The Olde Ship Hotel, Seahouses

Small L shaped bar in a larger hotel, the counter is on the main part of the L as you enter and turn left off the street. 10 pulls of which 7 were in use, a brace each from Alnwick, and Hadrian & Border plus one each of Tyne Bank, “Courage” Directors and Taylor’s Landlord. It looked like a John Smiths clip reversed and a couple were blank. The only pub in the village in the GBG it looked a case of never mind the quality feel the width. The shorter part of the L is up a couple of steps and benefits from leather banquette seating and wooden stools at cast iron based tables. The main bar likewise has banquettes at Britannias and a selection of stools constructed from pin sized casks, as well as wooden bar stools along the counter, mercifully unoccupied by bar blockers late afternoon. The decor is a large and eclectic collection of stuff in brass, plus nautical or fishing articles.

Official site of The Olde Ship Hotel - theoldeship.co.uk

Official site of The Olde Ship Hotel - theoldeship.co.uk

A traditional and attractive looking stone built pub in a prime spot in the centre of the village, it’s much bigger internally than might be inferred from looking at the outside, having been extended at the rear and is now something of a rabbit warren of different rooms. The atmosphere was very convivial with a decent mix of clientele, even some young ladies from university who I wouldn’t perhaps expect to gravitate towards this sort of pub, but were happily enjoying a round of cards. The main bar area is to the left as you go in, and this is absolutely stunning with all manner of nautical artefacts covering every available square inch. Much of the walls were clad in dark wood panelling, and perhaps these too came from a ship. I had a magazine article containing a picture taken in the bar in 1980, and I’m pleased to say nothing has really changed, with the only difference being even more stuff covering the walls and hanging from the ceiling. Some of this included old oil lamps, rope, clogs, oars, baskets, ship’s lanterns, ship’s wheels, navigation aids, brass clocks, and of course the inevitable glass case of different knot styles. Seating was mostly fitted bench seating around the perimeter, with red, button back padding, whilst an old fireplace was off to one side. A corridor leading to the rear of the pub contained glass windows in the walls that housed even more paraphernalia, including an old life jacket from 1890, wartime ration books, old pipes, snuff boxes, decanters and old bank notes. It’s a real treasure trove. On top of all that, there was a great choice of beers on the bar which on this visit included Elder Statesman, Red Dust, Theakston Best, North Sea Bitter, Monument and Farne Island. Ciders meanwhile were Thatcher’s Gold and Aspall’s. Overall, a really cracking pub, and well worth making the effort to visit.

Booked in here for a night for a change rather than stay in Newcastle on our way up to Edinburgh. The accommodation is a little dated, but more than made up for by the view and the pub. If you stay you also have access to the upstairs rooms that have even more nautical bits of tat than down in the pub. The pub is a joy, with loads of friendly locals including members of the lifeboat crew. At least 6 ales available and all the ones I tried were in good nick. Will definitely consider staying here again.

Close to the harbour, decorated with a multitude of trinkets and sailing bits, some multi levels. Service is poor and beer not brilliant but its worth a punt