Old Royal Ship — Restaurant in England

Very disappointing experience.such a shame as we used to regulars and it was our go to for a child free date meal.

However attended for a meal to celebrate our anniversary and the ladies serving were excellent. Delivered our drinks to the table and then the second server took our food order... Starters and for the mains a Vegetarian lasagne and a chicken breast dish.

After a long wait the starters arrived, no issues here. However after another long wait between courses the mains arrived, a chicken breast meal and a lasagne. It quickly became apparent that the lasagne however was not vegetarian. The lady serving couldn't be more apologetic and took the dish away to be replaced. After a short time the server returned from the kitchen and informed us that their was no vegetarian lasagne available today. I am a quick eater so at this point was half way through the chicken and now my wife was having to choose a completely different dish because the kitchen hadn't informed the server when the order was entered but instead tried to pass off a meat equivalent!

30 minutes later the replacement of over fried scallop arrived with chips that were essentially crusty air pockets so after my wife had watched me eat, I then had to watch her force down an overcooked dish.

Again the server ladies apologised and we suggested a discount may be a fair resolution at this point. To which the servers agreed to see what could be done.

Arriving at the bar to pay I was presented with a complete bill and asked to wait for the manager. The manager walked into the bar area stated the bill price with a so call it £10 less. Whilst I was then paying the manager was giving my wife a lecture about double checking her order, which my wife and the server had both done, hence the servers apology!

As my wife and I tried to state that the order had been checked by the server and the food returned at the first opportunity after noticing the mistake, the manager responded by walking off muttering "ok, bye" over her shoulder clearly not caring and blaming us.

What the manager fails to realise is not only would we return again if she had accepted the issue, we were intending on a 3 course meal today but due to eating at separate times did not have the time not will to order a desert.

We will not be returning, and now fear for anyone with an allergy as it seems the kitchen will just send what they have and hope you don't know and the manager will claim...

Ah, the Old Royal Ship in Luckington—where the ambition is palpable, yet the execution leaves you wondering if they’ve missed the last boat.

The Old Royal Ship has undergone what can only be described as a nearly brilliant transformation. You walk in, and for a moment, it’s all there: the exposed beams that hint at a bygone era, the dark wood tables that seem to promise a hearty, old-world charm. But then, the illusion falters. The furniture, while aesthetically pleasing, seems designed more for appearance than comfort. After a pint or two, you’ll find yourself wishing you had brought along a cushion—or at least a more generously padded backside.

And then there are the lamps, emblazoned with "ORS," which might lead you to believe they’re an homage to the pub’s heritage. Unfortunately, their modern style feels as out of place as a microbrewery in a medieval banquet hall, leaving the interior straddling an awkward line between tradition and trendiness, and not quite succeeding at either.

Now, the food—ah, the food. Let’s just say it’s the culinary equivalent of a shrug. My gammon steak arrived looking like it had drawn the short straw, its lacklustre appearance only marginally improved by the presence of two fried eggs, which had clearly spent too long under the grill. The sausages from the children’s menu were, to put it kindly, underwhelming—a pale offering that led to an unexpected and unwelcome discourse on the nature of sausage casings with a fourteen-year-old. Not exactly the conversation starter one hopes for at a family meal.

Would I go out of my way to visit the Old Royal Ship? No. Would I pop in for a pint if I were passing by? Absolutely. It’s that sort of place—teetering on the edge of something special but never quite making the leap. One can’t help but think it could be fantastic, if only someone would point the ship in the right direction. So near, yet so far. And therein...

Every year we go from our stables at least 25 of us for our Christmas meal. Each time they deliver, food of outstanding quality, great service and a homely welcoming atmosphere. In fact the food is probably one of the best meals I have ever had out. Everyone on our table had a variety of dishes from the Christmas menu and everyone enjoyed it thoroughly. The staff are always amazing and I personally like the orchard pig cider on draught 😋. I had the turkey and Bailey's cheese cake and I am dreaming of tasting it all again! Well done Royal Old Ship 👏. Maybe just a little soft music though please next time...