The Rum Runner in Bassetlaw

Dear TripAdvisor. You and the wider internet have well and truly lied to us. The Ship Inn of Retford is basically an absolute hole, disguised as a half decent establishment. The lass behind the bar was proper canny, but she was up against it when it became apparent that there was absolutely no-one in the building capable of heating up a chilli cheese dog. Problematically, though, instead of telling us that they couldn't quite manage to serve up said dish, they readily took our money and left us sitting for over an hour, with an oft-promised 'two-minutes on your food'. Coq au Vin to that we said, after 75 minutes of my stomach thinking my throat had been cut. The final straw was the pub football team(s) who gradually took over the place, who were canny to begin with but then the chief mischief maker entered stage rear, soon to be visited by his actual dealer, and with all the excitement of a new pencil case on the first day of term, took to smoking himself a nice blunt. Now there's a time and a place for this activity, and 1pm on a Sunday lunchtime in a pub next to little kids is not a single one of those. So we left. With a difficult-to-get refund, and still with the stomach and throat thing in full swing. What an absolute chuff on. Only getting one star because you won't let me give precisely none. Do your stomach and your nose a favour, give it a nice wide berth.

Went in last month as had seen some great reviews, only to be told that they were not doing food although it clearly says on there website they do. I e mailed them expressing my disappointment which is they ignored so I sent them a message on Facebook only to be told they stopped doing food 3 weeks earlier and I should have booked anyway ( why?). I was then accused of trying to get something off them for free. Six weeks has passed since they said they stopped doing meals yet they still advertise that they do on there website. All they had to do was apologize.

We went for Sunday lunch today and it was fantastic, huge portions, cooked well, presented well in a lovely environment. Great value for money at £8.95 per person. We’ll definitely be back for Sunday lunch

It was cold outside, and we walked in and there was no fire lit or heating on inside. No atmosphere at all, or ambiance The barmaid didn't have a clue what was going on with either the drinks or food, and I actually felt sorry for her! She told me that we could not have an account and pay at the end, we had to pay for each drink we ordered! I questioned this, and eventually the "manager" relented and said we could pay at the end. The food was unexciting and plain. My potato skins were actually a small baked potato cut in half with melted cheese on top. The pies were ok, but a tiny portion of mashed potato. When it came to paying the bill, she couldn't even work out the change due!

Food volume and quality was excellent value Happy to accept dogs and provided a bowl of water Good atmosphere and friendly staff

We walked in and the place is extremely friendly and clean. Plenty of space to eat and at 5pm still serving food. Presently surprised as the outside didn’t look that inviting but inside it’s well decorated and spacious not too crammed into spaces to make more covers. Great atmosphere. We ordered from the main menu which has an offer of mix and match of starters, 3 for £14. We ordered the Nachos, Halloumi Fries and Buttermilk Chicken Strips. All homemade with fresh salad. Although their was a birthday party next door the staff kept us informed of the wait and that the food was nearly ready. Great service. When the food did arrive it was hot and looked great, the Nacho’s were particularly great. Not tortillas out of a bag but home made which made all the difference. The chicken strips came with a chipotle mayo that was perfect. The Halloumi Fries came with a tomato salsa which was just the right type of spicy. The touch of class came from the individual pots of Heinz tomato sauce. The background played classic music that added to this warm, friendly and enjoyable experience. We will wholeheartedly recommend the ship inn and will be back soon!!

I would like to share our fabulous experience while dining with family today at the ship. Even though I’ve been in here many times it’s not somewhere I would have thought to go for food ! How absolutely wrong was I !! I can honestly say hand on heart that the food was absolutely perfect! Five different meals plus deserts each and everyone was a head turner of a plate full of delicious food ! This is hands down the best “pub grub” I’ve even in Retford ! Prices were extremely reasonable too not overpriced at all making a family meal out with two course + two rounds of drinks each affordable. I highly recommend a meal here much better food than other higher priced venues locally.

We want to support this pub, however, each time we go in there is a drama. Not sure anymore why we keep trying. We are a quiet couple who just want a quiet drink and food. Today we called in on hearing the jazz music. We sat outside and was told by a customer we had to pay £5 each to sit there. None of this was mentioned to us on ordering our drinks on a beautiful day when it’s obvious to sit outside. Last time we went in was for Sunday lunch and after seeing the bar lady touch and stroke dogs as she was carrying our food, we were disgusted yet never mentioned it. Previously made to feel like thrifty freaks when charged full price on a wine when there was a deal on. Spend a little time in there, observe for yourself and this is a frequent occurrence. Last time we go in now as I’ve mentioned previous complaints and had no answer. So very sorry for this pub.

Staff friendly but food shocking the food was not ok it was shocking the staff were going the extra mile but unfortunately that was the best thing

This is our 2nd visit here for food and drinks. Had a chicken wrap and chips and my husband had a fish finger sandwich. It was lovely. Cost £6.95. Also sat outside in the beer garden after our good. Found the staff friendly. Will visit again when visit Retford.

Well what can I say?? Currently sat in their beer garden after having the most fantastic meal! My husband and I had the prawns and mushrooms to start, followed by fish and chips and the best steak I have ever eaten. Cooked to perfection and all for the same price as Weatherspoon’s. I’m surprised this hidden gem is not busier. Would recommend to everyone

Had lunch here with 14 of the family cousins. I had a steak and it was the best steak I have had for a long time. Wife had Hunter Chicken and she was very pleased with the size of the portions. ( too much she says!!!)

Had Sunday lunch with friends (3rd July). Pre booked the table for 1pm. Sat in the restaurant for sometime before we got told all orders need to be made at the bar!. Ordered 4 roast beef dinners, they looked good when they came out and tasted fabulous, couldn’t really fault the dinner or the service, definitely well worth the £8:95. We also had dessert which were also fabulous £4:95 each. Will definitely be back

We visited as a party of 3. As we arrived, staff were outside trying to hang bunting from the entrance. We all had a good laugh about the difficulty of it and straight away it was a very friendly atmosphere. We ordered drinks and a meal each (steak, lamb pie and lasagne). Food was served promptly and nicely presented, all beautifully cooked. We actually really liked the fact that we were left alone once the meal was served too. All three of us thoroughly enjoyed our food and agreed it was great value for money. We've recommended to others who were in the area for an event too, and if we are in the area again, we will be back!

Great pub. We called in for some food before we caught the train. My husband had fish finger sandwich with Fries and coleslaw and I had steak onions with chutney on and Fries both was £6.95. Great value very well presented. If I was to moan I would have preferred the chutney on the side as there was too much. But would definitely go in for food again. They have a beer garden but didn't go in. Wall paper very odd lol.

The Ship Inn is the sort of pub I like, with various little areas that give it a cosy feeling. The decor is modern, but with an old-fashioned slant, including a very unique type of wallpaper. Interesting but weird. They also have an outside drinking area that is a nicely designed courtyard and although we didn’t use it, we were most impressed with the ironwork gate that is a true work of art. Service was good and this is certainly a pub we would use again.

Visited the Ship inn on a Friday evening and sat outside in the courtyard, sun was shining and a large screen playing music videos the food and service was excellent and extremely good value for money, full bottle of Prosecco£12.95 on a Friday, shared a...

We popped in to try the meals for ourselves after a friend recommended the food. We weren't disappointed! I went with the Steak pie, chips and peas and her indoors had fish and chips and minty mushy peas, and a double gin. Both meals were...

Absolutely shocking service!!! First time in there under new management, wont be going back!!! Couldn't believe it!!

I have been a regualr at the ship for a number of years and tonight decided to take my mother out for her birthday to eat here. She could not have been happier, the quality of the steak, service and hospitality was second to none....

Visited this evening Fantastic food Great service The chef /owner luke even took time to speak to us himself Great bar and table service Food very tasty and a free dessert for my birthday Very cosy setting Faultless Thankyou Rosie Ben and Olivia

Great food, and the service by Dan was excellent. Really enjoyed the halloumi burger which was really well stacked. Will be here more often.

Since taking over just before Christmas the new owners have done a great job. They make you feel very welcome and the food is really good and reasonably priced. We have been both on a lunchtime and in an evening and have always enjoyed the...

Called in for Sunday lunch after they have changed the team and the menus. Sunday lunch has a good choice of three roasts and is very good value at £8.95. Beers are kept well, good selection of hand pulled ales. Will be back...!

Visited today felt very welcome by staff the food was excellent and value for money will definitely be returning to try some more dishes would highly recommend A***** Thankyou 🙂

Food was cold and lack of bar staff. Lots of other better establishments in the area. Shame as was looking forward to Sunday lunch but will change venue now.

Came here for one night with friends, there was a 4 piece indie band playing, who were fantastic. Alas all changed when the land lord came marching down shouting and being very aggressive in front of everyone about them being too loud . There was absolutely no need to speak to people in that way at all. He should be ashamed. Quote " if you don't turn it down you can get out" in front of everyone. Then when the lead singer went to fetch the money he continued to have a go at him . Word of advice to the land lord you need to stay on the other side of the bar and do your job properly. You can't turn the drummer down so you can't turn the rest of the band down either . We felt really uncomfortable after this . Bands beware if you're loud I wouldn't bother playing here, as for us never again and I definitely wouldn't recommend this pub.

Great drinks! Lovely atmosphere. Really enjoyed having drinks in the beer garden with some friends! Thank you

I visited the ship this afternoon for my Sunday lunch. There’s a really friendly atmosphere coupled with fast efficient service. My roast chicken was beautifully cooked with plenty of veg on the side. If I have one gripe it’s that the size of my meal...

This was the first time we had been to The Ship Inn,and I was pleasantly surprised. What I liked about it the most was their function area.This has been very well thought up,giving a wonderful outside seating area and bar(ideal for the hot weather).There is...

An old pub, reimagined for the 21st century. A nice but small range of ales, and wines. However it is the food, the way the steak and condiments are made, in particular that shines through.

Just been ,now under new management, all staff friendly ,happy and nothing is too much bother. We had a selection of tapas as a meal and each and every dish was amazing and a taste sensation. Every dish was so different it would be hard...

We arrived at the Ship inn without a reservation and was given a table for two by Josh. The service was good albeit a bit slow as only two people serving (Chris and Josh). We ordered the beef Sunday Lunch, and it was fabulous we both really enjoyed it. Of course we had to have a dessert to finish off the Sunday Lunch, sticky toffee pudding and a Cream brûlée’s yum yum!!. Overall the guys did well considering the restaurant side looked busy. We would definitely go back again.

Stumbled on the Ship inn on a Saturday. The service, food , drinks and music was first class. A hidden gem. Thank you Luke for a wonderful experience.

With no booking we went to the Ship Inn on spec, hoping for a table for dinner...we were in luck. The menu isn't huge but had a good range of fish, meat, veggie. we settled on a burger dish and chicken risotto. The food was fabulously presented, hot and tasted delicious. The portions were generous and the food arrived within a reasonable time after ordering. The bar manager and other staff were very friendly and welcoming but not too intrusive while we were eating which we prefer. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of the food. Well done, we'll be back.

Had a fabulous lunch today at the ship . Josh was our waiter , he couldn't do enough for us , was very attentive making sure we had everything, kept coming outside regularly to make sure we was ok for drinks and food . Highly recommend to my friends to come and have food and drinks . Fabulous local place

We met up with 23 relatives, some in Retford all weekend, others visiting for the day.

After reading that The Ship Inn Retford was under New Management , my husband and  I decided that we would return for our Sunday lunch. Walking into the Beer garden we were delighted to see all the plants in full bloom making this area a perfect Oasis to relax and drink .We were pleasently greeted by a smartly dressed gentleman who asked if we would like to be seated in the Beer garden area or would we be dinning inside at the Restaurant. We informed him that we did not have a reservation to dine but wondered if it would be possible, he told us this was not a problem at all. We later found out that he was the new Manager. We must say he was extremely charming professional and very polite

Came down from Manchester to visit family and spent the night in here. Brilliant live band and great outdoor area.

I came into the pub for a drink to find out that the prices, which are already expensive, have been boosted. Not only that, I found the manager to be very strange, as though he doesn't know how to manage a pub, he has a bad attitude and seems like he doesnt want to be there and he definitely doesnt respect his staff. Maybe instead of hovering over the other memebers of staff stalking their every move, he should work on trying to make the pub better than it currently is and actually do what he needs to do as the staff working for him seemed rushed off their feet. The only positive to my visit was being served by Chris the lovely bar tendor who was very attentive, chatty and polite but i felt very uncomfortable that the manager was constantly down his throat and over his shoulder for no reason at all. Let the lad do his job without being harrassed!!

Great night fantastic atmosphere!! Food is fabulous 👍highly recommend this little gem for a great meal out👍👍chef is superb cannot fault this at all ideal for couples or families 😘😘

The Ship is getting to be a regular haunt for me. My visit to Retford this last week seemed to terminate at the Ship,Not only was the Harvest Gold in good'nick' but the Batemans XB was equally as good.The staff were their normal pleasant selves.Strongly recommend.As a retired licencee and former East Anglia pub of the Year (CAMRA) it is good to see a well run pub.

Booked a last minute meal and not disappointed, steak cooked perfectly swapped extras for salad and the staff really attentive will be back again

We called at The Ship Inn for a meal before going out for the evening. The meals we had were very good value for money and very tasty. The young waitress that served us was very welcoming and polite. The service was prompt and efficient. We enjoyed our first visit and will definitely return next time we visit Retford. Quite impressed with the overall experience.

had the most tasty Sunday lunch the gravy was the best that I have tasted and the service was excellent will definitely be back xx

We were visiting some friends in that live in retford and all decided to go for a meal at the ship inn...worst mistake we had all made. From the moment we walked through the doors we were made to feel unwelcome.

Funished to a high standard. unfortunatly recieved poor service from the waitress / owner felt unwelcome and found her to be rude. Excellent food unfortynatly the worst customer service i have ever encountered !!! Would not recommend at all !!!!

Divine food, cosy and warm, staff were really friendly, atmosphere was delightful! Certainly be coming back, will bring my family too!! Perfect evening for me and my other half!

Enjoyed the food, enjoyed the drink. Staff were polite, helpful and accommodating. Food was nice, no complaints from us.

I booked for our family Christmas get together after reading good reviews but the visit was disappointing on every level. The one staff member was rude and very unwelcoming. The food was salty and the Yorkshire puddings inedible. I have since emailed the contact on the website and not received any acknowledgement which has encouraged me to come on here and let everyone know how bad the experience was.

Having bought tickets to the New Year’s Eve do at this pub I was looking forward to a good night’s entertainment.

I am never one for writing reviews, especially negative ones, but feel compelled to do so after seeing the way the owner treated people last night. I was not with the party who left the review below, or directly targeted by his behaviour, but I witnessed the owner become aggressive and argumentative towards customers throughout the night - the pub is nice, the act was great but intimidating behaviour towards customers is wrong & although I enjoyed the night it made me feel very uncomfortable.

Normally I'm not one for this, however after my experience at the Ship Inn and it's owner John, this New Year's Eve I need to express my opinion. Myself and a party of eight purchased tickets for the Ships New Year's Eve entertainment. We arrived and tried to find a table in the court yard for the performance. Upon entering the area we were greeted by reserved seating, this has never been mentioned or published anywhere. There were tables and chairs available inside and we asked if we could take some outside. We started doing this and John the owner came over and asked us to move the table back. Nicely I asked him why they had not put enough chairs out if they knew how many tickets they sold. John then became agitated and said "he had had enough of this, it's my New Year's Eve too" and was very threatening, leaning towards me and shouting and swearing at me. I am only a small women and felt very intimidated by his behavior. I asked him to move out of my way so I could leave the pub to which he didn't, so I had to force my way by and promptly left. John you don't know what it took for me get dressed and put some make up on tonight to come to your pub and celebrate the New Year spending my money in your pub. (remember you never ever know what's going on in people's life's so always treat them nice) The experience left me angry and upset. As the owner of the pub, you would expect him to act with a certain decorum. I guess owning the place allows him to speak to his customers like dirt. After spending alot of money at The Plough for Christmas dinner with family and spending alot of time at The Ship you have now lost a loyal customer. The rest of party from tonight have also walked out as no one agrees in spending any more money to go towards your business.

Called in on Sunday to have lunch we didn’t want Sunday lunch but we were given the menu and could have what we wanted .we had to sit in the bar area as the restaurant was full .it has been renovated since I last visited and what a good job they have done .we ordered our food and it was worth waiting for .my husband had fish it was massive .my daughter had chicken and I had the vegetarian wellington .they were all delicious .will definitely be returning .

Great tapas , lovely Sunday lunch . Can’t fault it . Reasonably priced . The venue is lovely & so are the staff

Nice meal but the food wasn’t warm enough and plates were cold. Staff were busy with only one servicing the whole dining room so the service suffered. Similarly with the bar.

Just been with friends and had the whole tapas menu. All very good. The beer amazing. The service spot on. Thankyou Luke and your “team” of apparently one other. Great job👍🏻

We go in here most Sundays and often have the Sunday lunch. It is excellent, something for everyone. My wife is veggie and her friend vegan and they make a massive effort to make sure its always special for them. The meat options are also spot on. Costs a tenner, which for the standard you get is fine. They also have a full menu if you dont want sunday lunch. Laid back, friendly pub that never feels 'locally' or intimidating with about 8 real ales plus nice lagers if that's your thing. Good beer garden with a little stage and sometimes a singer / band. The manager told me they have big plans for the place, and I noticed last night them putting a canopy over the beer garden for all year use. great venue for retford.

Love this place, the meals are always tasty with generous proportions. Staff are always friendly too. Will be going back very soon.

Enjoyed several meals there over my two week stay in the Retford area. The Manager was VERY accommodating, and the menu choices were all good. (The chips were well cooked--not like fries in the 'States!)

Visit Retford about 3 times a year, When in the town I generally have a pint or two.

Wanted a bite whilst having a drink and a catch up (without too many children running around :) - dogs I can cope with, kids not so much. Menu small but caters to all tastes. 1 x veggie (goats cheese tart, with chips and salad) 1 x small eater (tapas style meatballs plus a side order of chips) - hit the spot and couldn't fault it. Nice, well served food. Thanks - will come again and munch my way through your tapas menu!

Well kept ales and nice food served at lunch and evening.There is a lovely ambience to the place. Good decor with an excellent beer garden with large tvs to watch sport on. Recommended if in Retford

We went here as a couple on the spur of the moment having rung up to check there was availability. The food was absolutely delicious (one meat eater and one veggie) and the service friendly and efficient too. The pub is beautifully decorated. We will definitely be back soon and would highly recommend!

We had a meal here portions good and good value. Staff were ok but serving bar and waiting so a little slow. But would use again. Worth a visit. Nice menue

Visited the Ship for Sunday Lunch .Had a lovely time from start to finish . Two ladies behind the bar extremely welcoming, helpful and friendly . Sat outside in the stunning beer garden a very friendly atmosphere, very nice rose wine. Ordered our lunch was told and apologised to as there was a slight wait as busy but didn't mind just had another wine in the sun . Had our lunch in the restaurant part of the ship oh my what a superb Sunday Lunch it was the best one I've had in years . Excellently cooked and tasted amazing . Well done chef. Would defiantly recommend and will be returning . Thankyou to all .

Using trip advisor to find a nice place to eat & drink in a new town is a good starting point. The reviews of the Ship didn’t disappoint. A lovely refurbished place. The food & service was top notch. Seafood linguini & Steak pie we’re exceptional. A great reception from Josh made us new to Retford feel very welcome.

We popped in here on the off chance as we were parked next door after going to the Kings Park and so glad we did. The young gent that served us was very polite and the food was quick to arrive but was still delicious. We all had different meals and enjoyed by all.

We visited last week as a family, firstly we were greeted by a shout over the bar. She pointed to our table. We have visited the plough numerous times, I know the ship is their second restaurant so we hoped the food would be as good even if the service wasn’t.

Possibly the worst service, as far as pubs go, in Retford You can be waiting five minutes to be served, if you have the patience. The beer is excellent, otherwise it would have been one star.

Lunch with best friend sat in the sun. Live events, family friendly what more could you ask for. The Ship has undergone a radical transformation in recent times. The ambience is something money can’t buy. The pub is exceptionally clean and inviting and a pleasure to sit in, then you walk outside to enjoy the sunshine, the beer garden which is also receiving an ongoing transformation that is inspiring. It now houses a barbecue section with outside bar, comfy wooden trestle style benches and tables that are a cut above the basic trestles associated with beer gardens , complete with growing flowers of the season in decorative pots and the all important (for some) pot to hold used cigarettes. At the moment they are building a sliding roof to accommodate the vastly changing English weather which will suit all customers throughout the year. The food menu is excellent without being overpowering in choice. We decided to try the tapas as it was lunchtime and the appetite for a full plate was not with us, wow, I wished in hindsight we had opted for the large plate section as the food is delicious and above the norm quality for a pub lunch. We decided on the fish bites and the fillet beef in homemade chilli sauce. The chef, who I believe is also the manager also was happy to adjust the chilli sauce to our requirements a brilliant touch for those who wish to try but are reluctant to in case it is to powerful for their palate. The fish was fresh white and meaty covered in the lightest batter with no grease to speak of. The tartar sauce in a league of its own again homemade by the chef, who was happy to answer questions on the ingredients used in the hope I could recreate this at home (maybe). The fillet steak strips were tender and melt in the mouth and the chilli sauce dance eloquently on the tongue again made in house and so delightful compared to the usual chilli sauces that frequent dishes today. Served with French bread I would suggest that you ask for a portion of butter to enhance the experience. The staff are welcoming and make sure that your order and any other subsequent wishes are looked after with a level of friendliness that ensures you feel welcome throughout your visit and endear your heart to want to visit again. I guarantee they will have made the effort to remember you and greet you warmly. The dishes we chose cost £5.00 and £6.00 not a lot for the quality of the food served. It is worthy to note there is a children’s menu to accommodate the little ones in your company. All in all worth a journey and I highly recommend that you make the effort, you won’t be disappointed.

My wife and I intended to come back for a meal after going back to our accommodation but dived in due to rain. Ended up staying enjoying a large range of excellent ale and okay red wine. (A bit disappointing tbh. Only 2 pretty standard red wines). Due to the rain and being stranded we ordered the Camembert with ‘a selection of bread’ which only came with 2 pieces of garlic bread which was nice but not exactly a selection or enough for a Camembert! To be fair we asked for more bread, which they obliged for no charge but it was just more garlic bread. Maybe they had just run out?

Went here for Sunday lunch bank holiday weekend excellent food proper home made thick meaty burgers and excellent fish and chips very friendly staff spotless pub and a very nice courtyard to sit out in (weather permitting) we definitely go back.

Last night we went to the Ship, we had seen the new menu and we hadn't been in a month or 2 so we're well overdue a visit.

Staff were really friendly food was amazing and well presented waiting time wasn’t too long ,would definitely recommend 👍

We visited for lunch after the food had been recommended to us by friends. The recent refurb with the name change back to The Ship from "The Rum Runner" is nothing less than stunning. Prior to the refurb much of the character this pub once held had been lost but this sympathetic and modern refurb has really brought out the best in the building and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere wether you are there for a drink or there to eat.

Recently changed hands and undergone a decor change which is in good taste . separated if you wish the bar and restaurant or still do food in bar area .Batemans brewery are the prominent ales but a very wide selection of all drinks . Good friendly pub old school meets new . Walk in you will be pleasantly surprised good locals /regulars oh and they sell guy martins skull and spanners beer although for obvious reasons it's traded as hammers

Lovely modern bar/restaurant Visited many times for food & drinks Great & friendly service Food excellent & a fab range of drinks Took our parents who regularly visit the old plough & the loved it.....

The quality of the food is exceptional, the steak is the best I’ve ever had, and the scampi was very delicious, cooked expertly. The staff are great too, well run modern pub.

Saw it & took a chance, were not dissapointed & found staff that were please to discuss & advise about the local area & really friendly, Food was really good value & of a excellent quality & presentation.

Frequently visit this warm and friendly pub, managed by great people, the food is excellent and the atmosphere very good, they are always happy to serve you and as a newly renovated establishment it will just go from strength to strength, looking forward to our...

Four adults one small person, Luke and his staff made us very welcome. Great atmosphere very busy. Food was prompt and delicious and we ordered across the menus. From starters, mains and dessert, all enjoyed by us all. Oh and the beer and gin were...

We were in the area and saw the open sign. The breakfast was by far the best I’ve had for a long while. The manager is very professional and well mannered. The food is all from traceable sources and is excellent.

Beautiful meal. Homemade chips best I have ever had. Homemade steak and guiness our. 6 of us eating all had different meals and all plates cleared. Fantastic and friendly staff. Think desserts a little on high side in price but apart from that good value.

So glad the ship inn has had a face lift. It’s atmosphere is warm and inviting. We’ve been the for just a drink and also for a meal . Well presented and value for money.

The Ship Inn Retford is a great place to meet and eat if you are going to the Majestic Theatre to see a show as we did last night. I had never been to either Retford or the Theatre before and decided to check it...

Four of us visited just for drinks on Friday night, under newish management, friendly staff, nice inside. Decided to eat there Saturday night. Had a table for six, we all had mains and puddings. Good food, reasonable prices, friendly staff, we will visit again when...

Visited Saturday for tea. Service as always with a smile. Quick with the drinks. And seated in restaurant side as was busy in casual side. Ordered food. 4 of us. 2 had burger 1 meat pie and 1 chicken curry. Food came quick and was...

Visited for a drink and requested a pint of Tribute, received the last pint in the barrel which despite looking like muddy water was served to me. Took it straight back and waited patiently for the bar person to change the barrel. It became clear...

As a party of 8 at this time of year its fair to be concerned about what sort of experience you are going to have especially regarding food, service etc. Any concerns were quickly dispensed with on arrival. Luke and his staff were well organised and welcoming. The food was prompt and excellent. The service efficient and friendly. The atmosphere buzzy. Oh and the beer was great. Well done guys. We will be back.

Well well.... what a great find!!

Called in today for lunch and the whole pub has had a make over and looks lovely. I ordered the Christmas dinner (it’s allowed being the 2nd December). The dinner was delicious, probably the nicest one that I have ever had. Beautiful presented and a huge portion, if the Christmas dinner I cook on Christmas is as nice as this I will be very happy. Ordered a burger and two children’s meals which are also lovely. Please try it!!

Excellent Sunday lunch. Quality for money. I would highly recommend the Ship Inn. Friendly and attentive staff, excellent service.

Had a delicious lunch at the beautifully refurbished Ship .

Formerly the Rum Runner, this pub has had a complete makeover and reverted back to its original name of the Ship.

Called in early Friday evening for a pint and a meal the bar was busy we asked if we could order a meal but told there was no room in the lounge If we were happy to eat inthe bar area there was no problem. We order and the meal was excellent and a decent price we will be certainly be going back.

A group of us go to the Ship - ex Rum Runner- for an annual reunion, so I was dismayed to read damning reports dated April 2017. I am very pleased to report that the present owners offer a wide choice of excellent beers and an extensive choice of reasonably priced meals. The 4 of us had the mid-day breakfast, which at £7 was an absolute snip. There is nothing fancy about the Ship, it is simply a very welcoming well run pub.

No longer the rum runner, it has returned to it's proper name The Ship Inn.

This place has slipped down hill,the beer is not as good as it was and it's not a cheap place. I can't speak for the meals the dinners look nice enough.

A real shame, this used to be a great pub but after a change of management it has gone seriously downhill. Retford has some great pubs, but sadly this is no longer one of them. It's very apparent, by the fact that all of the Old Regulars can be found drinking elsewhere that I am not the only one with this opinion. With superb beers available in several locations mere stone's throw from The Runner they need to up their game, be polite & welcoming to customers or this will join the list of closed pubs.I won't be back until things have changed.