Old Ship Pub in Maldon

Ordered haddock and chips it was obviously all frozen food and my fish was not cooked sufficiently. I won’t be going again.

Been here a few times lately. I usually have scampi which is fine. Wife and friend had beef and veg lasagne and both said it was lovely. The crumble for dessert is extremely bad for your waistline, but, unlike some I've had, you get loads of 'crumbly' crumble, instead of the the sparse, soggy offerings in some establishments.

Grotty place ,I think it only keeps going because of it's location I don't think the toilets have been decorated for 20 years and there is no excuse for how dirty they were and thus was before mid day Wouldn't eat here as a peep into kitchen showed how high their standards are Ok for a drink but nothing else Could be an absolute gold mine with the right people running it

Great spot to watch boats go by. Outside tables by the lock. Good food,large portions. The fish finger baguette was great.

Avoid this pub at all costs, Place has a general dirty feel to it, tables and chairs are horrible and rickity, the menu is pathetic one sheet of paper with about 10 different options. We sat near the bar, I ordered 2 sides of chips and a Guinness for my partner, I have to limit caffeine at the moment, I Brought my own Pepsi maxx no caffeine with me, didn't think it would be an issue as we had ordered food and drinks place wasn't that busy so didn't seem like a big deal to me, bar maid noticed and rather rudely said I couldn't have that, I said I can't have caffeine at the moment to which she replied there are soft drinks on the menu but the point is I didn't want those and can't have much caffeine at the moment I don't know if those drinks have hidden caffeine, I told her this and she just walked off very rude needs a lesson in customer service, I've read a few comments on here and seems a regular occurance with rude ignorant staff. There's also a large black lab in the pub which I find unhygienic, I noticed a short black hair in my food which I presume was from the dog avoid if you have an allergy to dogs, Chips were horrible Just don't bother going

We came for a pleasant drink and because I moved a chair to look out over the river, the landlady immediately told me rudely to move it back. When I responded that I I had simply moved the chair to another side of the table,...

Visited today, never again, have never been treated in such a way by any staff, anywhere. Appalling!

Terribly gone wine, sticky table, sour smell and awful staff! You can expect anything nice from this pub apart from its location. Their music choice was good but it was too loud at 5pm.

The location is all it’s good for. Ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio, which was served in a plastic container which I fully understand why but it tasted awful. My husband had a beer which was warm. Mentioned it to the staff who just said...

Arrived late afternoon to celebrate a friend leaving work in a big group. This was spoiled by the awful service of an extremely rude member of staff who appeared to be working on her own. No one was available to serve for the first 20...

I visited the Old Ship for Sunday lunch on a circular walk around Maldon. It has a fabulous location, right by the lock and we enjoyed sitting outside whilst there was a lot of boat action. Sadly the customer care left a lot to be...

If you want abysmal food and service in a quaint setting then look no further! 45 minutes to serve up two, tiny soggy prawn baguettes and a school dinner burger and chips. The waiting staff were lads like Kevin and Perry from the Harry Enfield...

Beautiful location...this pub could be so much better grotty seating needs painting....charging £11 for hunters chicken served in a polytherine container with chips covered in a sloppy sauce...really would like a refund on this meal waited so so long to go out feel very disappointed...

Idyllic location beside the canal. Seating outdoor and a brisk trade of tourists looking fir refreshment after a coastal walk in the Heybridge Basin. The surrounding area is a beautiful natural walk in and around the mud flats and basin where this beautiful little part...

Visited today and customer service was appalling. We were the only table to have wine served in a plastic glass, we asked for a glass 3 times and were ignored, then told we could have a glass if we ordered another drink. Cheek No beer...

Called there today just for a drink. We sat outside waiting for service I then went in to use the toilet as I was desperate and have a medical problem and there was one person waiting . I was told that I was not a...

Disgusting tea and coffee and toasted tea cake wasn’t even toasted don’t waste your money. Such a shame as lovely setting.

Decided to walk to this pub one evening, I was greeted by a bloke at the door and ordered a beer and a glass of wine, took payment and then was told to sit down anywhere (surly they could have painted the benches it looked...

Made to feel welcome as soon as we arrived dripping at the door. Friendly service, great fish and chips and decent mug of tea. The Malden gold went down well with himself. Sat in the window with the view across the estuary, shame about the...

Greeted at door by a sweaty man in a T-shirt & shorts, asked to sit in window seat, told that it was only for a table of 4, sat down waited 10 mins to order drinks, in meantime another couple came in and were sat...

Not been for a while due to the Covid situation but on a nice late summer day we fancied a bite to eat so visited. Orders taken at the door and very quick service. Superb bacon and brie baquette and my wifes Tuna one was...

Lovely pub, great food, perfect location overlooking the lock and a real working seaside outlook. We go there regularly at weekends and if the tide is up we sit and watch the pleasure boats from the Canal transfer through the Sea lock into the basin...

Our family held a wake for Mum at The Old Ship the Staff went above and beyond for our family and friends. Dad was so impressed with EVERYTHING and asked me to review on his behalf which I am more than happy to do for...

brilliant pub nice food staff are so friendly and helpful service is fantastic and in a fantastic location

Never in my life have I been so disappointed by a potato. £7 for a microwaved potato, dressed with Essex’s finest Poundland grated cheese. The burger was like eating cardboard, no lettuce, no sauce, no flavour. The best part was the chips - a solid...

The food was awful. Manager refused to even help and stated the food was fine. Clearly didn’t taste it and I watched others leave their food. Tasted like oil and was awful. Waste of money and didn’t even offer to swap any of our food

After a lovely walk with friends, we were delighted to see this place have made such an effort to get back to some kind of "normal". Restricted number of outside tables but on a warm day, getting sat at one was great. Cold drinks, albeit...

After a lovely long walk along the towpath we called into The Old Ship for a well deserved pint. You are not allowed to enter the pub but two guys were serving the socially distanced queue very efficiently. After paying contactless we enjoyed our drinks...

This pub has wonderful views of the Blackwater Estuary. Menu offers a wide choice. I had the best Ploughmans Lunch I have had in a long time. This was served with a lovely warm baguette. My husband had whitebait which was delicious as it was...

Beautiful October day decided to go for lunch, went to sit in bay window, menu stuck to table , husband went to all three next to them, all sticky, very disappointed, we left . Basic hygiene.

The nice thing about the pub is that it has a large panoramic window where at sunset this time of year you can sit and watch the flocks of wildlife. The menu is very basic but the food is ok ,Staff are very friendly but...

Another visit and improvements seem to have been maintained. The food is good and nice range of beers. The only downside is PLEASE clear and clean the tables inside and our.

Great little pub with local beers. Warm and friendly staff in a lovely location opposite the lock. Didn't eat there so can't comment on the food but well worth a visit.

It was a very hot day and I spent time in this wonderful location in Heybridge. The setting was ideal for a pub and there was plenty to watch around the area. There was outside seating, but the tables generally needed clearing. This pub was...

We have just returned from having lunch at the Old ship, after quite a long period of time & found an improvement in the quality of their food since our last visit. The staff had changed & were very pleasant, the food was all freshly...

Visited on a fairly sunny afternoon. Most of the tables our front were empty of people but FULL of glasses, and remained so for the duration of our stay. Inside felt like a step back in time, to how pubs used to be before people...

This pub is well below average compared to most these days. It looks like it’s been starved of any investment for years inside is dated and drab and outside isn’t much better. Friendly staff are about the highlight the food is below par and is...

This is a popular pub with seating outside by canal lock gate leading to the sea. They sell a fine range of beers but when you ask for tea and coffee, it's handed to you in mugs. The tea has the bag floating in it...

Just back from a meal at The Ship. Went the other week for lunch and it was fine. Tonight however completely different as it was such a nice evening we sat outside. Husband went in to get drinks and menus. We noticed a large group...

This place has potential, but is very wide of the mark. It’s busy at weekends and needs more staff - tables were full of empty glasses and plates of uneaten food. The both male and female toilets were a mess and badly in need of...

I live locally and thought myself and my husband would try this pub as we usually go to the one next door. Had heard some negative reviews from friends previously. Husband waited for ages to get served and pub was not busy. Staff appeared disinterested...

Called in here for a drink which was ok but the smoking area seems to be the entrance to the pub which meant with the door open the smoke came back into the pub, when we came to leave we couldn't leave through one door...

Friendly and efficient staff providing lovely food freshly cooked to order. We will definitely be back soon. Nearby free car park and lovely views of the river and passing yachts from the pub, including several Thames barges. Good friendly atmosphere with seating inside and out....

Would go again. Maybe a sunny day next time. Next time I’d try a main dinner. Fresh cooked breakfast wasn’t too expensive. Fresh bread as well.

Plastic found in food, reported it to bar staff to no avail. Found the manager and explained, no words on his eventual return.. just put the cost of that dish in cash in front of my wife.. then simply walked off. Unimpressed with the level...

Stopped here for a quick lunch after a good walk. This was mid week and quite a few stopping off here. There were four of us and were all quite happy with our meal. The Brie and beetroot tart was very good and was served...

Only lacto vegetarian dishes on the menu. When I asked whether they had anything vegan, staff directed me to a dish which contained Brie. Pointed out that Brie isn't vegan. Despite the absence of vegan food the staff were friendly.

We booked to have an evening meal with the family as have been before but always sat outside with our dogs. But this time we went inside and our table could have done with a good clean as it was sticky and looked really dirty...

My wife and I had visited Heybridge to walk our little dog, and decided to drop by the old ship, for a drink and aa bite to eat. Whilst quiet scruffy and defiantly in need of a refurb, we both enjoyed our drinks and ordered...

I’ve been here a few times and the food is always spot on good size portions and very friendly staff the only issue we have here is the plates are so small it’s hard to get stuck into your meal as you lose some to...

We stopped for a coffee which was actually quite good but the whole place was run down and the loo was disgusting as was the yard at the back - rubbish everywhere. I certainly wouldn't risk eating here. Someone needs to smarten up their act....

Such a shame that a pub in this lovely location is run down and dirty. We stopped here for lunch on the way home from a weekend break. Only had a ploughmans, although the ham and cheese was nice, the rest was just average. Bread...

Have been here a few times and decided to stop off over Easter weekend for something ti eat and drink. It was not that busy BUT nearly all tables inside and out were covered in dirty plates glasses etc. Floor was sticky, tables filthy and...

Nine of us went to The Old Ship for an evening meal on Easter Sunday. We were sat by the window so had a fantastic view of The River Blackwater and we were all served excellent meals by the very friendly and very helpful staff....

This would always be our go to place for a pub meal. Not any more. The food was a huge let down. Please sort it out so we want to come back.

A predictably busy day (Good Friday and 21 degrees forecast) but bar and kitchen were understaffed at lunchtime. Modest choice of standard pub fare. 'Gourmet' burger was mis-named but was edible. Chips weren't bad although they were getting cold by the time they reached our...

A warm Spring day... we fancied a drink outside by the lock. There were plenty of picnic tables free. Inside, I was soon served by the friendly barman. Outside, most tables remained empty. A couple had ordered sandwiches: huge doorstops! They complained about the cost...

The location of this pub is the only thing keeping it from going under. Please somebody do something! Needs a lick of paint and a good scrub! Dirty tables, no soap in the ladies loo, I could go on. The staff must be so depressed...

This place was dirty and the person working had zero customer service. I ordered a gourmet hot dog in a brioche bun and fried onions what I got was a cheap sausage in a house brick. When I complain the girl with no experience said...

Where else can you go for a freshly cooked meal of a generous portion of crispy cod, chips and peas while watching historic sailing barges sailing past your window side table on the incoming tide. Simply delightful

Popped by this evening about 5pm for a drink. Every table for outside dining/drinking was crammed with dirty glasses, dinner plates and tea and coffee cups. Had to sit on the seawall.

Last Friday my husband and myself decided to have a trip out to Heybridge Basin and call into The Old Ship... what a mistake and such a disappointment. It looked in need of a good lick of paint when we approached.... but when we walked...

Atmosphere - nul points, Welcome - nul points, Location - 4/5 Views 4/5 Interior and decor - 2/5. Overall, they are missing a trick or two. Tidy the place up a bit and employ more engaging, welcoming staff and it could become a great little...

This pub is in a wonderful location but that is all. The barman was not particularly busy but he didn't seem to want customers. The table we chose had cleaning equipment in it which was useful as the surface needed a good wipe over. We...

Been here several times but they’ve hiked the prices a tad. Food still ok but took longer to arrive than I remember. Location though is still lovely! ..but has gone downhill.

After a nice and pleasant walk along the path it is always the place for us to visit. My wife and I like to take a well earned cup of coffee and a muffin siting outside by the lock. We have not tried any of...

A great setting and staff very hospitable. Could do with a makeover, but suspect lack of trade throughout the year in this remote area may preclude this. Decent food, but nothing fancy.

Went for midweek lunch. Unlike others have mentioned the service was fine, but it was quite quiet. We ordered the chilli and the cod. The size of the portions was generous, but the quality was terrible. The chilli wasn't properly heated and had pieces of...

We have used this pub on and off for a number of years, about thirty or so. This must be the all time low for this once good boozer. The only good thing is the young lady who was behind the bar serving. She was...

Been here before but this was a first time for breakfast as we walked by and found them open for breakfast and it was superb. Good price and good portions. Also very pleased to say the outside had been decorated so it looks nice now...

Tables dirty, I cleaned ours down after 20 minutes of waiting for the staff to clear and wipe our table. Salt and pepper pots haven't been wiped for weeks. Floor filthy, dust inches thick on wall ornaments, what does this say about hygiene standards?

We have been here many times before, it always gives a good service. A tad slow at serving, especially when they are busy, but the staff are helpful and friendly, and the food excellent - if a little pricey. On this occasion they were extremely...

Lived in Heybridge many years ago and this was my local. Having decided to take a re- visit recently to see the changes with a friend. What a mistake, arrived at about mid day and stood at the bar for several mins without any ackowledgement...

Visited the ship for some food and drinks. Took along time to get any service from the staff. There was 3 staff serving and another lady just stood drying glasses ignoring us. Then when someone she knew came in she instantly served them. We ordered...

Visited the ship for some food and drinks. Took along time to get any service from the staff. There was 3 staff serving and another lady just stood drying glasses ignoring us. Then when someone she knew came in she instantly served them. We ordered...

Food average, staff very friendly and hard working, nothing too much trouble. We ate inside, however chairs were very dusty and decor could do with refurbishment. Needs a good clean up. Best bit was the view from our table with was very nice of the...

Lovely venue by the waterside, sitting outside watching the boats. Good service.excellent food. Good value for money. Friendly staff

Visited for lunch today, appalling service and disgusting food. Wanted to sit outside, table dirty and evidence of gulls droppings, ask for a cloth to wipe the table and was told that the cloth couldn't clean that table. What....dusty didn't ask to have it painted!...

Breakfast ordered after attracting the attention of the very rude blonde bar person. Only 2 of us in the pub, 1 asked for no egg and got a shirty response then the the toast took another 5 mins after the breakfast and it was mouldy,...

Great place to watch boats and people food is ace and served very quickly the lasagne is awesome we’ll all the dishes are and I’ve had most of them good for families right on top of the lock in the sun who could could ask...

Visited on a warm midweek sunny day, We sat outside on the bench tables, good pub food and beer normal pub prices with quick service of food. The pub is In a great location with free car park next to the canal and short walk...

Have been here for snacks and drinks before but this was the first time we stopped for a meal and it certainly wont be the last. Large portions and very tasty.

Awful place rude staff- avoid. Very nice pub with helpful staff and nice food opposite. Large car park behind jolly sailor with many outside tables.

Stopped off here for a glass of wine and a cider, nearly £10 later we come out into the sun to realise the rose was cloudy and off, clearly had been open for far to long and the service, well someone should send in an...

I enjoyed a quiet Sunday lunch with my two friends all was good with the food decent value for money and service was good and friendly staff

Very busy and very warm weather. Good lunch. Had to wait a while to be served at the bar, but worth the wait. The staff worked so hard. Thank you

Oh my word what a shambles. Quite clearly none of the staff want to be there. I’ve never felt such an inconvenience. The sooner someone with a bit of enthusiasm and gumption takes control the better.

This pub isn't flash, it does what a pub should do. However. A smile and a word of welcome wouldn't come amiss. The food was expensive, large portions but what happened to the chips? Are they oven chips, if not why are they tasteless. To...

Just returned from a mother’s day Sunday lunch. Beautiful roast beef with all the trimmings. Two of our party had cod and chips, just as good. Very good value and an absolute bonus was being able to take the dog in. This rates really high...

We went to the Old Ship for lunch this week, 4 people. The average food was spoilt by the surroundings. The staff were working hard and the food came with 30 minutes although there were only 3 other tables being used. The table mats were...

My husband and I stopped for lunch at this pub yesterday and we both agreed that the food was delicious. I opted for the pensioner portion of vegetable lasagne which was a good size and well accompanied with really tasty chips and a fresh salad....

We walked with our dog along the canal this morning and on the way back stopped at The Ship for a coffee. They were advertising coffee and muffin so we decided to go for that. Mistake, the coffee was awful as were the muffins. My...

Friendly service and a great place to sit outside on a fine day. Serves a good pint and a honest meal that won't leave you hungry.

On a snowy Sunday we found ourselves close by and having been here in summer thought we would pop in for a sandwich and drink. It was fairly quiet so got a table easy enough. Ordered 2 hot chocolates and asked if they had any...

I can understand that this pub has its ups and downs. I think it takes advantage of its position and it is virtually Hobson's choice for many people. Anyway, on this occasion, it was mid afternoon on a bad-weather Monday. We were allowed to take...

visited the pub on Sunday what can i say filthy tables flies everywhere. rude staff and owners filthy toilets men and woman's overpriced bad quality food no serviettes no toilets paper shabby staff.i will be informing the food standards agency

OMG !!!! I can not believe this place has not been closed down !!! The establishment is not only filthy the food is awful and extremely over priced ! , I had to ask for my table to be cleared and cleaned ! By the...

A nice walk on a sunny day and we ended up at the lock outside the old ship. It is old and very tired. The gents loo was absolutely disgusting the worst I have visited in years. You need a cleaner. Saving grace was the...

Booked a Sunday lunch at the pub for a nice change. We had a really nice table looking out over the basin. The food was good wholesome home made pub fare. Proper chips great seafood and really sumptuous desserts. The staff seem like a family...

I went with a group of 18 who had sailed up for our annual rally which had been pre-booked several months ago. We arrived keen and ethusiastic on Wednesday 23rd August 2017 to be told that they had no record (subsequently found the next morning)...