The Ship Tavern
Quick info
About The Ship Tavern
The Ship Tavern is a riverside village pub on Upnor Rd in Rochester, with views of the river from Upnor village. A children's play area gives families a place for younger guests, and the pub has a live pianist and singer. The kitchen is open, so diners can watch the chef cook. The menu includes burgers and a jerk platter, and a Sunday roast is served. The pub operates on a walk-in basis. It reopened under new management.
Good to know
“Visit The Ship, a beautifully renovated village pub set right by the river, anchored in the heart of Lower Upnor. We are child-friendly and dog-friendly, making it the perfect spot for families, walkers and locals alike. Enjoy relaxed dining indoors or unwind on our spacious outdoor seating with scenic riverside views.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sunday roast, riverside views, burgers and jerk platter.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention sunday roast, riverside views, burgers and jerk platter.
Customer Review Summary
Sunday roast draws the most mentions at this riverside village pub, with reviewers describing big portions and a tasty plate that everyone at the table enjoyed. Close behind are the burgers, which one visitor who returned for a second meal singles out, and a jerk platter described as lovely and tasty. Bar staff are repeatedly called friendly, and a few reviewers mention a welcoming vibe, a pianist and singer, and a play area for children. The main complaint comes from one diner who arrived expecting the Sunday roast and found none. They waited an hour for cold starters of crabs and prawns, received mains that were mostly chips, and concluded there was little home cooking. Another reviewer notes a wait for food and a loud room on a busy day. One suggests booking ahead because the pub is popular, though their walk-in party was still accommodated.
Customer Review Summary
Sunday roast draws the most mentions at this riverside village pub, with reviewers describing big portions and a tasty plate that everyone at the table enjoyed. Close behind are the burgers, which one visitor who returned for a second meal singles out, and a jerk platter described as lovely and tasty. Bar staff are repeatedly called friendly, and a few reviewers mention a welcoming vibe, a pianist and singer, and a play area for children. The main complaint comes from one diner who arrived expecting the Sunday roast and found none. They waited an hour for cold starters of crabs and prawns, received mains that were mostly chips, and concluded there was little home cooking. Another reviewer notes a wait for food and a loud room on a busy day. One suggests booking ahead because the pub is popular, though their walk-in party was still accommodated.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“We booked table. Warm friendly staff. Table was presented well with lovely sunflower in vase. Table was clean. Waited a while for food,pub was busy well worth the wait. Hot food served lovely portions and Staff seemed happy despite being busy. We had starters and mains to full to have dessert . Pub was loud but ok.”
- Google user
“Just had the jerk platter 😋 my brother kept saying come down to the ship, well I wasn't disappointed, it was lovely & tasty. Thank you marcell the fantastic chef, staff & owners 😀Will return 👍🏻”
- Google user
“Couldn’t fault this pub from the moment you walk in your met with a smile and some very friendly bar staff. The food was great and really filling definitely be returning”
- Google user
“Sad to have to say this,so looking forward to Sunday roast (sunday 27th July) looked at excellent reviews! But no roast,will be doing then again in the autumn? Hour wait for cold starters, crabs and prawns, mains mostly chips with everything, seemingly no home cooking? The staff busy but very helpful and friendly! Sorry ive never posted anything negative before, but felt if your after home cooking 🙄 its not happening at the moment!”
- Google user
“Could not ask for more! We visited from Lincoln this week and we returned after the first visit the food is incredible especially the burgers, you can even watch the chef cook such a gent! Anyways 100% recommend”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Bars near The Ship Tavern
- The Cannon4.74281.4 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
cask ales, live music, pool table and dart board
- Royal Crown Rochester4.21,0651.9 mi£20–30Reservations
sunday roast, calamari, haddock and chips
- Three Mariners Inn4.45013.9 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
sunday roast, lamb and mint pie, beer garden
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ship TavernWheelchair accessible | 4.3665 | — | — | sunday roast, riverside views, burgers |
| The CannonWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.7428 | 1.4 mi | £10–20 | cask ales, live music, pool table and dart board |
| Royal Crown RochesterReservations | 4.21,065 | 1.9 mi | £20–30 | sunday roast, calamari, haddock and chips |
| Three Mariners InnReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.4501 | 3.9 mi | £20–30 | sunday roast, lamb and mint pie, beer garden |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
