Ship Inn in Suffolk Coastal

Surprisingly Mediocre, the pub is in a lovely location, but is so let down by very inattentive staff. We were located close to the bar and despite being told to sit at our table and someone would look after us, it simply didn’t happen all the way through. If we didn’t go to the bar, nothing would have happened and we were studiously ignored. It wasn’t helped by a statutory service charge being added, but you would have had to ask for it to be removed from the card machine which is embarrassing. So all in all disappointing which is really where a lot of other reviews come out. The Chestnut Group (the owners) need to get a grip of it as it could be so much better

Plus points, the staff are a delight and very accommodating. The full Anglian breakfast was really good. So many aspects perfectly executed. It was only let down by a ropy cappuccino which I think was from a dispensing machine. I so wanted to like the accommodation. I had booked a ‘good double’ room. For me the only good thing about it was there were no stairs. The rooms are very small, which is just about manageable. There was nowhere to put your bags or anything. The main windows are in the bathroom and that makes the bedroom very dark. There are high windows at the back of the bedroom but the outside trees /bushes are so thick that they barely let in any light. I guess if the weather is good in summer and you spend all day out then just a dark small bedroomIs is ok, just a place to lay your head. For me I really did not like or enjoy the room. I appreciate that this is a minor point, but the tv control was minging. I also didn’t appreciate the dray lorry unloading right outside my door and waking me at 7.15am. I would not be recommending anyone stay in these rooms.

I decided to try The Ship again, it seems nothing has changed. Clearly the staff training from owners Chestnut is non existent. When we arrived the person behind the bar exuded hostility, and when we tried to order food, we were informed that starters and main courses would come together, unless we ordered starters, ate them, and then came back to the bar to order main courses. When I questioned the logic of this, I was told that they didn't make the rules, and that it was the owner who did. I'm sure most people reading this will agree that this creates a far from ideal customer experience. Needless to say, I decided not to spend my money with them. Strong advice to Chestnut Group...sort out your training so the customer feels like they are valued.

Booked in advance as Bank Holiday week -but needn't have bothered. Sat in the back garden which was sunny and pleasant and the reason they got 3*s not 2 . The much anticipated fish and chips were very disappointing. The batter was overcrispy and smelt and tasted of old cooking oil. The fish was thin and dried out -almost chewy.The fish in the large serving proved a little elusive as there was little/none at each end! The chips were ok. Food not cheap a pint of coke was outrageously expensive. All a bit sad as we went out of our way to try the pub.

Excellent Sunday lunch. Great service, pretty setting. There is a large beer garden with a bar and ordering outside, it gets full very quickly. Plenty of room inside which is really nice and there is a covered terrace too. Historical place with good food and dog friendly what more could you want?

Right near Dunwich beach and museum. Worth booking a table for lunch or dinner, as it's very popular. The food is excellent and they have seating inside and outside (under cover with heaters). The ploughman's is especially good and plenty for two. Good range of beers available in the bar.

Excellent meal for four of us last night . Crab , squid & whitebait starters very good , Fish & crab mains delicious & deserts wonderful ( especially sticky toffee ) We’ll kept beers , good range of wines . Nice ambience & very accommodating service , our thanks to Emily . Been here many times & always enjoy . Would recommend.

Stayed 3 nights - service and food choices both excellent. It felt like we had unlimited choices from breakfast menu. Very close to beach and fascinating museum.

Would have to agree with several other recent reviews that the experience was unfortunately mediocre at best. Staff not very welcoming was told could not book a table so ate outside. Had to queue and order at the bar but pay same price as restaurant. Very pricey ‘large’ fish and chips at almost £20 and about 10 chips and a tiny puddle of mush peas. Come on chef! Has so much potential, historic building, good beer, right on the beach and lovely beer garden. But feel that this is a place resting on its laurels with poor service and average food sorry.

Lovely pub with helpful friendly staff. Variety of places too eat and drink. . Very tidy and well designed. Lovely garden at the top.

Lovely food. Fish and chips £15… chicken Caesar salad £15. 3xdble V&T 2xdble G&T incl SVC £106!!. I thought that was a bit steep. Lovely pub and nice atmosphere so I guess that also has a value.

It was a sunny and warm day and so sitting outside in the rear garden. Flavoursome food and Adnams ales. Thats what summer is about.

We booked lunch for our anniversary having been here a few years ago. We found the experience disappointing, it was looking tired and a little shabby with attention to detail lacking. Food was ok but not what we would have expected from the Chestnut Group (the Westleton Crown being a good example, very good) Won’t be returning sadly.

We booked this restaurant a good few weeks in advance for a special family meal. As soon as we arrived the woman running the restaurant said we would need to be finished in time for another table coming in 1.45 hrs after our reservation- phrased as if we’d come in off the street and she was doing us a favour squeezing us in. So rude - she even asked as we were leaving if we were the table of 7, so desperate was she to get rid of us… Food was distinctly average- mediocre fish and chips for very inflated prices. Dad’s pudding never arrived. I certainly wouldn’t recommend- wish we’d gone to a nicer, more welcoming spot

Busy pub . Waited 35 minutes for order to be taken We had booked for Sunday so we could have Sunday lunch . When we arrive we were told the beef had finished. Didn't like anything else on menu except fish and chips . Very expensive with a large wine a pint of beer costing £24 ! The meal.itself was nice but nothing outstanding which cost £20+ Was sat where dogs are allowed and wasn't given a choice .( nothing against dogs by the way) but I'd have rather not have had to. Had to ask for menu then to be served which was told he'd be right over but still took ages. Overall not the best experience . Wouldn't eat there again sorry! Had to be honest

Really disappointed with this afternoons visit to The Ship inn! After speaking to a friend of mine working for the Chestnut group and other friends who have had food and drink there before we decided to pop to Dunwich for a Sunday afternoon drink and snack! On arriving at the Inn we found a table in the outside courtyard which was fine. I went to the bar area which is small but perfectly fine if people respect the fact that other people need to get to close to it to actually order or carry drinks away from it! There was 3 rather loud men holding court at the bar and were in everyone’s way!! When they actually let me through I queued behind someone already being served then another couple, I waited for both couples to be served which did take some time as only one guy serving and not that quick! To then watch him completely ignore me and he proceeded to serve two separate guys at the end of the bar that clearly came after I started queuing! I did make a comment that these guys were clearly locals but that I also was! Moving on and eventually got served. I ordered both drink and 3 starters. After only waiting a short time the food arrived, and I mean arrived!! The young girl plonked the plates on the table in front of me, she made no eye contact and did not ask which dish was for who! She did not ask if we needed cutlery or condiments and to be completely honest she looked a a miserable as sin!! I must say that have not received this service at The Ship Inn before but have not been for approx 2 years! Both the food and drink were lovely but being an ex land lady from a village pub not that far away I was very disappointed with todays visit and service!

Only stayed one night while I was working in the area. Had a small double at the top of the property. Small but very clean and comfortable. Slept well. Food and beer in the pub downstairs was great - fish chips and a pint were excellent. My only tiny gripe was breakfast didn’t start until 08:00 and I had to be gone by then to go to work. I’d happily stay again next time I’m in the area.

We had a very disappointing and expensive lunch here last week. The battered fish was good but the thick chips were undercooked. The sardines on toast were tasty but tiny, hardly bigger than those in a tin. But the most disappointing dish was the vegan ‘sharing’ plate which cost £17.00. Firstly, the dish was only big enough for one person so not sure where the sharing idea came from. It consisted of one flatbread with a scattering of (commercially produced) falafel on top Given the interest in vegan food this dish was both dull and insubstantial . Surely one imaginative vegan dish could be offered at The Ship? I have given 2 stars as the staff were friendly and the garden area was pleasant . We also ate at Flora’s Tearooms in Dunwich and their food is much better quality and much, much better value.

Sunday lunch with family. We've been here before several years ago and were very impressed but standards have fallen. On the positive side, the service was friendly, quick and excellent. I ordered the Sunday roast and was served with undercooked and tepid potatoes. They were inedible. These were replaced without issue but the replacements were even worse. Others in the party ordered the fish - the portions were extremely small and really very poor value. We didn't stick around for the desert course. I was offered a 10% discount but this didn't cover my meal. I think this place is living on past reputation and lack of alternatives in the area.

We have been coming to The Ship at Dunwich for decades, whenever we are on holiday in the area and it has always been one of our favourites. We have actually been coming here since 1998 but we haven't visited for a few years now, since before Covid. My goodness how it's changed and as we feel entitled to give an honest comparison, it's definitely not for the better. When we arrived, a couple of us walked into the bar area, first thing we noticed was it was relatively empty but there was a staff member cleaning tables. She was back and forth behind the bar and made no eye contact, despite us clearly standing there. Even a courtesy acknowledgement would have been nice. When she was ready she then came behind the bar to eventually see to us. She seemed unable to find our booking, even though the table had been booked weeks ago for a birthday get together. She apparently eventually found the booking. We were told to order at the bar, which we always used to but the staff seemed generally uninterested, definitely no sign of the hospitality we had experienced over the years and the warm welcoming environment. The menu which previously had been so good that it made it hard to choose from, was now seriously limited. The food arrived (but only 3 meals not 4) so unfortunately one of us had to wait while their lunch was prepared. It just happened to be the person whose birthday it was. The food was not great and we were apologetic to our friends as we had said it was one of our favourite places. No one checked on us throughout our meal and when the waitress came to take our plates we discussed with her how different things were now at The Ship. She said the lack of staff around was because it wasn't summer yet. It was 21st June, Midsummer's Day! Such a shame, a lovely old favourite now a shadow of it's former glory. Lots of empty tables, no atmosphere. Better chefs , more extensive menus and welcoming staff needed. We won't come again, not now.

We had a delicious Sunday lunch . The Beef was tender and veg and potatoes were fresh and tasty . Staff were really friendly and welcoming . Highly recommend.

We were recommended to this pub and loved it. The food was delicious and the staff were wonderful although got the feeling that they were run off their feet due to understaffing. The waits for courses was long, but they compensated us with free wine and a lovely attitude.

Lovely meal on a Saturday night. Friendly staff, beautiful food and nice atmosphere. The tomato salad was fab and the fish and chips excellent,

Food ok, not much choice, and poor value for money in my opinion. Service no better than mediocre. Very noisy when we visited. Dog running about all over place, should not be allowed in restaurants. Won’t be bothering the Ship with my custom again.

Pleasant setting and location. Disappointing food experience. The service deployed from the staff was average, at best. Sadly, they don’t even acknowledge you when you leave and say ‘thank you’ across the bar. Be aware, the portion sizes are small, even when ordering a large...

Really excellent fish and chips served up mid afternoon after the lunch time rush. The Flora Tea Rooms had shut early so we popped in to see if food was available.

I visited the Ship for a Sunday dinner with my family and when we walked in we were greeted by friendly staff. We were shown to our table and asked if we would like drinks which were brought to is very quickly. The waiter then...

Booked a special family celebration for 8. Limited menu choice, especially for the 3 vegetarians in the party - confusion over the ‘V’ labels for the vegetarian dishes. Four of us had carrot and parsnip fritters, which were very stodgy with minimal dressing; pan fried...

Really lovely three night stay here travelling solo with my dog. The pub was cosy, the food delicious and service great. All the staff were spot on. There was a small issue with my room, the staff did their best to resolve during my stay....

Impressed. Very welcoming, friendly proper pub. Good range of beers, huge range of wines. Gluten free fish and chips excellent. Bream dish likewise with superior mashed potatoes rather than the descrbed crushed. Equally enjoyable. Chocolate ice cream very moreish and perfect panacotta. Will definitely return...

Wer were seated next to a log fire. Partner has asthma, so asked if another table available. We were told all other tables had been requested on booking, so ours could not be changed. After sitting at table for 10 minutes, my partners breathing became...

To expensive , nice pub but drinks over priced .. it’s Suffolk not London . Food average but again over priced

I hadn’t been to The Ship for some years and was looking forward to returning yesterday for Sunday Lunch. We were greeted pleasantly and shown through to the table, after which my friend and I decided we wanted to see what beers were available so...

We were given such a warm welcome to this cosy coastal pub for lunch. We were well looked after by very polite, attentive staff throughout - whilst enjoying exceptional food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Looking forward to our next visit…

Booked a Best Marsh View (Sunday night - prepaid=half price £126.50). Literally around the corner to the beach. Lovely walks. Room cosy and nicely done with ensuite. Very warm. Booked table for dinner and sat by the wood burner. Good food and food service. Breakfast...

Really nice hotel for a refresh and relax break. Not cheap however and surprised that breakfast wasn’t included for the price. Room and bed v comfortable but would have like somewhere to sit. Would return when I’ve saved up!

Went for lunch only wanted something small say a sandwich but menu limited so had to have a starter pate was OK but no bread, ham hock crumble was tiny and barely contained any ham, chips OK,but £65 for 4starters 2 chips and 4 halfs...

The pictures make this look more impressive than it actually is - it is a pub. Ordered drinks and food at the bar and paid immediately via contactless. Price for food was on the high side, even for a gastropub, but hey it's 2022. Burger...

The menu has lots of decent options. Even the prices are okay for the food, and the beer. The wine list is interesting as it is not inline with the price of the food. A few issues I'm afraid; £5 is way, way too much...

Came back having last visited about a year ago. Food was still good but service was slow and prices gone up considerably to levels above what you’d expect to pay for quality and menu options.

We had a wonderful stay at The Ship. We came for a short break - lovely, comfortable room for us and well equipped for our dog with a bed and drinking bowl. We were all made very welcome - delicious food in a very relaxed...

After a lovely walk over Minsmere and the Heath we walked along the beach and ate a delicious lunch in the pub restaurant. The food was very delicious we all had main course and after a the cheese board was stunning plenty for 2 people...

We called in to The Ship hoping to get a table for an evening meal. Staff were very helpful and fitted us in. We shared whitebait to begin, very tasty and plentiful. Both had fish and chips. One of the best we've ever had. Large...

We have been staying in Dunwich for a week, so ate in the restaurant three times. Staff were very friendly and very helpful . Food was delicious and good Gluten-free options for one of our family members. We hadn’t booked on our first night (...

We stayed over the Bank Holiday weekend. We ate both evenings in the restaurant and the food was delicious. The mozzarella starter with heritage tomatoes was delicious. However on the first evening the portion was tiny and felt overpriced for what was no more than...

For many years we have enjoyed a good traditional pub lunch at The Ship as a good stop on a long walk. Today we arrived to find that the menu was upmarket and expensive. There were no sandwiches, ploughman's or traditional bar food. We were...

Booked at table in the restaurant to find we’d been seated in the bar, which we didn’t want. I’m teetol and was with my young son so it was inappropriate. Ignored by female ‘manager’ with purple hair for a few minutes, despite the polite bar...

Visited the pub this evening for dinner. Very friendly and helpful staff and excellent food. Potted seafood was really delicious, best I have had for some considerable time with not too much butter. I had a first rate burger which was cooked perfectly and several...

My partner and I visited The Ship for our anniversary dinner. I had called ahead and booked a table for us that would be quiet as we have a nervous dog with us. The pub was very accommodating with this request. When it came to...

Popped in for drinks a few times over a recent stay in the area, staff always friendly, loads of room for kids, massive beer garden, good choice of drinks! Can’t fault, if your visiting the area then definitely worth going too, have eaten here before,...

Very warm welcome when we arrived with our dog. Excellent fish and chips and desserts. Good atmosphere and seemed popular.

Had the Nobu noodle salad from the Field kitchen WOW it was amazing Best I’ve ever had Chunky chips and haddock excellent too

Five of us had lunch at The Ship yesterday. I thought the staff were brilliant, very friendly and helpful. The burger was very tasty but pretty minimal. The mushrooms on polenta was the size of a starter at main course price, not enough to fill...

So good we ate there twice in a row! Lovely welcome from staff, pretty decor, great atmosphere, varied food. We enjoyed the salt & pepper squid, burger, fish & chips and Cromer crab over the two dinners. Good value overall. Recommend a visit.

Went into the Ship to book a table for dinner next week and have a quick pint or two. Stood at the empty bar for 6 mins and not one of the 4 staff members on duty acknowledged me let alone say they’d be with...

Still absolutely fuming about the way we were treated at #theshipatdunich #chestnutgroup. Rude manager without any understanding of costumer service or how to deal with people in general. Overpriced and an absolutely AVOID establishment. After being told we can come for late lunch on the...

My wife and I were holidaying in Dunwich and decided to visit the Ship for Sunday Roast. We both chose the beef and it was plentiful and probably the best cooked beef I've had for a while, tender and moist and full of flavour. Cauliflower...

The Ship has been really busy during Covid restyling the garden and adding outside lighting, seating and eating. Always stop here when visiting Dunwich. Great food and relaxed atmosphere.

Very good food, stopped at Sunday lunchtime, dog friendly very good staff looked after us well in the main, request for extra gravy never arrived, had to ask for desserts after being left the menus. Tip added to the Bill, which I find a bit...

Average food, very little choice and overpriced. Served by staff who seemed rushed. Had 10% added to my bill without realising it, which seemed a bit extreme since I had stood in the bar for ten minutes before anyone would acknowledge me. Very sad as...

So disappointing. Used to be one of our favourite places to eat. Now the menu is very limited and everything is overpriced for what you get… really average food. Some of the staff didn’t seem like they wanted us there, or that they wanted to...

We’ve been coming here for many years. Today’s visit was disappointing compared to how it used to be (not that long ago) Small, unimaginative menu. Food very average and expensive. Staff rather officious under a thin and seemingly fake veneer of friendliness. No atmosphere… we...

A quality pub right in the heart of Dunwich. The food served was of a good quality, however it was picked from a very limited menu and to be fair we were expecting larger potions for the costs of the meals. Sadly the overall cost...

We stayed - a most enjoyable, and POSITIVE experience. BUT: the menu was the same for 4 days running, and it was NOT an extensive menu. (That, we understand, after Covid issues for the trade) However, after 4 evenings of the same menu - we...

Visited the ship inn dunwich with a friend. We were very disappointed to find such a small Menu but it went with the small amount on your plate. My friend had the fishcake, it was literally 1 fishcake on a few sprigs of water cress...

We first visited this restaurant last year, when the service was really not great. New management this year and service and welcome have improved immeasurably. The menu has changed to a basic pub menu, which they do very well. However, it is expensive for what...

Very expensive, boring vegetarian dish and service charge added although everything had to be ordered at the bar and paid there.

We went for a family and all expectations were met. Super friendly efficient staff , Food was amazing . Will definitely be back.

Pub is quirky in a lovely little village, room was nice and clean. Some of the staff were helpful and friendly but not all! Menu was very limited and the food honestly wasn’t that great considering the prices. Quality of food served erratic, one morning...

This used to be one of our favourite places to eat when we stayed in Southwold, but how it has changed recently! I can only assume it's changed hands. The food is so limited and overpriced now it's such a shame! When we visited, lamb...

Great food, Great service. Relaxed comfortable vibe, My partner and dogs favorite place to eat in Suffolk! F&C to die for and the Roasts are epic!!

We had been given a voucher as gift, so we thought we would give it a go again. It has not got any better in there, menu is not great at all, very limited choices and strange pairings, we was seated in bar area which...

Visited friends in the area and had lunch booked. Service was very haphazard , ignored for 5 minutes whilst waiting at bar to be seated. Waitress looked like she didn’t want to be there . Food was just about warm , small in quantity and...

We had a beautiful Christmas walk in Dunwich with dear friends which lead us into the village with the Ship inn around lunchtime. Perfect we all thought! So it seemed a bonus that they could accommodate us with a table. Oh dear such a shame!...

The waitress was a little rude, didn’t really seem interested. Was very shocked by the price of a glass of wine but the food was delicious.

Went in for a meal with my disabled husband and sister, as we were being shown our table a staff member tried to overtake my husband with his disabled walker, we then ordered our drinks and looked at the menu unfortunately there was a lot...

Covid protection - The staff work hard to make the bar and eating areas clean and protected for both themselves and patrons but I saw first hand a situation where a group of four people, who were two couples obviously from a different house hold...

My wife and I went here today for a quick drink after a long walk, only to be told they couldn’t get us one as they were understaffed. We asked for a single drink, to consume outside amongst the other patrons in the beer garden,...

Called at midday to ask if we could eat around 3/4pm on a Sunday. Person on the phone said to come when we wanted and that it would likely be quiet at that time. Arrived to be told by a very cross looking bar-person that...

Overpriced food and drink, the new hotel group have ruined what was a lovely welcoming pub. We have visited lots of times in the past and stayed several times and thoroughly enjoyed it, which is why we returned. We were charged £9 for a glass...

Not their policy to run a tab for drinks in the bar Restricted choice of available ales Tables were left disgustingly sticky Price of drinks are extortionate Couldn’t wait to leave the dismal non welcoming atmosphere Worst experience I have encountered in a pub I...

What a lovely pub. Great atmosphere and gorgeous garden, nice idea to have a camp kitchen outside so the choice is greater and the inside kitchen isn't too overwhelmed. Except when there's a problem and the camp kitchen has to close down temporarily. Then either...

All round good experience; all staff were courteous and professional; fantastic location 100 yards from beach; good food. We came with some trepidation have read some of the recent bad reviews but we could not fault it. Incredibly dog friendly also. Rooms were tastefully decorated,...

I've been to Dunwich 3 times before and The Ship twice where each time the experience has been poor but it was a lovely day so as a special treat we thought we'd drive the 80 miles to Dunwich and spend the day. Fortunately there...

I asked if there was a kids menu “no” so paid £14 each for these pitiful burgers. Not enjoying the new management.

The ship has very nice garden. With bar and kitchen serving the garden. Reasonable selection of lager, ale and cider. When it comes to food if I make a lifestyle decision to be a vegan I am catered for but if I am a coeliac...

Accidentally reviewed as hotel. Couldn't eat, couldn't book, phone not answered, messages left not replied to. Two visits to Dulwich planned, aldeburgh visited on second occasion and walberswick (wonderful pub) had the custom instead on first visit. Staff at Dunwich unhelpful and very offhand. Poor.

0/10 for service - was looking forward to celebrating my mum's 89th birthday with my brother and sister-in-law. However after waiting c30 minutes for a drink, my mum receiving her meal whilst we didn't (even though I checked with the waiting staff) being informed by...

We were looking forward to a lunch here after a long walk along the coast. I had phoned a few times after booking and was impressed with the friendly, efficient staff on the phone. We were surprised - and disappointed - to find that none...

I would actually rated this restaurant at 4.5. We met friends in this busy venue and were seated in a dining area that wasn’t too crowded. The waiting staff were friendly and attentive and the venue was well maintained and clean. Parking was easy and...

firstly, the food was good. None of our party of four had any complaints about the food. The place itself is not much more than a pub. starters are small and pricey. again, the problem is not with the food, but with the prices. Sitting...

Were passing here touring some of the Suffolk villages. They open at 12 noon and there was already several people outside waiting for it to open. We only wanted a snack but it was Sunday with lunchtime roasts, so we ordered 2 starters and a...

Evening meal in a nice pub. Location lovely, just up from the beach. Not a very atmospheric pub, maybe nicer eating outside. Fish and chips was a bit overcooked, but great whitebait to start.

Just had lovely lunch here. Catered well for gluten free and friendly, efficient staff. Been several times before and never disappointed. Will be back again when we are back in the area.

So there was an extensive and impressive wine list but the choice of food was limited and the portions were modest. The starters were more interesting than the main courses. Prices for both drinks and food were high for the quality provided. Poor selection of...

We had an excellent 3 night stay.Quite small but comfortable room with lovely view. Bathroom immaculate. Shower not the the strongest but efficent. Staff really lovely and helpful. Meals substantial and well cooked. Fish very good indeed.Excellent beer and good wine list. A very good...

On coming to the desk to pay for our meal, the manager firstly made a mistake with our bill which he corrected, then the card machine would not work properly and to cap it all the manager was then rude to us. He seemed very...

We booked a table for the first warm and sunny day in May, and it was great. I was told that we could only book for a table indoors as the garden was walk-in only, but if there was a table outside that was free...

Outstanding , popped for Sunday lunch following a nice walk around the area. Excellent service from being booked in to having our meal. Roast pork dish and Venison pie both first class. Great place to visit and eat. Going back for lunch too. Well done!

Stayed at Cliff House Holiday Park , nice walk along beach to get there . Visited twice , once for lunch time drink , once for evening meal , on both occasions very enjoyable and well worth it !