The Ship Inn, Minehead

Situated in the small harbour village of Porlock Weir is The Ship Inn, a pub that is known locally as The Bottom Ship, to distinguish it from The Ship Inn up in the town of Porlock, a steepish climb of well over a mile. Porlock Weir is a picturesque beauty spot with a few thatched cottages and splendid views out to sea and The Bottom Ship fits in effortlessly against this backdrop. It’s an attractive looking whitewashed thatched roof pub with a central lateral chimney and that typical long room look that one associates with Devon pubs – although we are of course in Somerset now. It’s an AA 3 star hotel offering accommodation and, given the similarity in style of the two pubs websites, appears to be in the same ownership as The Top Ship. A large black latched door leads into a long, flagstoned room – The Mariners Bar – with the usual nautical prints and photos on the wall. A separate area at the end has an interesting photo showing the Lynton to Porlock Mail Coach descending PorlocK Hill in 1915. Almost unbelievably, and certainly the first pub that I’d done round here with one on, a largish TV was showing the Man Utd v Chelsea game. I retreated outside where, across a cobbled passage, there was another bar – untitled – where, thankfully, there were no unwanted intrusions. This was another attractive, interesting room, but was deserted and unstaffed. Beers on included Cotleigh Barn Owl, Exmoor Ale and Tribute. The pub was displaying a CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2012 sticker, its first GBG listing, I think. When you come in an attractive looking pub like this in an idyllic coastal beauty spot, it’s a major let down when you find a loud TV with the football on. Almost on principle, I’m disinclined to come here again

Nice pub. Friendly staff. Couple of Real Ales on. Otter was on, one of my favourites! Had some excellent food too. Great location, on the water/weir front. B&B and restaurant available.

Nice pub. Friendly staff. Couple of Real Ales on. Otter was on, one of my favourites! Had some excellent food too. Great location, on the water/weir front. B&B and restaurant available.