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Disappointment of the week with Real Ale Ray
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Detail Pages
The Olde Ship Hotel, Seahouses
Seahouses
NE68 7RD
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8½ of 10) see review guidelines
Old Boots left this review about The Olde Ship Hotel
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.
On 12th October 2023
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3230 recommendations about 2939 pubs]
Blackthorn _ left this review about The Olde Ship Hotel
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.
On 21st July 2023
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1947 recommendations about 1860 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Danny O'Revey left this review about The Olde Ship Hotel
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
On 15th May 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1456 recommendations about 1434 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about The Olde Ship Hotel
Staying in Seahouses - so visited a couple of times.
First impressions were not that great but I did change my mind. A myriad of signs telling you everything from "No Dogs" to "Toilets are for Patrons" and my favourite - "Remove Large Rucksacks before entry"
Only pub we visited in Northumberland that had a no dogs policy.
The reason for these signs are a superb bar full of nautical nick nacks. Really is a joy to sit and drink there. The beers were exceptional - I tried the Farne Island and a great pint of Theakstons.
Staff are really friendly and if you have a dog and are lucky, you can sit in a wonderful summerhouse and have extensive views to the Farne Islands.
55 Whiskies on offer.
I definitely warmed to it!
On 9th May 2019
- rating: 9
[User has posted 1337 recommendations about 1323 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve of N21 left this review about The Olde Ship Hotel
What a seaside pub in a historic fishing village should be like, completely full of character and nautical artefacts, and a great choice of ales.
Three separate internal spaces as well described by John and always good if you can get a seat in the low ceilinged cabin bar.
Still 10 ales provided with the same regular beers as described below and the Farne Island is an excellent pint. Guests for our visit included the Hadrian Border Brewery Northumbrian Gold, Northumberland Brewery Holy Island Ale, Allendale Golden Plover and one from from Wylam if I can decipher my notes correctly.
Not surprisingly it does get very busy, especially during the food service times, during which the outside seating area with the fine views of the harbour can be a good spot to escape the crowds.
Deservedly a destination pub when travelling this part of the Northumberland coast.
On 29th July 2014
- rating: 9
[User has posted 2110 recommendations about 1992 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Olde Ship Hotel
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.
On 23rd March 2014
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3223 recommendations about 3134 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
John Bonser left this review about The Olde Ship Hotel
Update – September 2013
Another very enjoyable visit here in September 2013. I missed it on my original visit, but there’s an outside seating area which overlooks the harbour and provides fine views out to sea
Prince Charles came here in July 2012 and the letter from Clarence House is proudly displayed by the entrance to the main bar.
The wood panelled main bar is characterful and has a wealth of interesting maritime memorabilia. The other rooms are similarly decorated.
6 regular beers are served – Speckled Hen, Theakstons Best, Black Sheep, Ruddles County, Courage Directors and Farne Island Bitter. There’s 4 guests – usually local micros – which, on my visit, included Alnwick IPA and a beer from Allendale.
The pub is a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular and you should definitely call in if you get the opportunity
Original review - September 2008
Splendidly traditional pub/hotel a stone's throw away from the harbour in this coastal fishing village just south of Bamburgh. You can get trips to Holy Island from the harbour.
The saloon bar is extensively decorated with shipping memorabilia including many model ships and fishing baskets hanging from the ceiling.
The saloon bar would appear to be where the village locals drink, which is always a good sign.
Despite being attached to an hotel, it retains a very pubby feel and you certainly don't feel like you're drinking in a hotel bar.
There's a smaller cabin bar and a deck bar towards the rear of the building which help create a roomy feel to what appears to be a small pub from the outside.
The pub is listed in CAMRA's 2008 GBG and is also on the Regional North East Inventory.
There's a good range of real ales on - on my 5 September visit, these were Courage Directors, Landlord, Bass, GK Ruddles County ( a rare sighting this ) , the seemingly ubiquitous Black Sheep and Farne Island from the local Hadrian and Border Brewery.It seems churlish to criticise, but a second micro would have been a welcome alternative to the usual mainstream suspects.
Learn more about the pub and its history on a beermat, readily available on the bar.
In conclusion, highly recommended, whether it's for a beer, food, or just a coffee.
On 4th December 2013
- rating: 9
[User has posted 560 recommendations about 560 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about The Olde Ship Hotel
This pub was on our to-do list and lived up to its name. I would say more so out of season with a lovely coal fire and fewer visitors to take in this museum of seafaring antiquities. Enjoyed a well-kept pint of Farne Island and a sample of black pudding on the bar! Will call again
On 25th February 2011
- rating: 9
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Gill Smith left this review about The Olde Ship Hotel
This 2010 Good Beer Guide pub has 8 real ales on, and a good selection too with some well known breweries and 2 guests. We enjoyed the guests from High House brewery, Nels Best and Auld Hemp. It is full of brasses and maritime memorabilia.
On 13th August 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1339 recommendations about 1222 pubs]