The Ship Inn, Redbridge
DATING from 1654, walking into
The Ship Inn really is a step
back in time.
With recent renovations
revealing original oak beams
and inglenook fireplaces, there
is a real sense of history about
this place.
It even had the royal seal of
approval - a number of kings of
England including Charles I,
made use of its food and beverages,
as well as spending the
night there.
Not only did royalty regularly
enjoy the salmon-fishing on the
nearby River Test, but it was
also popular with smugglers as
in those days the pub would
have backed on to the old
quayside.
Today The Ship Inn, in Old
Redbridge Road, Southampton,
offers customers an alternative
to the faceless commercial pubs
on a typical high street.
Landlady Alison Burgwyn, 45,
and her husband Charlie have
been in charge for just three
months, but already they have
achieved a great deal.
"I walked into this pub as a
customer three years ago and
instantly fell in love with the
place - I knew I had to have it.
"As soon as the opportunity
came up, we jumped at the
chance to put our names above
the door.
"We have put our love and
energy into it and injected a new
enthusiasm."
With three experienced chefs
on hand, there is an appetising
and extensive menu, which is
growing by the day.
"All the food is freshly cooked
and all the produce is bought
locally, and we are very proud of
that."
In order to attract new customers
and entertain the old
ones, a number of events are
being introduced.
Once a month a live local band
performs.
"Last week we had ABD, a
blues, soul and funk group and
it was a big success and something
we will certainly continue.
"We are also starting a pub
quiz that will run every Tuesday,
and that should be lot of fun.
"One thing that makes this pub
different from any other is the
skittle alley, which definitely
draws in the punters."
The pub is popular with businessmen
and families, while at
the far end of the bar sits a congregation
of loyal regulars.
With a large garden, outdoor
play area and plans for a kids'
tuck shop, The Ship Inn encourages
people of all ages to enjoy
what's on offer.
Despite all these plans for the
future Alison couldn't stress
enough their pledge to keep the
pub true to its past.
"It's a move back to the traditional
country pub with all that
rustic charm."
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Food Lover, Totton on 10:49pm Sun 10 Aug 08
The pub is turning into a locals pub full of pikeys, the menu has recently changed, thought we would give it a go. It has changed for the worse, meal we had was not good, like microwave meal and tasteless....
Must do better than that to win back repeat custom!
The pub is turning into a locals pub full of pikeys, the menu has recently changed, thought we would give it a go. It has changed for the worse, meal we had was not good, like microwave meal and tasteless....
Must do better than that to win back repeat custom!
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
Where’s good to go for a pint or a drink with friends? Whether it’s a bustling pub or a quiet watering hole, pick up some tips from the Daily Echo and its readers. We’ve included here reviews published in the Daily Echo. Read the reviews and give us your rating or feel free to leave your comments at the bottom of each story. If we’ve missed a pub, then 
