The Spice Ship, Weymouth

I endured a family holiday at the Haven Park that is found behind this pub so I found myself in here a couple of times during my stay a month ago. There was a good mix of locals and tourists that created a decent atmosphere during both of my midweek evening visits. I found the main barman to be very efficient and friendly, but some of his colleagues only seemed to pull their fingers out when someone of authority was present at the bar. The rear of the pub is a large dining area that was empty as my visits were after the kitchen had closed at 21:00. Food is served all day during the summer months, but out of season the kitchen is open for lunch and dinner only. The mains are priced around the £8 mark and only a couple of dishes break the £10 barrier. A long and thin bar area is located at the front of the pub where some plasma screens were showing muted Olympic coverage. Sky Sports is advertised so Premiership football is shown when a match is on. To the left of the entrance is dartboard and the bar is found to the right. There is more seating in the far right of the pub and a nautical theme runs throughout. The bar is stocked with standard draught and the four hand pumps were drawing Sharp’s Doom Bar, Dartmoor Brewery’s Jail Ale, Dorset Brewing Company’s Jurassic and Ringwood Best. Two and Four pint take-outs are available and the presence of dog treats behind the bar led me to believe that our canine friends are more than welcome. Accommodation is available. There is an advertised beer garden and children’s play area out the back, but I had no reason to venture out there. I liked it in here and would have no problem returning.

Official site of the Spice Ship - www.spiceship.co.uk

Official site of the Spice Ship - www.spiceship.co.uk

A large, detached family pub and eatery that rather looks like it was formerlly a few 18th century thatched cottages. The pub is in white rendered brick and stone and there is a beer garden and play area for the kids at the back. The interior has a central service bar. The pub is family orientated and it is food orientated, so the clientele are families and the the main dining area is behind the serving bar, though the lounge in front of the bar seems also to be a place to eat as well. There is bar football and darts mind you as you enter. The decor inside is made out like an 18th century wooden ship - with barrells, joists and beams. There are also a lot of photos and pictures of old ships on the walls and other fun ephemera, like jugs - sadly, there were some twigs with lights on them. The service was fine and the music was general and at a fun level. We didn't eat so can't comment on that. Beer; tap stuff, with London Pride, Ringwood Bitter, DBC's Jurassic and an OK Sharpe's Doombar. It is a family dining pub/eatery and has the entertainments and decor to do that. It isn't really a place i would seek out to drink alone - maybe one if i am passing!