The Ship Inn Restaurant in North Dorset

Stayed the night here. Absolutely gorgeous food. Chef very highly recommended. The staff were very attentive and room was adequate for what we needed for our overnight stay. Will go back for food especially.

OMG this is the best food I’ve experience since I returned to the UK in 2020. no lie! I loved the different flavours and textures. Cooked to perfection, worth every penny and the service was great to boot. We are already planning when we can return with our wider family. It was yummy!

Having stayed here before in a different room, I was allocated room 4, which unbeknown to me was above the cellars. The cellar chillers made a low humming noise, which perminated into room 4, making it impossible to sleep. Room 4 has a very marked carpet, and the small shower sealant is black with flakey paint above. I found the toilet roll holder on the floor with hardly any toilet paper left on it and no spare toilet rolls. The Ship Inn does serve very fine food, but on this occasion, my Moules Mariniere was overcooked and rubbery, with chewy parsley stalks in the mix. Nobody came to check if I was happy with everything, so on several occasions, I tried to find someone to change my dish, but without success. Following this, I left it all to return to room 4. All in all, it's a huge disappointment following my previous stays, and my observation is that the owners didn't seem to be present. I had booked for a 2 night stay, but following this sleepless experience, I cancelled my 2nd nights stay & do not expect to be charged.

What a find! We went for lunch and chose from the set menu. The dishes were truly delicious and beautifully presented, not at all what you'd expect from a pub. On top of that unbelievable prices. WHERE would you ever find anything quite so delicious for the price. A very interesting and varied menu with something for everyone. A lovely feel when we arrived and staff delightful. Highly recommend and we will definitely be back.

Stoped at the Ship on our way to Shaftesbury. We hadn’t booked but they found us a table no problem. Place was busy with a nice atmosphere. Food was very good. Fish and chips lovely and my wife had muscles and frites which was fantastic. Great place for lunch and reasonably priced. Will definitely stop again when passing.

Splendid lunch in nice surroundings. Friendly staff in an historic public house. Set menu, or a la carte to suit most tastes. Real ales, lagers, decent selection of wines and spirits.

Nice pub , but the food was overpriced for what it was. Staff did not know anything about the beer on offer . The Expresso Martini was the worst I have ever had. Would not go back again

This cosy pub punches above its weight with delicious and imaginative food dishes plus a relaxed ambiance and excellent service.

We had a fabulous family time at the Ship Inn. Warm atmosphere at the bar where we were greeted by local people with kindness. Dinner was excellent, I had the crispy prawn bao bun as appetiser, was very tasty, followed by the poached chicken ramen. I love Asian food so could not be any happier. Amazing service at the restaurant, we will come again soon.

I had a fantastic lunch today here with my husband. We were greeted with a lovely smile and warm welcome and great atmosphere. There is a very good choice of ales, lagers, wines and cocktails. The food menu was very extensive and catered for all dietary requirements and budgets. Service and attention to detail was second to non ( very rare ) and the food was absolutely delicious. will definitely return again soon. If you haven’t discovered this little gem yet it’s definitely worth exploring. You won’t be disappointed. Well done Sarah and Nick x

Fantastic lunch. Very welcoming and accommodating. Food was amazing and a lot of choice on the menu and specials board.

Beautiful food cooked by an amazing chef and his team I would highly recommend, we went on the off chance, but we shall be back very soon absolutely delicious

We stayed here on a Thursday night for a business trip, after a few nights staying in a Premier Inn. What a lovely change of scenery. On arrival, a warm welcome before been shown to my room. The setting is a classic, good Old English Country pub, with the exact atmosphere. The bar is a lovely, social place, which offers a great variety of beers, wines and spirits. The food is amazing, for starters I had the French onion soup, which was lovely with the cheesy Crouton. Yesssssssssss!!!! For main, I was blown away with the Chicken curry, with boiled egg, pak choi, noodles and prawns...... fan.....tastic. This lace is lovely, a true gem in Dorset. Thankful that we stayed here and experienced the whole deal. Would definitely stay here again, when down here on business..... great prices too.

Lunch … never been before, but wow will be returning. Absolutely gorgeous food. Staff attentive. Very nice. Can’t recommend highly enough.

Went here based on some of the other reviews, was disappointed. Had three roast beef’s with 3 starters two terrine and one soup. The food was OK but some of the beef was so tough we couldn’t cut it. The worst part was the bill...

As good a pint of Guinness as I’ve ever had. Lovely bar area and attentive staff. Highly recommended and well worth a visit.

Every aspect of our experience of The Ship was friendly, professional, and excellent. From our initial phone reservation, our enquiry about the lunch menu, our welcome, service and food (exceptional!) was just great. We will be returning, and this establishment is a real contender to...

Had a Sunday lunch at here 19/11/21 Wow it’s was an horrendous experience The worst Sunday roast I have ever experienced, beef was so chewy , vegetables were over cooked, Yorkshire pudding looked like they had been cooked on a BBQ, if u want a...

Im not sure if this restaurant has been taken over recently, but our experience was certainly not reflected by the 5 star reviews on TA. Maybe it’s the Sunday lunch thats an issue? But our experience was almost impossible to cut roast beef, very tough,...

Going out for food just became exciting again! I had no great expectations, a lovely local little pub, unassumingly nestled off the A30… I was warmly welcomed in seated at my table and liked at my menu.. I ordered the Plaice and thought I knew...

This place is worthy of a Michelin Star! Go before it’s awarded one and the prices treble! Every mouthful is a delight for the senses. Truly outstanding and the best meal I’ve had in years ~ and I eat out often! I can’t recommend highly...

I am sorry to post such a negative review but the following reflects exactly my experience at the Ship. The one star reflects the very pleasant serice alone. The starter was advertised as game terrine. This proved to be very old, very stale and pallid....

Just spent a wonderful couple of hours here having lunch with my friends. Very warm welcome, very good varied menu, delicious food great atmosphere. Definitely will return

Stopped for lunch with friends, great welcome, friendly staff. Very good menu and the food was wonderful, will definitely return soon 😊

We stayed here the other week for a lovely night and day..the room was comfortable clean and nicely decorated...the evening meal was exceptional and the crispy rib starter i could eat every day forever! The Orange wine that was recommended was also delish. The bar...

Basically a good meal - Sunday Lunch large portions but a number of observations that we all felt were relevant. Difficult to cut what was otherwise tender beef. Simply because of blunt cutlery. Simply, they need to provide sharper knives. Roast potatoes were tasty but...

I had the most amazing dinner at the Ship Inn last Friday. Had the French onion soup to start with as it’s one of my favorite and I’ve had a lot in the past but this one was by far the best I ever tasted....

We visited this nice local pub for dinner recently, which we have been to several times before. On this occasion, we were very disappointed for several reasons. We do not feel we experienced 'value for money' and came away feeling underwhelmed, so probably won't consider...

Absolutely delicious food. We had lots and lots of starters as they all looked so good and one main course. An excellent Bloody Mary( I am a bit of an expert) and lovely wine. Service was very good and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Had a couple of recommendations and wasn’t disappointed. The highlight of my meal had to be the crispy ribs. My only moan would be, I would have liked more sauce and ice cream with my desert. Will be going back soon.

We came for dinner on Friday night. There were 5 of us. The pub was full with a happy atmosphere. This was our third visit under the new owners and they have now got the food just right. Between us all, we loved all our...

I recently had the 3 courses for £20 meal deal at the Ship Inn. I am a vegetarian and tend to find very bland and uninspiring food in pubs. I had the starter of Mushroom Arancini which was a tasty starter followed by Roasted Pumpkin,...

The positives first: The pub is a lovely old building with bags of character and some really nice staff who looked after us well for our 2 night stay. There was a limited choice of beer, although we made do (No IPA :0) The food...

Yet another wonderful lunch in the Ship. Just gets better each time we visit. Can't recommend this pub/ restaurant enough.

The Ship inn, was not only a beautiful stay, from food and drink to the indoor and outdoor space, it was relaxing and so beautiful waking up to such a wonderful sunrise. Full of history, set back on picturesque hills amongst the deep countryside. If...

Booked for Sunday lunch, and arrived in good time. Table of 5 of us sat down the end where it was very hot, asked for a window or door to be opened to allow some air through, but was told this was not possible. Waited...

We haven't been to The Ship for a while but decided to return to celebrate an anniversary. We have always eaten well here and this occasion was no exception. All our food choices were delicious, interesting and well executed Portion sizes were generous and gave...

This establishment has been under new management for about twelve months now and they took over from a well respected and well thought of “mine host” who had built up a reputation for good food. So, no pressure! I went for lunch shortly after the...

Having driven by often, it was always on the list to visit but a recent review that I had seen and a recommendation from an old Savoy colleague nudged us in the right direction. We weren’t disappointed. Expecting things to be quiet on a Tuesday...

We stayed over for one night on our way to North Devon, there were 4 of us . Our room was clean and the bed was very comfortable . The towels were really good quality and super absorbent. Food was excellent and the staff were...

Lovely food, friendly service, good cocktails and a nice atmosphere. Easy to park. We had a lovely lunch here and the staff were very hospitable. We tried the small bites - camembert and chicken - both were good. I'd recommend.

Friendly staff. Fabulous welcome. All three courses were fantastic. The Ship has a very talented chef. Service superb. We will be back.

The menu is original and appealing and every dish we tried was absolutely excellent. On top of that the staff were friendly and welcoming and the service was very prompt. It was good value too. We enjoyed our first visit so much that we returned...

This is the pub to follow in and around the Stours etc. We ate here twice. One lunch and one dinner. The sense of positive service is evident on arrival and throughout one's stay. It seems effortless which means it isn't- its hard work. We...

Excellent pub/inn. We were staying the night and so had dinner and breakfast. The food was really amazing, something to remember. Room was very nice too, and will be even nicer once the new windows (currently in progress) are installed. Staff were wonderfully friendly. A...

This pub never disappoints - we arrived at 8pm with no booking, two families of four for a drink which then turned into having something to eat. Usually you would be told it wasn’t possible but Sarah was welcoming and is always so accommodating. Superb...

Absolutely amazing lunch! Food was incredible and very good value. Very friendly atmosphere. We will all be back 👏 💯

Bank holiday lunch for a large family group Super friendly service from the call to book (we were a bit late in planning it) through to the food and coffee Very varied high quality menu with much more than your normal pub food- all scrumptious...

We booked a Sunday lunch at the last minute and as a result we ate about 3pm, sadly the food was looking tired and over cooked There was a reasonable choice both for the carnivores and the vegetarians . My skate was over cooked and...

You will need to book in advance as even midweek the restaurant is busy. This is a real find, this grade 2 listed building is undergoing renovation by the new owners, Nick and Sarah, so looks can be deceiving When you step inside you are...

This has always been my favourite place to go for lunch or dinner. However, it has recently changed hands and we wanted to try the new menu. The menu choice has been greatly reduced and while the food was “ok” we were all disappointed in...

Have been here a few times never disappoints. Staff always friendly and welcoming. Food and drinks very good. I had real trouble with choosing a dessert tonight as they were all such a temptation. Mains and starters excellent. Can not fault

Another smashing visit to the ship inn!! Stopped off again for dinner as paying through to see family. The guys at the ship are just going from strenth to strength interesting menus great wines and fantastic service. We both had the lamb and the mango...

Our 3rd and last visit. So disappointed. We arrived 5 minutes before our table lunch booking, only to be told they didn’t open until 12 noon, and didn’t know why the doors had been unlocked ready to receive customers early. We were left hanging around...

My sister & I stayed here one night on a cycling trip. We received a warm welcome by Sarah and were quickly shown a secure place to leave our bikes so we off to a good start. The restaurant is very popular and even on...

6 of us had lunch here. We had a variety of meals and they were all delicious. I loved the burger and the club sandwich was excellent. We had a celiac and a vegetarian in the group and the meals available for each on the...

Double review as placed initially on the hotel site, hadn’t realised restaurant had a separate spot. My husband and I have had the most wonderful experience at The Ship today on Easter Sunday. From the moment we arrived Sarah and her team made us feel...

Wow, what a great pub & restaurant. An early evening family visit on Easter Weekend proved hugely successful for 3 generations of our family. Service was faultless and the food was absolutely superb. A relatively small menu, between the 6 of us we managed to...

A huge welcome by Sarah (the owner) greeted me when I checked in. I was swiftly shown to my allocated room - room 1, which was beautifully furnished with an amazingly comfortable bed. Everywhere was very clean & the ensuite shower room was stocked with...

Well we had a meal to die for ! The food is the best round here reasonably priced and served with a smile . I cannot recommend this place enough . Well done to all concerned. The Braised Beef starter was the best course I’ve...

Nick and Sarah are taking this village hostellerie to a totally new place. A warm welcome from Sarah and Nick cooking food from raw ingredients with imagination and talent. Keep an eye on the Ship it is going places. We go every week.

We booked a table after a friend mentioned they'd had a great experience here. We arrived for an early evening meal with friends and were met by a very friendly host, Sarah. We were seated in a lovely snug area of the restaurant. The staff...

Absolutely fantastic welcome and the food was sublime. Went with my family for a birthday treat and this was the perfect end to the day. The welcome was warm and genuine and we were able to relax in a friendly atmosphere. The food was absolutely...

We had a really good meal at The Ship, fish and chips were excellent and the affogato was delicious. This is a comfortable place to meet friends, staff were very friendly and made us feel at home.

Last weekend I spent three nights at The Ship. This is a 16th century inn, currently being sympathetically renovated by the new owners. It was a lovely experience with good accommodation and excellent food. Staff were very cheerful and obliging and the atmosphere was really...

Love visiting this pub so much due to its lovely cosy feel and the incredibly tasty food! This time we had the scotch egg starter and the pork ribeye, sweet and sour prawns and duck main courses, all of which were delicious and then just...

I went to the Ship Inn on Monday night with my wife her Sister and brother in law. Really pleasant and helpful staff and well looked after by the person who waited on our table. Sadly the food did not live up to the same...

We’re romantic…, we were married on St Valentine’s Day and over the years have experienced the highs and lows of eating out to celebrate our big day. Few could challenge dinner at The Ship Inn. The sharing menu hit the right note, starting with a...

Just a lovely, homely, relaxed evening. The restaurant and bar were full and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Brett was there to greet us at the bar whereby his own Love Potion cocktail went down very well. The menu was refreshingly different. The sharing...

Nick and Sarah served a special order for my wife’s birthday of liver and bacon, (her favourite not mine) brilliant service and great food , definitely recommend for any occasion.

My husband and I went for lunch at this nice pub/restaurant, which is very local to us. We have been here a few times before, but not since the current new owners took over (a few months ago). We were greeted at the bar by...

We went to The Ship Inn for Sunday lunch. It was slightly disappointing not to find the usual Sunday roast fayre on the menu. Although the Salt beef and Turkey was tasty, apart from the soggy roast potatoes, the meal was of a good standard....

Pub & restaurant with good food and service. New owners since August and they seem to be doing well. Had Bavette steak and Ice-cream. We stayed in the family room 3. Perfect for what we need.

My husband and I arrived at The Ship on the 27th December for lunch. We hadn't booked a table so had arrived on a whim. We were greeted by friendly staff and immediately seated and our food and drinks were ordered. We had The Ship...

We stayed for 2 nights in the family room at the end of November. The welcome from Brett in the bar was very friendly and he promptly showed us to our room so we could settle in. We had dinner in the bar area (our...

We went to The Ship Inn on Friday evening, the menu has interesting varied dishes, I had the spicy ribs to start (special) plus the Sweet and sour Prawns in a crispy nest and seaweed for main. Both dishes were delicious. My friend has the...

The quality of the food and service is fantastic in its own right, and it really stands out amongst what else is available in the area. If you’re looking for delicious, high quality food, then this is the place to go. Perfect fish and chips-...

First of all, the bar area is lovely and welcoming, and the staff extremely friendly. Sadly, it went downhill from there. On an exceedingly small menu, they had already run out of one starter and 2 main courses. I had the very last steak pie...

Stayed here for one night only rooms are well kept food is amazing and staff are really friendly good luck to the new owners will definitely be back again soon as we work up here a lot

I visited the Ship for dinner earlier this month with my partner and parents. We were greeted at the door by Sarah, who seated us and explained the menu in detail. Our drinks were promptly brought to our table. The food was absolutely fabulous and...

I booked a two night visit here and liked this place so much... I stayed for three! Nick and Sara made me feel very welcome indeed. The food is first class, with Nick being the Chef, and is served in the lovely restaurant areas. The...

We have been meaning to stop here for years, and at last got to do so. As an enthusiast for real cider, I had been expecting something like the (usually) 6 choices referred to on Whatpub. Instead, only two ciders ... served from a handpump,...

We visited for a beer having found them in the Good Beer Guide - beer was really well kept. We found out that it had recently changed hands but they were maintaining the quality of the beer. We checked out the menu - not too...

We've had a lovely stay at the Ship Inn in the large family room. Nick and Sarah put their hearts and souls into welcoming their guests. The chicken supreme was delicious, with an Asian twist and the right seasoning! Our son loved playing in the...

Two of us had dinner last night at The Ship Inn, we were blown away by the food and service. The ribeye, with a beautifully seasoned garlic and butter sauce, was utterly delicious and cooked to perfection. I loved the salad of lettuce, blue cheese...

Under new management Incredible service Food we could not fault and reasonably priced, highly recommend and we will be back

My husband and I have always enjoyed The Ship Inn, and I’m pleased say the new owners are upholding the standards of the restaurant and pub we loved. Sarah and Nick are doing a fabulous job, making everyone feel welcomed and serving wonderful food. We...

We stayed at the Ship Inn recently while visiting the local area. During our stay we had breakfast, lunch & a couple of dinners. We would highly recommend- both as a great place to stay but also a superb place to eat. It is under...

Stopped off at the ship on our way through visiting family and what a great inn the ship is. Staff warm and welcoming and food great and fresh would highly recommend to anyone.

Have eaten here in the past but very disappointed with the meal on this occasion. Same price range but portions very small and of poor quality.

As relatively new "locals" to the area we had been to the Ship Inn previously, on the this occasion we were put walking and decided to go for an impromptu Sunday Lunch. A very welcome greeted us at the door and although busy, effort was...

Had seen reviews for the Ship - mostly excellent or very good - so booked a table for 4. Not disappointed, food excellent, would happily return there for another meal. Only (minor) downside, service a tad on the slow side (despite not being busy -...

My husband and I went to the Ship Inn on 13th July. We had a main and dessert. I opted for the pork, while my husband had the fish. Both were very nice, and filling. For dessert I had lemon sorbet, my husband had Tiromasu....

Stayed on the way to Cornwall. Phoned ahead to say we were unavoidably late due to traffic. Kitchen kept open for us! Great pub. Great food. Great staff. Pleasant room. Enjoyable breakfast. Thanks Gavin and Brett !

We had a wonderful dinner at The Ship Inn at West Stour last week with excellent and friendly service from the owner and waiting staff. We also stayed overnight in a very comfortable room upstairs and enjoyed our cooked breakfast the following morning.

My husband and I had an excellent dinner at The Ship in West Stour last night. The ambiance was lovely, the service excellent and the food superb. The restaurant is everything you hope for in a country Inn and pub. My husband had the pork...

Just had the most deliciously perfect Sunday lunch. Cannot fault it. Lovely friendly helpful owner & his staff. Definitely recommend without hesitation

A fantastic experience again. It’s a while since we have been here and we wished we hadn’t left it so long. The restaurant was full which created a lovely atmosphere. The menu provided an excellent choice which was matched by the quality of the food....

What a find ! Spent a lovely evening here with friends . The service was first class , very friendly and welcoming and attentive but not over the top and the food was fantastic . 3 of us had the Pork Filet with a chorizo...

From booking the table to enjoying the meal, everything was very good. Attended with my Aunt who has mobility problems, however parking and access were no problem. I had the Liver and Bacon which was fantastic. We expect to return.