captain Kidd: Historic Riverside Pub with Authentic Charm
Historic riverside pub with authentic maritime charm, classic ales, and scenic Thames views in London’s Wapping district.
Nestled on Wapping High Street overlooking the Thames, The Captain Kidd is a historic Grade II-listed pub famed for its maritime ambiance and riverside views. This traditional English pub offers affordable classic fare and a wide selection of Sam Smith’s ales in a setting that evokes the atmosphere of a ship’s hold. Its outdoor cobbled terrace along the river is a prized spot for sunny days, blending vintage charm with lively local character.
A brief summary to The Captain Kidd
- 108 Wapping High St, London, E1W 2NE, GB
- +442074805759
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a sunny day to enjoy the cobbled riverside terrace with views of the Thames and Canary Wharf.
- Try the traditional English pub dishes like toad-in-the-hole or scampi and chips, paired with Sam Smith’s ales.
- Arrive early on weekends to secure a seat in the popular outdoor yard area.
- Be aware that food quality can vary; ordering classic pub fare is generally a safe choice.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Overground to Wapping station, approximately a 5-minute walk from the pub. Trains run frequently, with tickets costing around £2.50–£4.00 depending on the time and ticket type.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve the Wapping area, including routes 100 and D3. The bus stop is about a 7-minute walk from the pub. Fares start at £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at 108 Wapping High Street. Travel times vary from central London between 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, with typical fares ranging from £10 to £25.
The Captain Kidd location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Captain Kidd
A Storied Maritime Setting on the Thames
The Captain Kidd occupies a historic Grade II-listed warehouse on Wapping High Street, steeped in maritime lore. Named after the infamous pirate William Kidd, who was executed nearby at Execution Dock, the pub’s location is rich with tales of London’s seafaring past. The building’s exposed brickwork, wooden beams, and stone floors preserve the authentic feel of a riverside warehouse, transporting visitors back to the age of sail and piracy.Atmosphere That Evokes a Ship’s Hold
Step inside and you’ll find an interior designed to resemble the hold of a ship or an officers’ mess, with large windows framing views of the Thames. The spacious ground-floor bar and upstairs restaurant create a welcoming environment that balances rustic charm with comfort. The adjacent outdoor yard and cobbled terrace provide a unique riverside experience, perfect for enjoying a pint while watching boats cruise past and Canary Wharf’s skyline shimmer in the distance.Classic Pub Fare and Sam Smith’s Ales
The Captain Kidd serves traditional English pub dishes such as lasagne, chilli, scampi and chips, bangers, and toad-in-the-hole, all priced affordably under ten pounds. The menu complements the extensive range of Sam Smith’s beers and ciders, known for their quality and value. While some visitors note occasional inconsistencies in food quality, the pub’s character and atmosphere remain its strongest draw.A Local Hub with a Welcoming Vibe
Popular with a mix of longtime locals and Docklands residents, The Captain Kidd offers a convivial setting for conversation and relaxation. The staff are generally friendly and professional, contributing to the pub’s reputation as a well-mannered and lively spot without any riff-raff. The outdoor riverside seating is especially favored during warmer months, providing a scenic backdrop for socializing.Riverside Views and Nearby Attractions
The pub’s location on the Thames affords stunning views of the river’s activity, including passing cruisers and waterfowl. Across the water, the modern towers of Canary Wharf provide a striking contrast to the pub’s vintage aesthetic. This juxtaposition of old and new adds to the unique charm of the setting, making it a memorable stop for visitors exploring London’s historic docklands.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Situated about five minutes’ walk from Wapping station, The Captain Kidd is easily accessible by public transport. The pub’s riverside terrace and spacious interior accommodate a variety of visitors, including families and groups. While the food and service have received mixed feedback, the authentic atmosphere and scenic location make it a noteworthy destination for those seeking a traditional London pub experience by the river.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Captain Kidd
0.0 km
Historic riverside pub with authentic maritime charm, classic ales, and scenic Thames views in London’s Wapping district.
King Henry’s Stairs (Execution Dock)
0.1 km
Historic Thames foreshore site where pirates and maritime criminals faced grim justice under Admiralty law for over 400 years.
Execution Dock House
0.2 km
Historic riverside site where pirates and maritime criminals met justice in London’s centuries-old Admiralty executions.
Execution Dock
0.6 km
A haunting riverside landmark where London’s maritime law was enforced through centuries of public executions.
Roman Wall of Londinium
1.3 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Wakefield Tower
1.4 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
London Wall
1.4 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Tower Hill Memorial
1.5 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
1 Tower Hl Ter
1.5 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
1.6 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Mitre Square
1.8 km
Mitre Square: A serene retreat in London’s financial district, blending rich history with beautiful landscapes for an unforgettable city experience.
Custom House
1.9 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
1.9 km
Explore the rich Roman heritage at Billingsgate Roman House & Baths, a fascinating museum revealing ancient life in the heart of London.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
1.9 km
Medieval guild church with Wren's only 'true spire'—a 950-year sanctuary in the City's financial heart.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
1.9 km
Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Mary's Church, Rotherhithe
0.4 km
An 18th-century riverside church in Rotherhithe with deep maritime roots and Mayflower connections, offering quiet reflection and centuries of history by the Thames.
Brunel Museum
0.4 km
Discover the pioneering Thames Tunnel and Brunel family legacy in London’s historic Engine House museum.
Ornamental Canal
0.5 km
A serene 1.2 km canal in Wapping preserving London's dockland heritage with historic walls, art, and tranquil waterside walks.
Prospect of Whitby
0.6 km
Step into London’s oldest riverside pub, where centuries of maritime history, pirate tales, and royal visits blend with stunning Thames views.
Shadwell Basin
0.7 km
Historic London dock turned vibrant waterside community offering scenic walks, water sports, and rich maritime heritage.
Shadwell Basin
0.7 km
Historic London dock transformed into a vibrant waterside community hub for leisure, water sports, and scenic urban living.
Cable Street Mural
0.8 km
A vivid, monumental mural in East London commemorating the 1936 Battle of Cable Street and the community’s defiant stand against fascism.
Shad Thames
1.0 km
Historic riverside charm meets modern luxury in Shad Thames, London’s iconic Victorian warehouse quarter by Tower Bridge.
St Katharine Docks Marina
1.0 km
Explore the vibrant St Katharine Docks Marina, a picturesque destination in London offering dining, shopping, and stunning riverside views.
Jack The Ripper Museum
1.1 km
Explore the chilling history of Victorian London's infamous Jack the Ripper murders in a hauntingly immersive museum experience.
The Kernel Spa Road
1.2 km
Discover The Kernel Spa Road: London's vibrant brewery taproom blending craft beers with Japanese-inspired comfort food in a stylish industrial setting.
Brew By Numbers Tasting Room
1.2 km
Discover innovative craft beers and a relaxed vibe at Brew By Numbers Tasting Room, a must-visit for beer lovers in Bermondsey.
Tower Bridge
1.2 km
Walk across London’s most famous bridge, explore its high-level walkways and glass floors, and discover the Victorian engineering behind this iconic landmark.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.3 km
Explore London’s iconic Tower Bridge with panoramic views, historic Engine Rooms, and a unique gift shop celebrating this engineering masterpiece.
Lanthorn Tower
1.3 km
Step into the Lanthorn Tower to explore the medieval royal lodgings and rich history of the Tower of London’s riverside palace.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
1.4 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
La Dame de Pic London
1.6 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.8 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.8 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
14 Hills
1.9 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
2.1 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
George
2.2 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Nomadic community
2.3 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Lyle's
2.6 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Madison
2.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Mercato Metropolitano
2.9 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Brawn
3.0 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Da Terra Restaurant
3.0 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
The Clove Club
3.0 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
3.0 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
1.5 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
1.6 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.7 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Hay's Galleria
1.8 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Middlesex Textiles
1.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Fashion St
2.0 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Commercial St
2.1 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
2.2 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
Backyard Market
2.2 km
Discover handmade treasures and vibrant street culture at Backyard Market, Brick Lane’s creative heart.
DPUS Designer Outlet
2.2 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Spitalfields Market
2.2 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Sclater Street Market
2.2 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
The Truman Brewery Markets
2.2 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
2.3 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Midnight Apothecary
0.4 km
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
Nine Lives
1.7 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.7 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.7 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Bell
1.8 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Moonshine Saloon
1.9 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Discount Suit Company
1.9 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
2.0 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bootlegger
2.0 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
2.1 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Old School Yard
2.1 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
The Astronomer, EC1
2.2 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
2.2 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
2.2 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Demon, Wise & Partners
2.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
E1
0.7 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Club 701
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
The Steel Yard
2.4 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
The Hoxton Pony
2.9 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Ministry of Sound
3.0 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Corsica Studios
3.0 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Trafik
3.1 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
XOYO LONDON
3.1 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Basing House - Shoreditch
3.2 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
The Venue
3.4 km
A vibrant multi-room nightclub in New Cross, London, blending diverse music, cutting-edge sound, and a welcoming atmosphere since 1989.
The Hatch Club
3.5 km
A late-night New Cross club with a roomy dancefloor, VIP sections and bass-forward DJ nights—built for parties and private events.
London Best Night Clubs
3.8 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Bunker
3.9 km
A compact, late-night basement club on Deptford Broadway offering affordable drinks, close-up atmosphere and energetic weekend sessions.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
4.0 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
(Admin Office) The Mobile Nightclub
4.0 km
Discover the joy of nightlife on the move with The Mobile Nightclub in London, where the party comes to you!
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Casual
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly