The Old Ship Inn, High Wycombe

Komakino . left this review about The Old Ship Inn

At the end of 2024, my local Camra branch sent an (e-mail) newsletter stating that the owner of The Old Ship – closed since 2010 – had contacted them, informing them that he was planning to re-open the pub in early 2025. A year later, it finally came to fruition. The stretch of road between Marlow and Stokenchurch has seen the demise of the majority of the pubs on its route over the last fifteen years or so, making the resurrection of this tiny pub a curious success story. A tiny L-shaped pub: if descending the steep steps from Marlow Road, you enter through a modern door, turning left into the only room. There's a small snug ante-room to the left, a table to the right and a small table in front of the chamfered, entrance-facing L-shaped bar with a further table beyond the bar, next to a door that leads to a nondescript patio. An estate agent would class it as "cosy". There's an inglenook-type fireplace opposite the bar, with a modern burner located within. A free house, there were three handpumps, with two ales on – Tring Side Pocket For A Toad, and Little Ox Hufflepuff. Rebellion Smuggler had not long gone, the clip having been removed. The Hufflepuff was in good shape (NBSS 3), poured with a little unsureness from a young barmaid. There's a car park and a small garden out back, with a tiny wooden sheltered area with tables and chairs. Had a chat with the landlord so I could get their CE details updated and they're going for an ambitious seven days a week opening schedule (albeit closing for a couple of hours during the day Mon to Fri). Overall, it's clean and tidy and quiet inside with the odd bit of maritime paraphernalia. A heartwarming return to form.

On 11^th April 2026 - rating: 6
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