Old Ship Hotel, Padstow

A good sized pub in the heart of Padstow, it doesn’t have quite the same quaint appeal as some of it’s nearby competitors, but is nonetheless a pleasant enough spot and they have made the most of the available outside space with a large patio area at the front decked out with smart slate grey tiles and recessed uplighters, although the only outlook is the shops and restaurants on the other side of the street. A large retractable awning can cover the entire area in the more inclement weather. Inside there are smooth flagstones on the floor and in common with most other pubs nearby it has something of a nautical theme with cream wood panelling on the walls, a very large ship’s wheel, old black and white photographs of various ships on the wall, and of course the obligatory display of knots in a glass case. At the rear was a conservatory and a smaller room that is perhaps pressed in to use as a dining area when the pub is busier. On this occasion it was in darkness, but I did notice a large collection of Dinky cars in a glass cabinet. Beers on tap made a change from the normal dominance of St. Austell’s brands and on this occasion were Sharp’s Atlantic, Doom Bar, Brains SA and Padstow Pale Ale. Ciders meanwhile were Thatcher’s Gold and Healey’s Gold from Skinners.