The Ship Inn, Fowey

The Ship Inn, Fowey

We visited The Ship Inn on our first evening in Fowey. Full of rustic old world charm. I found it quite charming. We had been for drinks in a couple of places and ended up in The Ship feeling peckish. It was about 8.30pm when we arrived and the atmosphere was buzzing. It was a bank holiday and the weather had been fantastic so everyone was out enjoying themselves.

We ordered drinks at the bar. Steve had a local Cornish ale and I had a glass of Chenin Blanc. I was on a mission to find a place in Fowey that sold Cornish wines but it wasn’t to be on this occasion. I always find it odd when places bang on about local produce, ales and ciders but don’t do a wine option. We are blessed in the southwest with fantastic vineyards making exceptional, award winning wines. I think more places should offer English wines on their lists. Maybe not sold by the glass necessarily but certainly by the bottle. This didn’t affect my enjoyment of the night as my Chenin Blanc was very good and complimented my food beautifully. I only mention the wine thing because it happened to be English Wine Week and I thought more places would offer an English wine choice.

We spent a while perusing the menu and finally decided on the Cornish scallops for me and the fish stew for Steve. We shared a portion of chunky chips and steamed green vegetables.

Our waitress was the most charming girl. She couldn’t have been more attentive or sweet with us and the other patrons. I wish I had got her name so I could mention her on the blog as she really was lovely. We ordered our food at the bar and took a seat at the last remaining table in the main bar. It was nice to be in the midst of it all. There were locals chatting at the bar over their pints, couples having romantic meals and families enjoying quality time together. This created a lively buzz which we both enjoyed. A traditional pub feel but with a good angle on food. The perfect place for us to get acquainted with Fowey.

The food arrived in good time considering it was so busy and it was all piping hot. Our charming waitress asked if we needed anything else before she departed. I fancied ketchup for the chunky chips. She came back swiftly and placed it on the table with a smile.

The food itself was tasty. My local scallops were from the specials board. A starter but plenty enough for a main course. They were cooked in a lovely garlic butter that added to my overall enjoyment. The chunky chips were amazing. Crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle and once dipped in some tomato ketchup they were even better! The vegetables were definitely cooked to order as they still retained a lovely colour and bite. 

Steves fish stew was a medley of white fish, mussels, prawns and scallops in a tomato sauce that resembled a thick soup. He said it was delicious and it certainly looked and smelt good from where I was sitting.

We couldn’t fit in dessert but a good selection was on offer. Hearty pub style desserts like sticky toffee pudding and the like.

Our meals with a drink each came in at around £35-£40.

The Ship Inn is well worth a visit for food if you like a lively pub environment. The staff were attentive and polite which makes all the difference. They were rushed off their feet but you wouldn’t have known it by the way they interacted with the drinkers and diners. A friendly and welcoming place for your first night in Fowey when you are trying to find your bearings.

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