Legendary Young's pub The Ship, in Wandsworth, has recently undergone a major refurbishment.

The pub, which dates back to 1786, has been updated and now boasts an extended dining room, outside bar and terrace. There is also more seating and Thames-side cabins, perfect for special occasions. However, it does not feel too flash and still retains it's traditional pub-feel, with open fires, dark lighting and a horseshoe-shaped bar serving fine-notch ales.

I'm led to my table into the large yet cosy new dining room by friendly manager Kristi Bejczak. She is happy to take us through the menu, which has been reworked by head chef Shaun Harrington.

Kristi explains they also have a new sous chef, who used to work front of house, and has brought his experience to the menu.

She said: “We're excited by the refurb, it is efficient for staff and customers feel overwhelmed by all the new seating heaters and TVs, we're just hoping for better weather soon.”

Usual pub staples are presented on a board to diners, with fish and chips, burgers and their famed Scotch eggs all on offer. But for serious foodies I would recommend selecting from the main menu, which is heaven for serious carnivores.

Kristi takes us through the wine menu and recommends a bottle of red Spanish El Coto Crianza, Rioja (£24.50) – the wine she says she usually shares with her girlfriends. It's the perfect antidote to the winter weather outside, with earthy flavours and a silky after-taste.

An attentive waiter, dressed in jeans to go with the relaxed settings, takes my order. To go along with The Ship theme I opt for a seafood starter of Seared scallops, oyster and samphire risotto priced at £9. I was slightly concerned about filling up on stodge, but it comes served in a neat delicate portion. The scallop tastes fresh and succulent, complimented by the creamy risotto and sprigs of samphire.

Sweetbreads, veal and steak are just some of the meats featuring on the menu. I order Venison loin, crepinette of shank, celeriac fondant and watercress purée (£21), as I'm in the mood for something full of flavour. It does not disappoint, the venison is served in tender chunks, while the celeriac fondant was crisp. I could have continued eating it forever.

It was difficult trying to select something from the desert menu as all my favourites were on offer. My guest decided to sample the sticky toffee pudding, served warm with toffee sauce and prune ice-cream (£6.25).

Banoffee cheesecake solved my pudding dilemma – two of my favourites in one. It came served with soured cream and hot caramelised bananas, satisfying my sweet tooth. We finished off with coffee's, made from a coffee machine, marking the venue not just for drinkers but also ideal for just a coffee and a cake.

The Ship is well worth a visit to experience it's re-design and delicious new menu. I am really looking forward to coming back in warmer weather and experiencing river-side dining, as well as sampling the barbecue. Fingers crossed summer is on it's way so we can experience The Ship in it's full glory.