please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A very nice pub. Good selection of ales served by friendly staff. It is not cheap but then most other pubs in the area are the same. Did not eat there but the food I saw coming out looked nice.
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I found the Ship too pretentious , and there is lack of pleasant outdoor drinking space, which made me head on towards Brancaster Staithe. Outside the pub is a massive car park and modern houses (presumably built over the pub garden to pay for the gastro refurb. Beer good if you can bear the flash gastro customers
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Definitely still the "Ship". Called in for a glass of wine and a couple of oysters. Oddly, though, when I asked for an accommodation brochure they couldn't lay their hands on one. Seems a bit remiss!
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Went by on the Coasthopper on Saturday - it's still most emphatically called the "Ship" - both on the gable end and the hanging sign. Isn't "Flying Kiwis" the name of the company which owns it now?
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Excellent pint of Adnam's here on Saturday. Tempted to eat, but couldn't quite justfy the cost. I was pleased, however, to note that some of the B&B prices had dropped a fraction since my last visit and post!
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I think this should have a fresh start from a rating point of view. I visited here when the legendary old licensee was on hand and it was grim. Re-visited last week and yes it is expensive and competes with the other Gastro Pubs in the area for the big buck punters, BUT the food is excellent, the renovations amazing (but Gasto Pub-ish), and the owners wife brews beer off-site that I thought was excellent. Sea food in particular was very good. Staff are uniformed but very pleasant and helpful. The place is dog friendly. A huge improvement; I think it's better to get investment into pubs and have some compromises from my ideal than to have the old licensee who would have eventually gone out of business with the building going to residential as so many have in the area.
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Well and truly open now and worth a visit. It is, as I feared, horrendously expensive (�6.00 + for a glass of not particularly special wine and the cheapest room, even in low season, at over �100.00) but the ambience of the building and the quality of the food are now superb. I had the biggest, juciest and most flavoursome oysters I've ever encountered, followed by some belly pork which (proverbially) melted in the mouth.
The service was friendly and remarkably quick for a high-season lunchtime.
The high cost will certainly deter relatively low earners such as myself from too frequent use, but I'm glad I called in and - hopefully - this establishment will now flourish despite the bad press it's had on this site in recent years.
The prices puzzle me, though. I know similar establishments in Yorkshire which offer equally exalted ambience and cuisine, at about two thirds the cost. I can't believe the overheads are any higher in Norfolk - particularly as so much of the produce claims to be locally sourced (and catering wages are notoriously low everywhere!) so I can only conclude that there's an assumption on the part of management that all the customers belong tho the Chelsea Tractor brigade, up at their second homes for the summer.
All this aside, it was a most enjoyable visit and I will return ... when my bank balance has recovered. Meanwhile - back to the Lifeboat, Orange Tree and Hero; which seem almost modestly priced by comparison!
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Just an update...
Chris Coubrough has big plans for the "Ship"-has confirmed, through his 'people' (honestly, someone running a pub who has 'people'!) that the name will remain...so no ghastly new image or terrible fate like that which befell the "Hero" in Burnham Market...and the model ship will be restored to its place on the wall...
...there are plans afoot to build on the exisiting pub garden...hmmm, MORE holiday homes?...and to, as a result, relocate the garden. All very sensitive issues and awaited with interest. Desperately hoping that the place will not become an expensive gastro pub, whose only use for the locals is washing up, lets hope that each welcomes the other and gives them a chance...
Actual plans for the Ship itself, the refurbishment and new 'decor' look good, and, as long as there are no lobster baskets hanging on the walls, or, God forbid, buoys and bits of fishing nets...it doesn't look like it will go far wrong.
Opening about May 10th, we will see....
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Passed through on the Coasthopper last week and noticed refurbishment well under weigh. Shocked by absence of the eponymous ship from the gable end I hope she's returned full restored!
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As mentioned below, this has a new owner now to replace the uptight, angry, rude and unwelcoming one previously, who has no doubt finally realised he is not suited to work in the service industry. Hopefully he has finally discovered his true calling as a Victorian era prison guard.
I await to see what it will be like, but with ��� being pumped into a refurb and somebody with a track record, I suspect it will be worth a visit and will quickly regain some of its previous glory.
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I visited Norfolk this week and was disappointed to see The Ship was closed. I used to frequent the pub quite a lot about 7 years ago. I even stayed there for Christmas and New Year once or twice. It's a shame that the previous management didn't make it work they were always very friendly to me. I am looking forward to seeing the results after renovation but hope the ordinary holiday maker will not be deterred from visiting.
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Hear, hear! I will endeavour to visit at the first opportunity next spring!
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Well, good news one and all...
"The Ship" has been bought by Chef Chris Coubrough who will be adding the pub to his flock of watering holes in North Norfolk.
At present, the whole interior is being stripped out and refurbished, upstairs and downstairs. Ten hotel rooms, new bar, kitchen, the whole works-and not before time.
It is anticipated that "The Ship" will re-open in Easter 2010, so, as you can see, quite a major undertaking.
I hope that, in obviously catering for the holiday hoards and second home owners, Chris also remembers the locals and, once again, makes the pub a welcome place to visit for a beer and a snack. A mix of that, some good real ales and good, local home cooked food (thats probably a given!) will put "The Ship" back on track again after many wasted years.
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Last week I thought had a chance to visit this controversial establishment and draw my own conclusions, but t was closed when I arrived at just after 11.00 AM and apparantly not opening until twelve. Unfortunately, time was pressing and I went elsewhere for lunch so I'm still none the wiser!.
I did notice, however, a large "To Let" sign on the front of the building, so it looks like it's changing hands anyway: for better or for worse remains to be seen Though - if this site is anything to go by - reactions and opinions will continue to be varied and contradictory regardless of change!
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I recently holdayed in Brancaster, a really nice place. The Ship has had an external makeover and looks better than the photo on the site. Sadly the negative comments made by the other visitors are all true. The landlord is rude, the pipes hadn't been cleaned so a definite fustiness to the beer, poor atmosphere, when we were in a couple of people had food at an adjoining table. The lady had a steak and requested a shaper knife-I took that to be a hint re the tenderness of the food but the landlord just sighed and rolled his eyes. In the next village (Brancaster Staithe) there are two really good pubs, the jolly sailors and the White Horse. It is 1.5 miles of a walk but well worth the effort.
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We stopped at the Ship Inn in January when we were camping down the road at Wells. I'm a bit stunned by the reviews on here! OK - the food wasn't the best in the world, but it certainly wasn't the worst. I had the pie and although the lid (I hate pies with lids, I want a whole crust!) was definitely overcooked, what was inside was absolutely fine and the chips were lovely. My OH enjoyed his steak and we stayed and had a few more drinks. We didn't see the landlady, but the landlord was really cheerful, chatty and we had a good laugh with him (about the photos on the wall of him dressed as a woman no less!). No sign of the aggressiveness mentioned in reviews at all - neither of us would hesitate to pay another visit and will definitely do so when we go back that way. We didn't go into the dining area (didn't know there was one) but we sat by the fire at the side of the bar and had a really pleasant afternoon. I thought it was a really nice pub all round.
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Stayed and ate at this pub whilst walking the North Norfolk Coastal Path, I will start with the slightly more positive comment of the fish and chips were tasty, although the dining area lacked any form of atmosphere. The land lord/lady really shouldn't be in the hospitality industry, both rude, disinterested , and he had an aggresive attitude. The rooms are overpriced and the one i stayed in was filthy with the previous occupants rubish still in the bins and hair in the bathroom sink & dirty carpets at least the bed linen was clean. They also run out of hot water if more than two out of 4 rooms have a shower. Oh and the drink was not much better. There are some wonderful pubs & B&B's on the costal path, don't waste your money here.
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I notice the owners have had Carrot Cakes review deleted. Shame as it was a very accurate description. I suggest people considering visit this pub do a quick google - a site called Tripadvisor has very similar opinions. Clearly so many people can't be wrong.
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It is quite obvious by studying the reviews below which are genuine and which are posted by the management in a desperate attempt to preserve a reputation which lies in tatters. Even the wording of each of the positive reviews is similar, making it obvious they were written by the same person.
Isn't it convenient that every time a bad review is post somebody crops up with an entirely opposite opinion in every sense?
I have eaten at the Ship once and would never repeat it. I find it hard to believe anybody would go regularly. However, I would recommend everybody goes there jut once so that they can understand what truly awful food, service and atmosphere - it will make you appreciate every other meal out so much more. In fact it would make McDonalds seem like gourmet cuisine.
Let's make this clear: The Ship is truly awful and it is such a shame that a potentially great pub is being run into the ground by appalling management whose only response to criticism is to hit out, rather than to try to addrss complaints.
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So far, I've only managed to call in once and drank orange juice because I'd already had enough beer elsewhere. It seemed nice enough, and I keep meaning to come back and try the beer/food etc. The extraordinary range of opinion expressed here only serves to harden my resolve to do precisely that! However, since I live in York and don't drive, it may be some time before I get the chance!
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stopped off at the ship inn brancaster on the 31st jan for a meal and a drink .bar and resturant very busy but the landlord was very helpful and soon got us a table for 8 sorted out . food was excellent fish was the best i had eaten for a long time . the staff we found to be very polite and looked after us very well .keep up the good work .
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I came across this site quite by accident whilst looking for accommodation. I have frequented The Ship Inn over the last eight years and was amazed to find the comments on this page. I have spent some very convivial evenings at The Ship. I have found the Landlady and the staff very helpful and friendly and I have had the pleasure of joining in with fellow patrons in jolly banter and good conversation with the landlord, his wife and also, when time allows, the chef. In short, I have found The Ship Inn to be well run, clean and friendly.
With regard to the food served at The Ship, I have overheard many comments from other patrons. There has seldom, if at all, been any complaints. On the contrary, people have often commented on how delicious the food is. Furthermore, many visit The Ship solely for the food, particularly the fish.
In my experience fish should be served with a crisp, golden brown batter. The fish inside should well cooked but moist. On every occasion, I have found this to be the case. In addition, the portions at The Ship are, to say the least, very generous (perhaps this is the reason Carrot Cake's mother could not finish hers?) However, it is possible that some people are more used to the fish purchased from fish and chip shops as a takeaway. Unfortunately, this fish does not travel well. Fish wrapped in paper leads to condensation and that makes the batter rather soggy. I would suggest to the gentleman or lady that commented on the fish they may like to extend their cullinary experiences.
On this note, may I suggest Carrot Cake takes his mother further up the coast road to another pub where one can purchase fish at a similar price. However,the portions are about a third of the size as those of The Ship and tends to be rather wet inside. Perhaps this would be more to his or her taste.
I have always tried to make it my policy to treat others with politeness and respect. For the most part I have found this to be reciprocated. I found some of Carrot Cake's remarks to be gratuitous and in this case perhaps it was a case of the landlord merely not suffering fools gladly.
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Ha ha! You know there's something wrong when the best a (probably fictitious) reviewer can think to say is that the food is "piping hot", as if that's the highest praise there is! I should hope so too: the food can be as hot as you like, but that doesn't make it nice. I think I'll give this one a miss.
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Some interesting views expressed here - although I can't help but think the owners might have something to do with the defence! If people express a negative opinion that's there right - it doesn't make them rude.
But I'll try to offer a balanced view: this pub is in an excellent location and a lovely building. The beer is not at all bad, if a little limited. As for the food, it was okay, nothing more, nothing less but certanly overpriced (if I'm paying about �10 for a main I expect it to be better than ok). The service is certainly interesting, not necessarily rude, but not warm and welcoming - and the barman is certainly not somebody you would want to complain to.
I certainly wouldn't go back to this place and clearly I'm not the only one who feels this way. Oh, and Yellowid, you're glad you drove past? Presumably you didn't stop! Lol!
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Transparently there are entries here made by the rude people or their associates. Looks obvious to me. I am just glad that I drove past the pub.
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Hmm. Interesting previous comments... Beer - seems fine and well kept. Food - I've tended to order crab salad and new potatoes (which was good) when I'm there as the the rest of the menu didn't really appeal, especially in summer. So I can't really comment on the food.
BUT there IS something a bit amiss about the attitude of the bar staff (owner?). Rude, I would say. Dismissive. Arrived 5 minutes before 2 (when the kitchen closes)to order lunch and virtually told to p@%ss off. Basil Fawlty watch out!
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Norwich boy
We have had many meals at the ship and have no complaints about food or staff, and i think your attitude was wrong.
If you have not the bottle to complain thats your proplem.
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We have visited and stayed at the Ship Inn several times.Prompt,polite service and piping hot food reasonably priced have always been given to us.
In our opinion the complainee seemed to think his gravitas for a reduced price meal rested on his involvement with the local media.
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Just eaten lunch here and witnessed the staff (managers I think) have a stand up argument with a group of other customers who complained about a meal. The behaviour was not a suitable way to treat customers who, from what we could see, had done nothing wrong.
At one point the lady said they had no other complaints from customers and everybody else was completely happy. Well, we weren't - our food was overcooked, basic and overpriced - we were just too polite/scared to say anything!
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Got there at 9:10pm to find the place closed for the night - don't they want to sell beer to people?
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We have stayed at the ship on many occasion,I found the rooms were adequate for a short stay.The bar was comfortable with an open fireplace to thaw out after facing the norfolk winds, beer was good but had no guest beers.
We found the food was good, the steak was excellant last time I was there,Alison and here staff are very polite and looked after our needs.
amos.
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Friendly atmosphere. The accommodation was clean and comfortable. Food was good with large portions. Excellent value for money. Be back next year.
debac - 29 Sep 2007 17:47 |
We regular visitors to Norfolk and came across the ship inn by chance. We stayed there for 3 nights and for the money the accommodation was very good, mike and Ali made us very welcome also the food was excellent and very good value , I would recommend the steak to anyone .we will be going back again.
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Not as good as it used to be. Beer selection limited and badly kept, food over cooked and over priced, accomodation basic and expensive.
anonymous - 19 Sep 2007 18:38 |
My partner and I stayed here for 2 nights (pre-booked) and were quite taken aback at the proprietors' reception, which was unwelcome to say the least. Our room, though sizeable enough, was overpriced for what we got - the bathroom consisting of a loose-fitted toilet and a shower which not only left you standing ankle-deep in water, but was noisy in the extreme due to its being 'motorised'. On top of this they refuse to provide any soap other than the most budget of hand soaps. The food, too, was overpriced and the drinks range decidedly average. By all means stop at this historic little inn if you're parched after a long walk, but I couldn't recommend it less for a pleasant relaxing weekend stay.
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Looking for a welcoming pub after a brisk walk on the beach. Unfortunatly ddn't find it here. Food average, beers limited, landlord rude. Venue and location perfect, unfortunatly service not up to the standard expected in this area of the coast. We prefered the White Horse further down the coast.
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Long established old coaching inn right on main street of this popular Norfolk village with plentiful parking, a large beer garden, and 4 rooms for overnight guests. Famous for the wooden model of an Nelson-era ship attached to its west wall. Had struggled throughout the late 80's and early 90's with a succession of landlords, but current incumbents are bringing it back to life. Decent pub food-steaks and local fish- and well kept, albeit standard (it would be nice to see guest beers), ales, good pint of Guinness & a lovely fire in the evenings to warm you up after your walk on the beach. Reputedly haunted by the ghost of Lord Nelson's Nanny!
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