Pubs and Bars / Pub of the Week
Pub of the Week: The Ship Inn
A photo of Bristol boxer Jane Couch advertising her autobiography is attached to the underside of the bar hatch at the Ship Inn in Redcliffe.
The 18th century Grade II-listed pub located in the shadow of St Mary Redcliffe Church is busy on a recent Monday night after work, with many punters sitting outside and a game of darts taking place in the back room.
Propping up the bar, the laughter of four friends with thick Irish accents almost drowns out the sound of Rod Stewart and Queen on the stereo.
is needed now More than ever
A fifth member of their group comes in from outside and sits himself down on a wooden seat by the front windows carved with ‘JJ’s Chair’ – a seat that another visitor to the Ship, here for the first time, was reluctant to sit on thinking it may have a special significance to a local either living or dead.
Wherever you choose to sit, Thatchers Gold, Dry and Haze are the drinks of choice here. Cans of Natch are in the fridge and there are three cask beers on tap: Bass, Doom Bar and Courage Best. If it’s food you want, fresh rolls are advertised on a blackboard for £1.50 each.
“What a load of bollocks! You never had your glasses on did you!” a paint-splattered 50-something man wearing a Fila t-shirt shouted towards the group at the bar after hearing something one of them said about a car.
They continue arguing, albeit in good humour. “Now now, girls,” the barmaid says with a smile on her face.
The argument soon ends and another round of ciders is ordered.
The Ship Inn, Cathay, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6PA
www.shipredcliffe.co.uk
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