The Ship Inn

We’d just come through the Channel Tunnel from France and were starving, so finding the Famous Ship Inn only 5/10 minutes away worked out perfectly. We got a warm welcome at the bar, found a table and ordered two Sunday dinners plus fish fingers and chips for the kids. Everything was freshly cooked, good quality and piping hot, and it really hit the spot for the price. Friendly staff and a great atmosphere too. A handy stop if you’re just off Le Shuttle.

I won’t be going back. We waited ages for lunch, and when the king prawns arrived in a buttery-looking liquid, I realised I didn’t know how to remove their heads. I asked the staff member if she or the chef could help, but was told they were too busy. I tried one and made a mess of it. Nobody checked whether we wanted something else or asked how the other meal was. The vegetarian baguette was little onion bhajis with a bit of garnish, and it was bland. For £11.00, four prawns felt badly priced too. The staff weren’t welcoming when we arrived, seemed impatient while we looked at the menu, and the service could use some work. It’s Sandgate, not London.

We came for Sunday lunch at this well-located pub and enjoyed the good range of dishes. My pie and mash was really, really good.

We only stopped in for a drink with the family, but the service was quick and friendly, prices were reasonable and there was lots of seating. Dogs are welcome, and it seems good for kids too. We’re planning to come back for food.