The Ship, Marlow

A nice old town pub, with two sides om entry but both leading to the same bar behind. Some areas have a stupidly low beamed ceiling, leading to a crouched walk for anyone over average height, although the considerable woodwork adds to the atmosphere, which is one of the most pubbish in the town centre. It extends back a surprising distance, with more normal height areas to the rear. Various nautical pictures and knick-knacks are on display. Beers still from Rebellion, with IPA, Gold and Wingman in good condition. Quite a comfortable place, and some good conversation going on.

A traditional looking terraced pub in a rank of shops just around the corner from the High Street, it’s a good size internally, somewhat bigger perhaps than it looks from the outside, and also includes a good sized courtyard garden at the rear complete with a rowing boat, presumably in a nod to the pub’s name. There is also an outside bar counter here, although this was not in use on our visit. Inside too it’s quite traditional, having a low ceiling with plenty of black beams, rough wooden boards on the floor and some exposed brickwork. A couple of old barrels were arranged for vertical drinking, whilst a brick fire-place contained a pile of logs stacked up for the colder weather. Towards the rear it had a slightly more contemporary feel, with light grey wood panelling on the lower part of the walls. Everywhere were all sorts of nautical artefacts, such as thick ship’s rope hanging from the beams, a diving helmet, a ship’s wheel and even a few life buoys. Getting to the bar was a little tricky with plenty of locals propping it up preventing any sort of easy access. Beers on tap were a duo from the local Rebellion brewery with their IPA and Blond, whilst a third pump appeared unused. The solitary cider was Aspall’s Suffolk, unfortunately.