The Ship Inn, Fordingbridge

Previously The New Inn, the pub still does B&B. There is a small yard behind with limited parking, a remnant of its role as a town inn. The interior has been restored to its original wooden theme, including bare boards. There is a small dining room and a larger bar, both quite dark and sparsely furnished and having brick fireplaces. The staff were friendly enough, but some of the locals were a bit belligerent, particularly one of the canines who outnumbered the humans present. A standard range of pub meals is available plus a shared fondue for that genuine – er, Fordingbridge experience. Live music is hosted on Saturdays. Four ales on draft, I had a pint of Bitter n Twisted which was in fair condition. Other ales on were Rock On, GK IPA and Seafarer. A decent enough local, and I'd probably pop in again for a few beers if in the area.

Cannot comment on what this place is like as a B&B and you are better off looking at Trip Advisor for how people rate this place in that respect, but as a pub it seems to be fairly decent, despite being part of the evil Greedy King Empire. A very pleasant traditional wood interior which is divided into a cosy dining area and then a larger bare wooden floor boarded bar area, either side of a central serving bar area with a fine old wooden gantry. There are four normal Ale pumps of which three were in operation and then one of them ghastly chrome IPA pump things. Two GK brews were supplement by Hook Norton Hooky , which was a well kept pint. Although we didn’t try it there was a decent looking traditional pub grub menu with most of the mains the right side of £10. The better Ale offering provided by the Crown virtually next door would probably lead me there if I was to return to Fordingbridge, but I would certainly recommend a visit to the Ship if you have time to do both.

Official site of the Ship Inn, includes menu and events details - www.theshipinnfordingbridge.co.uk

Bed and Breakfast accommodation is the finest in Fordingbrdige with a full Continental breakfast.

Official site of the Ship Inn, includes menu and events details - www.theshipinnfordingbridge.co.uk