During its 18-month closure, it was starting to look like The Ship Inn may never reopen as the pub it has been since since the 18th Century. This historic pub dates back to the late 1700s and it was once the nearest watering hole to the tram sheds opposite.
But reopen it has, thanks to the same team who have transformed Clifton pubs The Vittoria and Barrelhouse. Chris Maguire, Alex Roach and Tarik Graba have a strong track record in giving old pubs an injection of new life and they clearly saw untapped potential in The Ship Inn.
Tucked away on Lower Park Row, this large pub was in a sorry state when the new team took over from the previous owners who ran into financial problems. According to the new custodians of the pub, there were problems with damp, holes in ceilings and rotten floors.
They have cleaned it up, made essential repairs and taken it back to its bare original brick and new floorboards. There are stuffed birds in glass boxes, candles in wax-encrusted tequila bottles and comfortable leather armchairs.
On the evening we popped in for a pint, the clientele was largely university students. A few were playing shuffleboard and others were playing darts in the corner. There was a warm and cosy atmosphere in each nook and cranny.
And it was also happy hour (3pm-8pm) so my pint of Timothy Taylor Knowle Spring Blonde Ale was down to £4. There were also £5 cocktails (they are only £7 when it’s not happy hour) and pints of lager and cider for £4.50.
For those feeling a little peckish, menus on tables have a QR code so drinkers can order ‘Detroit’ pizzas which are made at sibling pub Barrelhouse near the university students’ union. They are delivered to The Ship as soon as they’re cooked.
Under the previous owners, The Ship had gained quite a reputation for karaoke and quiz nights and there are already plans to bring those back as well as live music.
At a time when so many closed pubs eventually turn into flats or restaurants, it’s great to see The Ship Inn back afloat and shipshape for a new generation of drinkers.
The Ship Inn, 8 Lower Park Row, Bristol BS1 5BJ.