The Ship Inn — Restaurant in Folkestone and Hythe District

Once again, this is somewhere I was passing whilst out for a ride on my Harley. On a whim, I decided to stop here for lunch. Although I have been in this pub before, that was back in 1984, and it has changed a good deal since then!

First impressions; I was greeted very warmly as I walked into the light and airy bar area, clad in my leathers. I enquired if food was still being served, given that it was nearly half past three in the afternoon, and was assured that food was indeed still available. Anything on the frankly quite wide menu, could be ordered. I decided to treat myself and ordered from the menu's upper range.

They have an extensive drinks menu too, with several local ales as well as the usual fayre. I chose one of the local ones and was not disappointed. I was then shown to a table by the window at the front, overlooking the churchyard across the road.

A charming lady by the name of Shannon, whom I took to be a/the proprietor, introduced herself, by expressing her admiration of my motorcycle jacket! She said it was "very cool" and I must confess to being taken slightly aback. You see, I am far more used to being asked to hide it discreetly under the table! Whilst I'm glad to say that far less establishments turn bikers away these days, there is still an air of "we don't want our customers upset by the fact that we serve bikers" in some places. Definitely NOT the case at The Ship, I am very pleased to report; all seem welcome here.

Then, my food arrived. Freshly cooked to perfection, very well presented, generously portioned and.....totally melt in the mouth delicious!

Was it expensive? Perhaps, just a little. Was it worth it? God, yes! Would I go back there again? Absolutely! It's only an hour from where I live!

Shannon, James; keep a table for me please! I shall return!

2024 update: Dropped in again today whilst out on my Harley. I am VERY happy to report that although Shannon has since left, nothing else...

(UPDATED below after response by the Ship Inn)

Visited for a Sunday Roast. The food was a total let-down. Avoid this place until they improve the quality of the food.

There are a few positive points to the Ship Inn: relatively newly refurbished, selection of local beers, good bar and restaurant staff.

The food however was terrible. It took almost one hour for two Sunday roast dishes to arrive and they were basically ready-made meals with frozen vegetables and chewy beef.

I was so let down by the poor quality food, and by seeing some other reviews, I am not the only person who has experienced this.

They need to improve the food, then this place might be pretty good. Until then I suggest that customers avoid this place.

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UPDATE after response by the Ship Inn which they have now deleted.

Wow. Your response was nonsense.

You told us that you were putting the order through to the kitchen as soon as we arrived at the restaurant area.

Regardless of your till and CCTV systems, the food did in fact take almost an hour to arrive from moment you told us it was being made.

In my review I did not write ‘waiting hours’ for food. I wrote that the food took ‘nearly an hour’… which is unacceptable for a Sunday roast. Even the 37 minutes you mention would be unacceptable.

To your last point, I have no interest in attempts for free or discounted meals at any places I visit. I review places honestly and give positive reviews when deserved. Clearly based on my review of your establishment, I have no interest in visiting you again so don’t worry about that.

In my review I positively reviewed the front of house staff however based on your reply, it would be wise for you to consider spending less time trying to downplay honest reviews on Google and spend more time actually taking on board the feedback and improving...

On a Monday afternoon, early in September, we were out wandering along the extensive, sandy Dymchurch beach, with good friends and their dog. It was a bright but breezy afternoon. We’d walked around 5km and were disappointed when we found the regular tourist pub in Dymchurch closed. I asked a local if there was another pub and he direct us to the Ship.

What good fortune for us was the closed tourist pub and that chance recommendation from a local 😊

The Ship is around 1km from central Dymchurch towards Hythe, just off the main road on the beach-side. It’s a charming and welcoming family orientated pub, frequented by locals, hotel residents and some tourists. It’s far enough out of town to buffer it from casual beachgoers, a fact we see as a genuine bonus.

There is some external seating and there are plenty of tables inside, both in the pub and restaurant area for those staying for a meal. The pub area is dog-friendly.

The menu is interesting and varied, but sufficiently limited to ensure that dishes are available and freshly prepared. We had decided on a light supper so chose the fish and chips, wagyu burger, scampi and peri chicken skewers. The meals all arrived simultaneously and were piping hot and well presented. They were all good-sized portions. The staff on duty were caring and attentive, without being encroaching, ensuring that we were comfortable and happy with our supper.

The meal was great value overall and we had a faultless, comfortable dining experience.

We would definitely return to the Ship on our next summer visit to Kent. 5 stars for sure!

I've included a couple of photos, but these rarely do justice...