The Ship, Ormskirk

Official site of The Ship - www.shipatlathom.co.uk

Official site of The Ship - www.shipatlathom.co.uk

In a charming location backing onto the locks at the beginning of the Rufford Arm of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal,this food orientated pub was once a series of cottages.Infact two of the interior dining areas beyond the bar are called Middle Cottage and End Cottage.The entrance is in the middle of the terrace and leads directly to the bar,which is compact but surrounded by a high table and a banquette with tables and chairs where you can sit and drink.There were six handpumps serving GK IPA,Lancaster Blonde,Black Sheep,Prospect Nutty Slack,Moorhouse's Ship Special and an excellent single hopped George Wright's Lubelski 41,(£2.85).A beer bat of three thirds can be had for £3 .There is also an impressive list of single malts. Through an archway is another small drinking area with seating and it's own counter,while the rest of the pub is given over to dining tables. The slate flooring,low ceiling and traditional feel makes this a comfortable place to drink,but I would suggest getting here early if you want to dine,there was a veritable rush on a wet Tuesday luchtime at 12.15pm.The menu is full of pub staples,mains generally around £9, sandwiches and chips £6.50 and breakfasts are served at weekends. Given the location,I would pay a return visit when hopefully the ale range will retain choices beyond the usual,dull national cask ale brands.