The Ship Inn
Quick info
About The Ship Inn
On the bank of the Rochdale Canal, The Ship Inn is a canalside pub in Manchester at 693 Rochdale Rd. It is a JW Lees pub, and the bar serves traditional Lees brewery ales. Payment is cash only and there is no card machine, so visitors need to bring cash. A landlord and landlady run the pub, and the team keeps a regular local crowd. The pub does not serve food. It is open every day of the week except Tuesday, when it is closed.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cash only payment, canal-side beer garden, traditional Lees ales and Rochdale Canal walks.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cash only payment, canal-side beer garden, traditional Lees ales and Rochdale Canal walks.
Customer Review Summary
Most reviewers come for the spot beside the Rochdale Canal, and the beer garden on the canal side is singled out as the place to sit, especially after a long walk along the towpath. Traditional Lees ales are the drink named, and several describe a friendly welcome from the landlord and landlady and a group of regulars who are welcoming to newcomers. Inside is called cosy, though one reviewer thinks it is better outside on a sunny day, and another notes there is no food. The main complaint is about paying for drinks. One reviewer was turned away on two visits after finding only a small A4 notice on the door, and another says the nearby garage cash machine often breaks down. Even so, reviewers keep returning to the canal itself, with its views and wildlife right outside.
Customer Review Summary
Most reviewers come for the spot beside the Rochdale Canal, and the beer garden on the canal side is singled out as the place to sit, especially after a long walk along the towpath. Traditional Lees ales are the drink named, and several describe a friendly welcome from the landlord and landlady and a group of regulars who are welcoming to newcomers. Inside is called cosy, though one reviewer thinks it is better outside on a sunny day, and another notes there is no food. The main complaint is about paying for drinks. One reviewer was turned away on two visits after finding only a small A4 notice on the door, and another says the nearby garage cash machine often breaks down. Even so, reviewers keep returning to the canal itself, with its views and wildlife right outside.
Featured reviews
- steve marks
“Cash only. My type of place. The canal with wildlife was the added bonus.”
- Scott Cooper
“Been to this pub many times, it’s lovely a fantastic bunch of regulars who are welcoming to a semi regular from down the canal. Great walks from Rochdale and Manchester. Mills Hill and Castleton train stations are a bit of a trek away but it’s worth it. Fantastic beer garden on the side of the canal. The prices are very reasonable considering the location and also this is a JW Lees house known for their tough fees passed onto the landlords that run them very well. Landlord and landlady very very welcoming and friendly. Would highly recommend. It’s cash only so remember to get some cash out before visiting.”
- Richard Clark
“Twice we've been here. Twice we've been turned away. Only JW Lee's pub in the area to be CASH ONLY with a tiny A4 piece of paper on the door when you get there”
- Rick
“Lovely friendly place, enjoyed my time here this evening. The owners and also the locals made me feel very welcome. I'll be back again and will recommend it to my friends 👍”
- Michelle Hughes
“Very nice relaxing pub with friendly staff. Great place to sit outside at the canal after a long walk around canal”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Location
Bars near The Ship Inn
- Tandle Hill Tavern4.72151 mi£10–20ReservationsOutdoor seatingGood for kids
giant sausage rolls, homemade pies, scotch eggs
- The Horton Arms4.31,0981.5 miWheelchair accessible
sunday roast, fish and chips, chicken burger
- The Halfway House4.38441.8 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
rump steak, large group bookings, wedding reception function
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ship Inn | 4.4321 | — | — | cash only payment, canal-side beer garden, traditional Lees ales |
| Tandle Hill TavernReservations · Outdoor seating · Good for kids | 4.7215 | 1 mi | £10–20 | giant sausage rolls, homemade pies, scotch eggs |
| The Horton ArmsWheelchair accessible | 4.31,098 | 1.5 mi | — | sunday roast, fish and chips, chicken burger |
| The Halfway HouseReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.3844 | 1.8 mi | £20–30 | rump steak, large group bookings, wedding reception function |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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