
The Ship
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Quick info
About The Ship
The Ship is a pub, bar, and family restaurant on High Street in Christchurch that doubles as a relaxed outdoor venue with a beer garden at the back, complete with its own outdoor bar pouring cocktails and other drinks. The garden hosts a DJ, drawing visitors who come to sit outside in the open air. Indoors, the kitchen serves classic pub fare, with fish and chips and curry among the dishes diners order, alongside a broader bar offering. The team welcomes dogs, making the outdoor tables a draw for visitors arriving with their pets. Guests can walk in throughout the day, and the front bar handles drinks for those settling in for the music in the garden during warmer afternoons.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingPaid parking lot · Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, seating
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Menu & Prices
83 dishes · mains £5–30- HOG ROAST SAUSAGE ROLL£5.00
- CALAMARI£8.00
- PIRATES PENNE PASTA£7.00
- HALLOUMI FRIES£5.00
- GARLIC FOCACCIA£5.00
- FRICKLES£5.00
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, outdoor bar, cocktails and chef unavailable.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention fish and chips, outdoor bar, cocktails and chef unavailable.
Customer Review Summary
The beer garden with its outdoor bar and relaxed vibe draws most reviewers, who praise the friendly staff and food at fair prices. Several, however, describe recurring kitchen problems: long waits, the chef stepping away, missing menu items, and an underwhelming plate of fish and chips where the server shrugged off the complaint. Cleanliness is also raised, with one diner describing a neglected outdoor area and restrooms on arrival.
Customer Review Summary
The beer garden with its outdoor bar and relaxed vibe draws most reviewers, who praise the friendly staff and food at fair prices. Several, however, describe recurring kitchen problems: long waits, the chef stepping away, missing menu items, and an underwhelming plate of fish and chips where the server shrugged off the complaint. Cleanliness is also raised, with one diner describing a neglected outdoor area and restrooms on arrival.
Featured reviews
- Dianna Wellstead
“Well we have been in the ship numerous times cang really tell you about food as the chef 👨🍳 never seems to be there we waited an hour to order food the young man behind bar very apologetic,,, this seems to be the standard now chef always on a break 😜 ummmmmm”
- Melanie Bremner
“We didn't eat because sorry to say the place wasn't clean. We sat outside and there where fag buts, rubbish and dead plants in the garden. Not very welcoming. This was 12 o'clock on a Sunday so only just opened. I then went to the ladies and if I hadn't if been desperate I wouldn't of used them. Not clean, sanitary bins overflowing, really not pleasant. A young mum followed me in with a little one, really not nice. Shan't be returning.”
- Dave Emery
“Most menu items were not available, beer wasn't great & nearly empty.”
- Nicky Prior
“Really disappointing experience. We are locals, but took two visitors in for dinner. 3 ordered fish and chips, the other curry. 2 fish and chips arrived; one plate had half the chips missing and a big gap on the plate. We were given some extra when we pointed this out. The third fish and chips arrived a good 5 minutes later and the fish was half the size of the others. When this was pointed out the server shrugged and said "well they do curl up, but they are all the same size". It definitely wasn't! The person who had the curry left the rice as is overcooked and stuck together. Chalking it up to experience, but we won't eat there again.”
- Tracey Tanner
“Had a nice selection of food.Staff very friendly.A bit disappointed as chef was out for an hour.But we were happy sat in the sunshine.”
Highlights
“Your stylish, family-run local on the High Street. Proudly traditional with a modern touch, we serve up a warm welcome, great drinks and a cosy atmosphere, at the heart of the community. Whether you're popping in for a pint, a bite, or just a friendly chat, The Ship is your home from home. Dogs welcome, Weird uncles too.”
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Paid parking lot
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
Show more amenities
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Food at bar
- Cozy
- Onsite services
- Offerings· 6
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Parking· 1
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Atmosphere· 2
- Casual
- Trendy
- Crowd· 4
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
- Service options· 1
- Delivery
- Dining options· 3
- Outside food allowed
- Seating
- Table service
- Highlights· 2
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Bars near The Ship
- The Thomas Tripp4.41,4970.1 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
pork shoulder sunday roast, outdoor beer garden, trip burger
- The Oak Inn4.55171.1 miWheelchair accessible
sunday roast, pie, friday fish and chips
- Sandpiper4.11,2241.9 miWheelchair accessible
great beer, lovely food
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The ShipReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.3901 | — | £10–40 | fish and chips, outdoor bar, cocktails |
| The Thomas TrippReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.41,497 | 0.1 mi | £20–30 | pork shoulder sunday roast, outdoor beer garden, trip burger |
| The Oak InnWheelchair accessible | 4.5517 | 1.1 mi | — | sunday roast, pie, friday fish and chips |
| SandpiperWheelchair accessible | 4.11,224 | 1.9 mi | — | great beer, lovely food |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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