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The Ship Inn, Helston
Porthleven
Postal town: Helston
TR13 9JS
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8½ of 10) see review guidelines
Ian Mapp left this review about The Ship Inn
Noticed two pubs in Porthleven - a more modern one - the Harbour Inn on one side and this gnarly old sea dog on the opposite side.
A pleasure to explore - narrow rooms, low ceilings but fortunately, a bit of space out on the patio, where you can watch the world go by.
Skinners Porthleven was not the best pint I have ever had - but later in the week, I heard a bar owner lamenting that his regulars say the Betty Stoggs has gone down hill since the brewery was saved. Maybe not the way it was kept.
On 27th October 2023
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1338 recommendations about 1324 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about Ship Inn
Ancient pub of character overlooking the harbour entrance, accessed up steps. The interior is best described as cosy, in three areas arranged round the small bar, with a vast assortment of ephemera covering all walls and ceilings. Outside there is an overflow room in an outbuilding, while the garden area sprawls up the adjoining cliff with multiple levels and sections. Five Cornish ales on handpump, including two from Sharps, one Skinners, one Tintagel and a special brew from Penzance Brewing Company. There were also a couple of ciders on handpump. Worth a visit, but a likely to be a bit chaotic at busy times.
On 11th September 2018
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Soup Dragon left this review about Ship Inn
This is a fantastic looking pub nestled in a slope next to the harbour that has a patio area. The pub is spread over two buildings, both of which are in white painted stone. The smaller building, called the smithy, is a self-contained family room, which i didn't really see. The main room is in stone and shite, with a wood floor and curves around the serving bar. There is a fireplace at either end. The place is populated by all kinds of memorabilia, from beer mats to bank notes and coins to tankards, brasses and nautical nonsense (as Sponge Bob would say). The service was good and the place very busy with a mixed clientele that was clearly both locals and tourists. Beer; usual tap stuff with Doombar, Courage Directors, Hancocks XB and Skinner's Portleven, which was decent. A class place, really nice location, let down a little by an unispiring beer choice. Very much worth a visit. In the GBG.
On 2nd June 2013
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3067 recommendations about 3062 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Nigel Rowe left this review about Ship Inn
On our first visit, we too were reminded of The Fog. As Roger says below, the whole area was shrouded in mist. What a gem this pub is. It reminded us of the Blue Peter in Polperro - a first floor bar and it being built into the cliff, overlooking the open sea and harbour. Food was excellent and a bit different from the usual. The beer, although in top condition, was a little unadventurous. Sharp's Honey Gold, Doom Bar and Courage Best were all on offer. Doom Bar has become pretty ubiquitous - from Cornwall to London (and further afield, maybe), it seems to be on many bars. Sharp's do brew other beers, but not often seen (in my experience, anyway), and personally I find Skinner's beers superior. Still, that is just my opinion. The Ship is a 'must' to visit, imo, and should be in the Good Beer Guide!
On 7th July 2011
- rating: 9
[User has posted 65 recommendations about 57 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about Ship Inn
The Ship is probably the quintessential Cornish harbourside pub, commanding a prime spot over the picturesque, photogenic harbour entrance and a place in many a visitor's heart. It delivers genuine warmth, especially on nights like when we called in when the harbour was shrouded in mist and the scene was like something from The Fog. Knocking sounds eminating from the barely visible boats, rigging rattling against the masts and the sound of the waves lapping at the harbour walls.all added to the spooky atmosphere. The Ship provided suitable escape from any marauding dead seamen with its intimate interior full of character. Old anchors, bits of rigging, exposed stone walls, bare floors with rugs, a crackling log fire and a homely dim glow from the lanterns that all adds to its charm. A mass of shiny coins are embedded in the bar frame and there are collections of old jugs, urns and a spectacular mass of beer mats cover much of the ceiling. The only thing that lets the place down is the minimal ale selection, just Doom Bar and Courage Best on my visit (at a very reasonable (£2.40 & £2.25 respectively) although the other reviews suggest that there is some sort of rotation. The Ship is definitely a pub worth going out of the way for, whatever the weather.
On 9th April 2009
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Gary Seymour left this review about Ship Inn
Interesting cosy old pub over looking harbour.(great views)
Several good local real ales, Dogs welcome.
On 5th January 2009
- rating: 10
[User has posted 38 recommendations about 38 pubs]