Ship Inn, Keynshamback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
We (a group comprising myself and 13 other boaters who'd moored in Keynsham for the night) were directed here by 2 helpful chaps in the nearby Old Bank, who clearly followed their own advice as we caught up with them here. The Ship is not presently Good Beer Guide endorsed, but as the savvier beer lover will know, that does not necessarily indicate a poor pub experience, or indeed bad beer. As it was, we found a pub thronging with locals - a far busier affair than the OB albeit both were showing the England match that evening, and immediately this presented a warm (literal and figurative) and inviting atmosphere into which we willingly immersed ourselves. Some found seating in the left-hand bar, while a smaller number squeezed ourselves conspicuously into the one on the right, where the real action was.
A ladies' darts match was in full swing, alongside those viewing the TV which I didn't feel was over-intrusive. Bar staff were hurriedly but efficiently busying themselves attending to a steady torrent of orders. An impressive array of 10 handpumps stretched on before us, but as the previous writer so rightly observes, only 5 beers are actually featured, and all of those are from the rather ubiquitous (and not always the most engrossing) Marston's stable (most pumps were occupied but many doubled-up). I sampled a Wychwood seasonal called Jesterjack, which I must confess was kept perfectly and was surprisingly flavoursome - the best beer I've tasted from a Marston's-affiliated brewery for some years. It was quite a floral ale and whilst not up there with the heavenly Acer by Bristol Beer Factory, it was a young pretender of that style.
My mate was keen to stock up on fodder for a boat-based blow-out and so purchased 4 large pork pies at only �2.50 apiece. Having initially questioned the wisdom of this, once I tried one I realised it was sound - they were some of the best PPs I've ever had. Delicious, crumbly, local pork in a light pastry case - none of that processed stodge! If that is a marker for the food quality here overall then I can only hope to dine here properly some day.
The whole experience was very jolly and one which certainly would bear repeating if in the area again. We were fortunate to get here - they were starting to seal off the High Street in order to film an explosive scene for EastEnders of all things! A car was to crash into a derelict shopfront and blow up - no harm done as the 1960s shopping parade is slated for demolition anyway so we're told. No doubt fans will reap the benefits of this in a couple of months' time.
Well done, folks. We like. Just a slight shame about the enforced limitations of your beer tie. Those pumps are just begging for more variety....
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have been in numerous times and even though the staff are very friendly, the choice of ale is generally poor. They have a large number of pumps, but they all dispense the same beer. all they would need do is serve a light/blonde ale and a stout, is that too much to ask?
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A pleasant, olde worlde pub just a short walk away from the High Street. On going in to the small entrance vestibule, you�re presented with two doors, one to the left marked �The Cuddy� (which is a cabin on a small boat) and one to the right marked �The Foc�sle� (which is the forward part of the upper deck).
The Foc�sle is effectively the public bar, being a long room containing the bulk of the bar counter with a plasma and dart board down at the far end. The Cuddy is a smaller, cosier affair with carpeted floors and the walls being a mixture of wood panelling and exposed stonework, a smaller wood panelled corner bar and a large stone fireplace which has an inscription dating the pub to 1636. On from this again is a smaller room used more for dining and private functions.
There is also a small but pleasant garden at the back, and below this something that looks as though it may perhaps be a boules pitch, or something similar. From here there are good views of the adjacent park and river. There was some sort of food offering, although I didn�t inspect the menu.
Beers on offer were mostly from Marston�s, with their Burton, Pedigree and Dragon�s Tale. In addition to this was Wychwood Paddy�s Tout, Jennings Stickle Pike and Ringwood Best. Ciders were Blackthorn & Thatcher�s Gold.
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Having had a drink in here on a couple of occasions, I decided to try this place for a meal on Saturday evening. We ordered drinks at the bar and asked a passing waitress if we could have a table which we were advised we could go through to the small dining area when we were ready.
We collected our drinks and walked through and sat waiting for a menu. After about ten minutes of chatting and being passed by the couple of waiting staff we realised that there was something amiss so disturbed some people on an adjacent table to find out how we got a menu! Having gone back and collected a menu from the bar we were then asked for our food order!?
We ordered starters and main courses from the specials board and menu.
The starters were brought to us and were of a very good proportion and well presented. The main courses followed after an ample but not excessive amount of time which again were of great proportion and excellently presented with a generous separate dish of a good range of crisp vegetables accompanying our meals. I had haddock from the specials board, this was fantastically cooked and a real joy to eat!
We couldn't manage desserts but from the look of the others which were brought out they were of an equal quality.
Overall we left feeling that we have discovered a little gem on our own door step. If only the service had been a little more attentive from the start I think this place would be nudging a ten!
pezer - 11 Apr 2011 11:43 |
Excellent traditional pub with a good range of real ales and serving good food. Marston and Ringwood breweries are represented amongst the beers on offer and the staff are friendly and efficient. Nice to see a few darts players enjoying a lunch-time game in the public bar, and while there is a big-screen TV it doesn't dominate the room. Not too many pubs around like this anymore so well worth a visit.
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Decided to go for a couple of beers in here last Friday after hearing good reports. Quite a large choice of beers, usual Marstons selection of beers, 4 in total plus at least 3 guest ales (I think 1 had just gone off). All beers were good but selection of guest ales although individually good were quite similar to each other - Xmas ales. Probably on offer after the Xmas period so they may have been cheap, good taste but too similar to each other?
Bars were very busy for what is difficult time for pubs and I don't think they anticipated such a busy night as only 2 bar staff were on - both working their socks off. An additional barmaid arrived, not working, just for a drink but luckily she helped out to alleviate the rush.
All said a very good local pub, well run with a very good choice of beers and the food also looked good as well.
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This appears to be a Marstons house, I had a tasty Jennings beer on the day, the pub was fairly busy with locals, the garden seating area was neat and tidy and the staff friendly. it's worth a look while in the area.
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Been "FULLERS-IZED" but actually not that bad. Beer range now is Pedigree,Burton Bitter,Mansfield Ale and as "guests" I presume,Smiles and Jennings Sneck Lifter. Better for smoke ban,friendly staff/landlord,busy last Monday week when I was there,prices "normal" (�2.50ish for ale)
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Nice old fashioned cosy pub, In the summer sit in the rear garden and overlook Keynsham park with a pint!
anonymous - 13 Feb 2007 16:01 |
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