The Bottom Ship in West Somerset

We managed to get into the Bottom ship on Friday 14th December, we were glad to have our annual winter visit as the weir was having issues with electric and a new generator had been put in that morning. The foid we has was excellent the beer as normal presented well and the warmth from the establishment is always heart warming, thank you to the staff to the lovely lady who's name we didn't catch and louis who has been an asset to the pub for our visits for the last 4 years, long may you continue to honour the traditions of Exmoor

Had a great Sunday lunch, all the trimmings, excellent value. Lovely pub, friendly helpful staff. Caz the chef did a great job.

We booked all three bedrooms for a family weekend away, absolutely brilliant value! Staff were so friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. We had the most fantastic food in the evening, far superior to normal pub grub and a really great menu. Just can’t fault the place, we will definitely be returning.

76 years old and this is the worst sandwich I’ve ever been served. My Wife and I visited this establishment on the 25th October 2024 ordered the hot roast beef sandwich and it was inedible although we did try, served with a small pot of gravy!!! on mentioning this to a member of staff all we got was sorry. Quantity rather than quantity comes to mind and wouldn’t go back it was free

This place is a MUST for anyone who is looking for fine food at a reasonable price, excellent quality food cooked by a bloody genius chef. Waiting staff are quick and professional. The overall experience was BRILLIANT. 10/10!! 👌

My wife and I visited this pub one evening for dinner. We sat outside as the tables were all reserved inside. It was a warm evening so that was ok. Food was served pretty quickly.

The fish and chips were saturated in greasy oil , felt very sick after the meal , worst we ever had the only good point were the staff .......

Another great visit here for dinner. We always come when in the area camping. We had the pork with lovely crackling and sage mash. Delicious and we gave our respects to the chef. The staff are always very cooperative and friendly. The berry crumble and sorbet also slipped down nicely. We stayed here last month and enjoyed that very much. We always bring our dog mainly because of the area which is lovely for walks and is very tranquill . Look forward to our next visit.

An excellent stay at this friendly, cosy pub. All very comfortable, good value, delicious breakfasts! Highly recommended. Beautiful walks from the door & Porlock Weir is delightful.

The fish and chips we had was very bland, I would not recommend or return. The staff are very friendly and helpful though.

Pretty disappointing food, very average and very expensive. I would expect much higher quality at that price. The salad garnish on one plate was slimy and inedible.

Wow what can I say, one of the best Sunday Roasts I have ever had, well worth a visit if you are ever in Porlock. Will definantly return.

We were abused in here by loutish locals when we popped in for a drink mid-walk with our kids. The boozed-up local blokes sitting at the bar took exception to kids being allowed in their pub. They were swearing loudly and coarsely despite being next to children, and when my son literally tapped his seat with his foot, one of the louts used it as a pretext to turn to us and tell us to “SHUT YOUR KIDS UP!” He proceeded to loudly declaim the presence of children in the pub to his mates, swearing aggressively. The bar staff turned a blind eye, probably out of feckless boredom rather than ill-will. We had to get the kids away from the nasty situation so we got up to leave, not able to finish our drinks. I asked a barmaid to find the owner, who met us outside. She expressed apologies, saying that the guy was wrong and that this was a family pub, and we should come again soon. However, we were still effectively forced out of the pub by aggressive behaviour from a local drinker, and no attempt was made to re-accommodate us or refund us for the drinks we had to leave behind. The owner spoke to the regular, but he went back in to carry on boozing (and probably abusing) and we were left outside to be on our not-so-merry way. It was an extremely nasty experience for our children, let alone us. I know that some kids can be unruly, but our young children were sitting quietly at the table with us. It was evidently our mere presence was objectionable to the arrogant and territorial drunkards. I understand things are tough for local pubs across Britain, and regulars help supply a reliable income stream for them. But I think landlords should have a zero-tolerance approach to abusive behaviour, especially towards families. In my experience, I personally would not expect such a policy at The Bottom Ship, Porlock.

Nice location, friendly service and some decent beer. However, on this occasion the food was awful. We had a steak baguette - the steak had a lot of gristle and (there's no excuse for this) the baguette was stale. Hard and dry at the ends, soft and doughy in the middle along with a decidedly unpleasant taste. Although regular lunchtime visitors this has put us off.

Unfortunately had a bad experience which wasn’t dealt with very well. The pub was busy. Asked for a pint of beer and a half of cider. The cider looked very pale and on tasting turned out to be cleaning water from the pipes. Very unpleasant experience. Had to ask for clean water to swill out mouth. Another glass of cider was poured from a different pump and this wasn’t wonderful but wasn’t cleaning liquid. Lady behind bar was very offhand. Consequently didn’t stay for lunch and won’t return.

Booked a one night stay while walking the SW Coast Path. Warm and cost welcome, lovely room with much needed hot bath. Very tasty breakfast before heading out again. All the staff were helpful and charming, Kas was an exceptional host, who made our stay perfect. We wish we could have stayed longer, but we will be back.

Our last visit was in September and as we were staying at the Coach House through the excellent Best Of Exmoor we took the chance to have two evening meals at the Bottom ship as were able to walk down with the dogs. Both times we were treated to warm hospitality, good food and good ales, the warmth of the fire was an added factor. The chef has some excellent knowledge and his food was not only good to eat but presented with flair. The guys at the bar and serving the food the team on both nights were excellent and very friendly, especially glad to see the two gentlemen working still at the pub from the previous year must be a happy place to work Helped to make our holiday a pre Christmas bonus so thank you all

We had the loveliest lunch here! Myself, my husband and 2 children called in for a bowl of chips and ended up ordering fish and chips after seeing how many people were eating! I was already expecting a nice meal but when it came - oh my god, it was absolutely out of this world! The fish was chunky and soft, the beer batter was perfect, chips were lovely and fluffy, I had salad instead of peas and it had the most gorgeous dressing on it and the homemade tarter sauce… oh man, so I’m gonna need that recipe please 😂 Oh and the sticky toffee was out of this world! We’ll see you again in May! ☺️

I stayed here in room 3 as I was walking the first leg of the south west coastal path from Minehead to Porlock Weir. My room was spotless and very comfortable. Staff were very friendly and helpful and the food was really great. Even the locals were lovely. The bus to Minehead stops right outside the pub so it’s a cracking spot.

Stayed here to do the first section of the South West Coast Path. Lovely food, beautiful location and friendly staff. Room was very clean and comfortable but don’t stay in Room One. It is so noisy at night with music, drunken singing and shouting it’s impossible to sleep. There’s also a light directly above one of the windows which basically creates daylight in your room until it’s switched off when the pub closes. I would eat here again but i wouldn’t stay.

Very Nice - didn’t have starters, decided to have main and pub. We both had mackerel, mash and veg, really lovely. Definitely recommend. For puds I had sticky toffee pudding and hubby had good old fashioned crumble and custard, delicious. Nice blush wine and good choice of real ale. Defo recommend and would go again

We try and go to the Bottom Ship at least once a year and always have a very good experience. This year was no different it was busy which was good to see, service as always excellent, food new menu hope its the same chef we met last December as he had great ideas and the menu reflects that passion he showed us then in discussion Great beers also help and the night was a good one

We have visited Porlock Weir a number of times but have only ever stopped for a pint or a coffee in The Ship Inn, or ‘Bottom Ship’. This time we treated ourselves to lunch at a sunny outside table. The welcome at the bar was warm and the service efficient. I chose the halloumi burger which came with a field mushroom and hummus in a brioche bun plus chips and coleslaw and my husband chose the home cooked roasted ham which came with eggs, chips and peas. The quality was excellent and both meals were exactly what we wanted. A good range of ales and ciders too. Well worth the visit.

We live locally although this was only the second time we had visited this pub and the first time that we had Sunday lunch here. We visited as 2 couples as we had some house guests for the weekend. The food and service were both excellent. Three of us had the roast beef and one the roast chicken. All nicely cooked with several accompanying vegetables that were cooked perfectly and nicely seasoned plus Yorkshire Pudding. The pub has a nice atmosphere. We will eat here again.

This is a lovely old pub and B&B.at porlock wier...views over the harbour. We went for lunch... We walked in and was greater instantly by friendly staff.. Had a good basic menu.. Lasagne.. grilled fish.. etc. Drinks are lush and there is a good variety of beers .. ciders and spirits. Has a lovely outdoor seating area for good weather.. but if you sir inside it is lovely and full if so much character Staff should be commended.. Efficient and friendly..

Beautiful homemade food comfortable accommodation friendly staff and it’s CHEAP for what you get highly recommended.

Oh wow. Now that's how you do a roast. Unbelievably tasty roasties, lovely beef, flavoursome roasted carrots and parsnips. My only constructive feedback would be to introduce the green veg to the cooking water a couple of mins longer so they don't squeak :) But we were an early sitting. Great staff team, friendly and helpful. Gorgeous setting.

Cosy and old pub. Gorgeous sitting outside overlooking the harbour. Can imagine it’s just as special in the winter with a roaring fire. Service was good, staff friendly and food tasty!

Best range of beers and wines for miles, good food if you're eating but gets very busy. Best to book

Delicious pub lunch with huge portions and very reasonably priced, we had a mixed cheese ploughman’s and sausage and relish baguette, with local cider and local Gin. A perfect afternoon after a brisk walk along the seafront followed by a delicious lunch. The staff were very welcoming and friendly and good ambassadors for the pub.

Location, location, location!! Wonderful hidden corner of somerset. Lovely stay at the bottom ship, friendly staff and great customer service. On our first night we ate at the ship, it was very busy as the sun was out. The starters were very good, main courses a little disappointing, however to our surprise on checking out they had refunded the total cost of the meal. The second day we had buskers entertaining us Customer service 5 stars.

A charming pub with an amazing location. The food was of a good standard, staff very friendly and efficient.

Have the ploughman's I dare you to try finish it. Fab food and service.Dogs welcome water bowls provided. Lovely spot to watch the world go by

Friendly polite staff, was quite busy and most outside tables full, so we decided to sit indoors, had lasagne and garlic bread , hubby said best lasagne he has ever tasted, I had a cheese ploughman's which was also lovely . All food fairly priced...

During a lovely one week holiday in Porlock Weir we visited the The Bottom Ship five times. This review is a joy to write. A warm & friendly pub with food and service to match. The most unique chicken Kiev, tender steaks, venison chilli and...

Really nice lunch, for 4 of us and a dog in tow. had special green curry - was very good, tasty, served hot, spicy and fresh, kids had lasagne both enjoyed immensely, my better half had chicken kiev - which again very good; kids then...

Cracking little pub, friendly staff and brilliant food. The cod (whale sized), chips and peas were lovely, as was the lasagne my children had. Great selection of drinks too, great pint of Tribute!

Called in for a quick light lunch after a walk. Not such a good reception as the top Ship - not as friendly and atmosphere not as good. Only had a fish finger sandwich which was perfectly ok. It came with crisps and salad. Nice...

Very helpful staff, found us a table at a busy time. Nothing was too much trouble. The food came quickly and was excellent.

For £130 for 2 nights- b&b + £10 for Riley, what an absolute bargain, We come down to Porlock 2-3 times a year and camp but not in January even though it was pleasantly warm - we decided to stop at the Bottom Ship, the...

We stayed in the hotel next door over new year for a few nights and visited the pub a few times. We had a dinner on our anniversary, December 30th. The pub was busy, warm and cosy with a great atmosphere. The staff are excellent....

What a fantastic time we had at the ship. So sorry we were late! The food was amazing and the staff so accommodating even though we were late. The smoked haddock was simply delicious and the burgers looked amazing. Thank you The Bottom Ship for...

Arrived Christmas Eve for a two night stay. Was treated with a warm welcome upon arrival and throughout our time there. The staff were attentive and helpful both in respect of parking arrangements, accommodation and dining. The food menu was very good in the options...

We had a table booked for 7.30 and arrived to find the pub waiting for arrivals, the log fire was burning nicely in the hearth and the young lady working behind the bar made us welcome-served our drinks and put some water down for our...

A cold December night made better by a warm welcome, we are staying at the Coach house through Best of Exmoor and booked a table for our 2nd night on Exmoor, we walked down with our 3 dogs which for me suffering with a heart...

Lovely tradional pub with good food.Friendly ,helpful staff, nothing was too much trouble.Can't wait to visit again.

This pub attracted us after a tiring day. In the evening light it looked inviting. So out of the rain, into the pub, what did we find? A warmth thst invited us to eat from a varied menu with very agreeable service. Very tasty food,...

As always, we had a delightful Sunday lunch. Excellent roasts (1 x Lamb and 1 x Chicken). Very tasty, hot, and plenty of it. Washed down with local ales and a couple of G&Ts. The young staff are always nice to us - but, on...

We did not enjoy our visit as it was spoil by very poor service. As we were a family group of 7 we booked ahead for our evening meal and were asked to prebook our starters and mains because of ‘the small kitchen’. We duly...

Great location and very friendly staff - catered for allergies no problem and the four of us all thoroughly enjoyed our lunch - very yummy food!

Staff and really friendly and helpful and a great building and setting. Last time I came here there gluten free options were really good. This time there was basically nothing if your vegetarian/vegan and gluten free. Luckily i will eat fish if there’s nothing else...

Pub is lovely and the young waiting staff were really helpful, BUT I really object to having a random ‘miscellaneous food’ item added to my bill that the barman said was a mistake, as well as being charged for a full roast dinner because there...

We came in for a family meal after being turned away from several other local pubs that were fully booked. We had planned on going crabbing that evening and we right by the harbour so it was a perfect spot. It’s clearly a local favourite...

We went for lunch we both had the burger huge portions and couldn't fault the quality and the staff was really friendly will definitely be back again.

Lovely location Superb staff Attentive Food was excellent freshly cooked and really quite quick. Tiniest toilets ever been in but clean and tidy Booked table in advance as it was bank holiday Saturday. Very popular location unspoilt in every way Spot of crab fishing after...

Great food, very accommodating (we had booked sometime in advance and our table was inside, as it turned out to have been a scorching hot day our request to move to a table outside after we'd ordered was met and accommodated without fuss)

We stopped here for lunch on our way home from a holiday on Exmoor. We found a nice table outside with a parasol, and the menu had a reasonable selection of bar meals. I chose the halloumi & mushroom burger while Chris opted for a...

As we live in Porlock, we know Bottom Ship well & yesterday had yet another excellent lunch there with our visiting family. The staff are always pleasant & efficient & despite staff shortages (which are seen everywhere in the hospitality industry) they always come up...

Went out for an evening meal at The Bottom Ship and I would like to say that our experience was absolutely wonderful! I had a cheeseburger with chips for main course and a chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and both tasted so good! The...

Don’t be fooled that the Ship Inn is the only place to eat in Porlock Weir just because it’s opposite the carpark. The staff here simply didn’t seem to want our custom. Very rude and extremely unhelpful. Ended up taking our custom where it was...

We stayed overnight for bed and breakfast whilst walking a section of the South West Coast Path. The pub is literally right on the path so was really handy for us. Beds were comfy, showers were hot, staff were helpful and the option of a...

A beautiful old building. Good menu. Great beer! Friendly staff. Great position overlooking the harbour at Porlock Weir. Well worth a visit.

Limited menu here so opted for the sister pub, The Top Ship. They offered to call ahead and booked us a table. Really well run and managed. Great bar. Will definitely be back.

My husband and I went for a meal this evening absolutely dreadful. So so disappointed we have stayed here several times over the years and really enjoyed. Sadly can’t see us coming anytime soon.

Returned to The Ship Inn to celebrate our 50 year anniversary - we had stayed there on honeymoon in 1972! The place hadn't changed much except the parking charges which were disappointing (but not the responsibility of, or Inn's fault! as there was no alternative)....

Looked like a busy lunch food came out after a little bit off a wait but was amazing staff were very welcoming even tho they clearly had loads to do. Would definitely go again

Visited last Sunday. No tables free inside so sat outside. Poor service. Roast beef overcooked and wanted another 50p for extra gravy. My sausage baguette must have been straight out of the fridge - certainly not freshly cooked. I could have had a better meal...

Very unfriendly pub. Walked in and man behind the bar looked at us in such an unfriendly way. Told him we had a table booked and unfortunately I had booked it for the same named pub in the high street .not his fault but he...

Just had the most delicious pork I've ever had, washed down with good beer. There were plenty of vegetables as well as all the trimmings and it was piping hot too. Very welcoming and friendly, so hoping to go back again in the next few...

We had drinks and meals here. All good. Dog friendly. Free wifi. Real ales, ciders, mulled cider and free stilton with port on offer to accompany your drinks. Friendly hospitality.

We have just moved to the area. We booked Sunday lunch for 3 persons. It was plated but very generous in meat and vegetables. However, all was irrevocably ruined as it arrived cold. We will return in the hope that management address this problem. In...

We were down in September when we stayed at Dunster beach and visited twice, this time in December we were within walking distance staying in a best of Exmoor cottage just up the road. Our visits were both on the mark, the welcome, the service,...

Popped in here and was not disappointed in any shape or form. The lunch was served after a weight of about 20 minutes but it was busy and completely satisfied our hunger as the portions were ideal.

Wonderful Meal and excellent staff. Made to feel very Welcome. We had the Belly Pork and the Lamb Shank and both meals were exceptional. Great selection of Beers as well.

We ate lunch here before checking into the hotel next door. We had two very nice sausage and caramelised onion bagettes which came with crisps and a salad. The price, quality and service were all excellent. We then came back for a drink the following...

We're just home from a 2 night stay at the Bottom Ship (2 couples), on their B&B offer - £100 for 2 people/2 nights is a brilliant deal - especially for what they offer. Having stayed 2 or 3 times before (although not for a...

My partner and I had meals at the Bottom Ship on two evenings during our recent stay in Porlock Weir. We had different food on each evening and were very pleasantly surprised at the quality and quantity of the meals. Very friendly and attentive staff,...

I stayed here for one night with my daughter after our first day of coast path walking. Unfortunately the pub was not serving food on the evening of our stay but I had been pre warned of that and offered alternatives. The room was large...

We stayed at the Bottom Ship mid May, the first night that hotels were allowed to open up again. Social distancing was well managed at dinner and breakfast and we had a very comfy room. It was our first night walking the South West Coast...

We went to the Bottom Ship twice on our recent September holiday, the first night was in the company of my parents and our two dogs the second time was just my wife and myself and the two dogs. Both times we were seated quickly...

We were looking for somewhere for a nice meal for our wedding anniversary and found this on a visit to Porlock Weir. We liked the look of it and decided to go that night. The food was outstanding and the service excellent. We loved it...

We ordererd ham egg and chips and fish pie. The first was fine, good portions, the Fish pie however was lacking in fish, four small pieces of white fish, No smoked fish, No prawns, No hard boiled egg ? And it was rather watery not...

Very pleasant accommodation with a welcome bath after a long day walking. Friendly service and good pub food.

The food was lovely...when we eventually got it, but the overall service was shocking!! We asked 3 different people for drinks, all of whom said they'd be straight back...& didn't. Eventually came back and then took 20 minutes to bring the drinks, by which time...

Following a walk from Porlock along the beach we popped in for lunch to escape the rain. We were served at our tables for drinks but had to queue in the rain to order or lunch. We both settled for fish finger sandwiches. Unfortunately the...

Popped down for a famy walk,and decided for a bit to eat. What a good choice.Had the mix cheese ploughmans,really fresh and loads if it,big blocks of brie ,cheddar and stilton, fantastic. Everybody else had sandwiches which were well filled and choice of bread. Will...

Great beer. Great service. Great food. Great location. Great value. What more can you ask for from a local pub? Well worth a visit.

Such a fantastic location. Adore porlock weir. We had been crab fishing and stopped here for lunch . Previously had coffee. Service from Becky was excellent she was very helpful and is a credit to the team. Easy ordering process. Food delicious. From fish pie...

An absolutely delicious Sunday lunch at the Bottom Ship in Porlock Weir. Good service, dog friendly and plenty of outside seats. Very impressed.

We booked in advance as it was a Friday evening and likely to be busy. We were given a nice table in the cool stone-walled and floored indoor bar area, and after a day of walking in hot weather this was very welcome. The restaurant...

We have just come home from a delightful stay at this characteristic pub where all the staff were so friendly and extremely polite and helpful, We throughly enjoyed are 2 day stay and so look forward to returning, Thank you every body who looked after...

Sister pub to The Ship in Porlock - this pub also has the great food and friendly service - inside or outside.

We were in room 2 which is a nightmare. The bed is raised in the middle which moves you towards the edge The bathroom is adequate but a ventilator within screeches like a banshee. We were warm in bed though with an incredibly heavy duvet...

Difficult to find somewhere to eat in Porlock so tried Porlock Weir, fully booked inside but it was just about warm enough to eat outside. Our order was picked up within minutes, food arrived very quickly, very nice, well presented, staff were 'on it', very...

Stayed overnight on my own. Staff very welcoming and accommodating. I had booked for one but was given a delightful room with seaview, it was spacious and very comfortable. Breakfast was well cooked. Had supper the night before sitting outside the pub and the food...

We visited this restaurant as a family on bank holiday Monday. The views and location are amazing, absolutely stunning. The fish and chips looked lovely and fresh so we knew we wanted to stop at the bottom ship. There was quite a wait between being...

We visited The Bottom Ship Inn on a Saturday lunchtime. Staff were very accommodating and took our order quickly. Food arrived in good time. Menu is classic pub food- lots of options to chose from. First weekend of inside opening so obviously the pub was...

Had a very well-kept pint of Exmoor Ale, sitting out front. Didn't eat, ubt people say the food is good. Porlock Weir is a pretty place to have a wander around, looking at the harbour, etc

Our first pub lunch of 2021, sat out in the sun eating Fish and Chips, the Tartare sauce was brilliant too. Chatted to some nice friendly people too. So good to be back at the pub. Nice real ales and the dog was happy to...

We stopped here today and we’re lucky to get a table - it was very busy. It was all spaced out and covid safe. Beautiful food and friendly staff. Would recommend the burger- delicious!