The Ship Inn, Romney Marsh

A characterful old place, central bar with seperate areas winding around either side. The bar itself follows around providing serving areas to all parts, the bar back is nicely carved too. Traditional seating plus bar stools, parquet wooden floor, wood panelled walls, lots of signed photos of film stars, old clocks, mirrors etc. Two sets of what look like antelope antlers displayed in the left side area above the fireplace. Six handpumps, four on today, Mordue Workie Ticket, York Brewery Constantine, Daleside Pride of England and Ind Coope(?) Burton Ale. Although it appears that a Northern beer festival has just been on it transpires that the selection are sourced from the "Finest Cask" range. A brewery map and tasting notes are pinned up adjoining the bar. A pleasant spot.

The Ship is a very run-down estate pub slightly off the beaten track but near enough to the sea front to find. At present, though, I would say don't bother. The interior is very tatty and there's no atmosphere. There is no real ale (despite there being two redundant hand-pumps on the bar) and the megakeg which is on sale is poor quality. The locals are friendly and curious, but don't expect scintillating conversation. The best I can say for the Ship is that the chip shop opposite is good value for money.