The Olde Ship Inn

We came by on three separate occasions and loved it every time. First we needed a quick lunch and had an excellent bowl of chowder. Another evening we stopped for pints, with good beers and a fantastic bar atmosphere among all the hanging nautical items. On the morning we walked to Alnmouth, we had a great full English. It's a unique setting with loads of character, friendly staff and really good food. The place isn't overly polished, which suits it.

After a beach walk we dropped in for lunch and a drink. There are lots of little rooms to explore, and it's dog friendly. The beer and drinks range is excellent, the service was quick and friendly, and the food was very good. We had a fishfinger sandwich and a BLT from a menu of pub classics. The fish was generous flaky goujons in a properly crisp batter, with lovely tartare sauce, and the BLT was tasty too. Portions were very generous.

The younger staff were polite and friendly, and the young barman was serving our drinks, so we stayed. But the older blonde female staff member spoke to us abruptly and practically shouted that dogs aren't allowed in the bar area. A polite, “Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the bar,” would have been enough. It was an unpleasant first visit, and we won't return. It's a shame that one staff member let things down when the younger team were so nice. Perhaps it's time to leave if you can't be polite to customers who help pay your wages.

We didn't stay, so I can't comment on the rooms, but we had a great evening. The main bar is something to behold and the atmosphere was fantastic. Daisy was outstanding at serving and looking after us. The food was excellent too: mussels, chowder, fish and pasta were all superb. I'll definitely recommend it and come back.