When it comes to hospitality, for Amber Hunt MBII, it’s in the blood. As the daugher of Tracy Bird FBII, the legendary owner of The Ship in London’s Hart Street, Amber is carrying on a family legacy that stretches back generations. The BII’s Nathalie Buckley MBII reports.
The Ship on Hart Street has a colourful history. While quintessentially Victorian, the pub has been on its current site since 1791. The Ship is a beautiful Grade II premises — just a couple of doors down stands the magnificent St Olavs Church, a must see for tourists attracting the likes of Dick Whittington and Henry V. Inside you can find a ceiling full of sailor hats, a friendly team and a variety of beers and ale. Originally run by Tracy Bird FBII for many years, daughter Amber Hunt has taken the reins and has made her stamp on The Ship.
“I actually grew up in a pub in the West End,” Amber explains. “It was owned by my grandfather and my mother. She managed the restaurant side while he looked after the pub. From the age of 10, I was living above it, right in central London. Hospitality has always been part of my world.”
After a spell in the fashion industry throughout her early 20s, Amber found herself drawn back into the family business when her grandfather became unwell. What began as helping out soon became a full-time career. “It’s funny how life comes full circle,” she says with a smile.
A city pub with character
The Ship is a traditional, ‘old-school with a sailor’s touch’, wet-led city pub in the shadow of Tower Hill, attracting a loyal crowd of office workers during the week. Not forgetting a touch of tourists staying at nearby hotels. “We don’t really have residents like a community pub would — apart from the priest who lives above the church,” Amber laughs.
Instead, the pub thrives on its reputation for great traditional beer and extra warm service. “In the city, you have to stand out by keeping your product top-notch. There are so many pubs around, and if the beer’s not right, people won’t hesitate to walk out and find somewhere else. I’m lucky to have a brilliant traditional cellarman who makes sure everything is perfect.”
Though predominantly focused on drinks, The Ship has carved out its own personality with a few extra quirky touches. There’s a monthly karaoke style singalong session, a darts room upstairs, and even a ukulele class that meets on Mondays. “It’s about giving the space a purpose — and making it fun,” Amber says.
Although no longer serving food, The Ship sees room for innovation and has a perfect space that holds up to 40 people with two dartboards, a TV and private sound-system to keep everyone entertained. So, if you are craving food, Amber says you are free to order in yourselves or bring along a selection of party snacks.
Adapting to change
Like many operators, Amber had to rethink the business after COVID-19. One of the biggest changes was closing the kitchen. “We used to run a small restaurant upstairs, but the numbers just didn’t work anymore. Between food waste, staffing costs, and energy bills, it just wasn’t viable for three lunchtime services a week. Closing it saved us massively — now that space is used for darts, private parties, and team drinks.”
This works well for the team and with private functions having become a huge hit, the decision has paid off, giving the business flexibility without the overheads.
“It was tough at the time, but it’s made the pub more sustainable. We’re a traditional beer house at heart, serving primarily Heineken products and Guinness and that’s what our customers love. That’s why they keep coming back for more.”
Support from the BII
Amber joined the BII several years ago, as her mum, Tracy is a long-term valued member, and says the support has been invaluable, especially during the pandemic. “When everything shut down and the city was like a ghost town, the BII was there. I called for advice about rent and payment plans and got to speak to a solicitor, which was such a lifeline. The staffing resources, including the template contracts are also really useful.”
The BII is always on hand to offer advice, guidance, and put members in touch with trusted advisors to propel your business forward. Amber explains how they offered that sense of community when it was really needed.
A close-knit team
By running The Ship, Amber has created her very own community and it’s very much a team effort. With fewer than 10 permanent staff, but plenty of part-timers, Amber describes them as a close-knit group who understand the ups and downs of city trade. “I’m lucky — some of my team have been with me for years. We all pitch in and make it work together. That’s the family spirit of hospitality.”
Amber also explains how customer service is everything in this industry. “Everyone knows how difficult it is at the moment, but my advice to anyone would be to make sure you’ve got really great customer service, friendly staff and a top-notch product. Everyone is doing their own thing and it will all just fall into place.”
Hers is a business built through close family relationships that are still very much intertwined. Amber’s mum, Tracy, is always there to lend a hand, offering valuable support and experience to help guide Amber through any unexpected challenges.
Looking ahead
While new openings continue to pop up around the city, Amber is confident in what makes The Ship special. “We’ve been here a really long time. We’re a traditional pub, and we’ll always pride ourselves on that. Great beer, great service, an interesting history — that’s what keeps people coming back!”
For Amber and her mum, Tracy, hospitality is their heritage, their community, and above all, family.
