The Ship Inn, Minehead

At the eastern end of picturesque Porlock’s narrow and winding High Street is The Ship Inn, an attractive looking 13th Century whitewashed building with a thatched roof and a tall typical central chimney on the pavement side of the sloping roof. The pub is mentioned in the book, Lorna Doone. The porched entrance is covered with creepers and, as we climb up several stone steps, we see a large notice telling us that “Royston and Caroline welcome you to The Top Ship – the only independent freehold in the village” The pub is known locally as The Top Ship, to distinguish it from The Ship in Porlock Weir down by the harbour which, not surprisingly, is known as The Bottom Ship. If you’ve walked down the hill to The Bottom Ship and back up again ( as I did ), you will appreciate the appropriateness of these two adjectives. The small public bar is on the left and features a small old curved bar counter, low dark beams, fixed bench seating , a splendid inglenook fireplace and a tiled floor. On the walls are a number of photos of the pub cricket team and, unusually, three large Hobgoblin posters. This is very much a locals bar with seats and space, seemingly, at a premium. On the right hand side is a much larger more comfortable room, part carpeted, which is largely used for dining, although there are several cosy seats within the chimney alcove ( mind your head !) known as Southey’s Corner, named after a poet who wrote a sonnet here. This room contains a number of old photos of the pub, including one dating back to the 1860’s showing a stagecoach stopping outside the pub. In a small corner are some old military helmets and a framed German military uniform apparently worn by an extra in The Great Escape film. There’s also some Guinness / Toucan posters which don’t seem to fit in very well. Seating is largely arranged to accommodate diners, but it’s still a room of some character and no little interest. Down the far end is a flat screen TV, but I suspect that it’s only used on special occasions. An annexe at the back houses a separate games room, including a skittles alley. Outside toilets in the yard depict Popeye and Olive Oyl. Beers on were 3 Exmoor beers ( including Beast ), St Austells Proper Job, Otter Bitter plus Quantock Ale – the latter being from a brewery not encountered before. No Hobgoblin beers were on. The pub is in the CAMRA Good Beer Guides for 2011 and 2012. Worth seeking out if in the area

Official site of the Ship Inn at Porlock, includes menus - www.shipinnporlock.co.uk

Official site of the Ship Inn at Porlock, includes menus - www.shipinnporlock.co.uk