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Chat about:
Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Ship Inn, Bristol
Bristol
BS1 5BJ
Pub Type
Star Pubs & Bars (Heineken)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Blackthorn _ left this review about The Ship Inn
Recently reopened after a prolonged spell of closure, this has now been taken on by the same team behind The Vittoria and The Barrel House just up the road in Clifton. It appears as though it’s also had something of a refurbishment since it was in dire need of some TLC if I recall correctly from my previous visit.
Internally it’s one open plan room, although the area off to the right is partially segregated by a wall and is also up a step or two. Décor wise it seemed a little gloomy perhaps, with very dark green paint on much of the walls, and wood panelling on the lower part that had been painted black. Elsewhere were some sections of exposed brickwork, whilst the flooring was plain wooden boards which contributed to a slightly rustic feel, perhaps. A number of barrels were dotted around for vertical drinking, whilst further seating consisted of stools at the bar and some Chesterfield style sofa’s. In a nod to the pub’s name, there were a few unusual pieces of artwork of various ships, but little else of a nautical theme.
Despite three handpumps on the bar, only one was in use dispensing Salopian Oracle. Ciders meanwhile were Inch’s Medium Apple and one called Flamingo’s, which the friendly barman described as their own, although he was unable to furnish any further details about it’s provenance. Overall, definitely an improvement, and I’d be happy to pop in again if passing, but equally I’d be unlikely to make a special journey.
On 1st March 2025
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2060 recommendations about 1962 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Strongers . left this review about The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn is a small L-shaped pub with beer counter on the rear wall adjacent to a dartboard to the right with an oche that runs along the right hand wall. Banquette seating is found under the front windows and seating up the left leads to a television on the left rear wall, Sky Sports is shown. The bar supports three handpumps, one of which was unused which left Sharp’s Doom Bar and Butcombe Original as the cask ale options. A standard keg range is also available alongside Amstel. Out the front are some picnic tables. This place was very busy with locals, especially for early on a Wednesday evening. I’m not entirely sure why.
On 27th August 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5965 recommendations about 5931 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Hannah O'Leary left this review about The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn is now re-open!! it has had a new refit and is looking ship shape. selling quailty ales and wines. Opening times are 12 till 11pm Monday to Friday 4pm to 11 pm Saturday and 6pm to 10.30pm Sunday. Come and see the new look!!
On 17th October 2008
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john mcgraw left this review about The Ship Inn
Very nice typical english pub with real ales,we had Hopback "Summer Lightning" on our visit. up a steep hill but well worth the effort.ps, if you see a bloke named DAVE in there be careful he might buy you a pint.
On 30th June 2007
- rating: 10
[User has posted 2044 recommendations about 2025 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Ship Inn
Nice old Victorian style pub, plenty of partitioned individual drinking areas, cosy and with a lot of character. It's bigger than it looks with a downstairs area too. Plenty of ale to choose from, six handpulls on the go over Christmas though sadly the mild was vinegar when we went but it was changed over with the minimum of fuss after the requisite check from the local alcy at the end of the bar. The others were in better shape. Most people in there were either students left behind from the Xmas trip back to Mammy's or Gasheads who didn't go to Walsall that day. Bogs could do with an overhaul though, they let the place down a bit.
In short, a very good pub that falls a little short of great - needs to keep a check on its ale quality and get the builders in onto the bogs. Well worth a visit for the character.
On 4th January 2007
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5552 recommendations about 5533 pubs]