The major things that distinguish the Ship & Anchor from other watering holes is live and tape delayed showing of English Premiere League Soccer (rivalled only maybe by The Pint further down 17th Ave SW), and that the South-facing patio is always open (making it my go to spot for Chinook days in winter). While most reviewers here love the unpretentiousness, and I appreciate it, this doesn't garner stars for me since almost every neighbour pub in town is unpretentious too. What you will get at the Ship & Anchor more often than not is live music, a reasonably priced selection of 20 or so beers, okay food (the Ploughman's Lunch is the best menu item IMHO), and lots of people in tuques. If you hang out here with friends regularly, it's likely a 5-star atmosphere. If it's your first time, or you go alone, you might wonder what all the fuss is about.