About The Ship Inn,
Pentewan
A traditional Cornish Inn, steeped in history.
About The Ship Inn,
About Us
Step into the timeless charm of The Ship Inn, where history and modern comfort come together in perfect harmony. Located just steps away from the serene beach and campsite of Pentewan, this 250-year-old pub offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will transport you back in time. Imagine yourself sitting in the front of the pub, sipping on an award-winning ale while taking in the picturesque views of the historic harbour, a favourite spot of captains and their crews in the past.
The Ship Inn has undergone a transformation under the new ownership of Lucy and Rob, who bring their 15 years of experience running top-notch establishments in the area and being the BII licensees of the year in 2016, and their team of experts, led by General Manager, Russell, and Head Chef, 'JP' to provide an exceptional dining experience.
Indulge in the authentic tastes of Cornwall, as we take pride in sourcing the freshest and highest quality ingredients from local suppliers. From the freshest fish, meats, and vegetables to homemade breads, eggs, and cheeses, every dish on our menu is a true reflection of the region's bounty. And for those who appreciate a fine drink, our bar is fully stocked with a wide selection of gins, rums, and local spirits, and of course, an award-winning selection of St Austell ales.
For those looking for a longer stay, The Steps, a self-catering flat above the pub, overlooks the historic Pentewan Harbour and out to the beach, offering breathtaking views and a perfect place to relax. The Ship Inn welcomes guests from 11am, serving food throughout the day, and a warm welcome awaits you, whenever you decide to visit.
Families and dogs are always welcome.
The Ship Inn has undergone a transformation under the new ownership of Lucy and Rob, who bring their 15 years of experience running top-notch establishments in the area and being the BII licensees of the year in 2016, and their team of experts, led by General Manager, Russell, and Head Chef, 'JP' to provide an exceptional dining experience.
Indulge in the authentic tastes of Cornwall, as we take pride in sourcing the freshest and highest quality ingredients from local suppliers. From the freshest fish, meats, and vegetables to homemade breads, eggs, and cheeses, every dish on our menu is a true reflection of the region's bounty. And for those who appreciate a fine drink, our bar is fully stocked with a wide selection of gins, rums, and local spirits, and of course, an award-winning selection of St Austell ales.
For those looking for a longer stay, The Steps, a self-catering flat above the pub, overlooks the historic Pentewan Harbour and out to the beach, offering breathtaking views and a perfect place to relax. The Ship Inn welcomes guests from 11am, serving food throughout the day, and a warm welcome awaits you, whenever you decide to visit.
Families and dogs are always welcome.
History Of The Ship Inn
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The following notes were compiled by the late H.L.Douch who was the Curator of the Royal Instituition of Truro (Truro Museum) and sent to Graham Rideout who was the Landlord of the Ship Inn Pentewan in the 1980’s.
In June 1749 a sale was held at the sign of the ‘Ship Inn’ Pentewan and in May 1774 another sale at the house of John Sims in Pentewan. John Sims probably kept this older Ship Inn. |
The first notice of the Ship Inn where it is today is in the West Briton newspaper of January 29th 1836 when a son of the landlord, Thomas Varcoe died. In July of the same year the house was advertised as to let by tender described as ‘That excellent public house known by the name of the Ship Inn situated at Pentewan and now in the occupation of Mr. T.Varcoe the Proprietor. The house is newly built and contains eleven rooms besides brew house and all other requisite appurtenances’.
It is thought that most pubs on the south coast of Cornwall called the Ship Inn would have been originally named after a local ship which had a special significance to people in the locality. As time went on knowledge of which ship it may have been would have been forgotten so the public house just became the ‘Ship Inn’.
Thomas Varcoe was still at the Ship Inn in September 1839 when his wife died. At some point between then and 1856 the landlord changed, the new one was Timothy Sarah. In November 1861 he was fined £50 with £5 costs for brewing without making a prior entry on the excise form and for having above his door – without the appropriate licence – the words ‘to sell tobacco’.
It is thought that most pubs on the south coast of Cornwall called the Ship Inn would have been originally named after a local ship which had a special significance to people in the locality. As time went on knowledge of which ship it may have been would have been forgotten so the public house just became the ‘Ship Inn’.
Thomas Varcoe was still at the Ship Inn in September 1839 when his wife died. At some point between then and 1856 the landlord changed, the new one was Timothy Sarah. In November 1861 he was fined £50 with £5 costs for brewing without making a prior entry on the excise form and for having above his door – without the appropriate licence – the words ‘to sell tobacco’.
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In December 1865 Timothy Sarah was found dead in bed. The entry for this in the local paper refers to him as; ‘for many years of the ‘Hawkins Arms’ Pentewan’. He must have been landlord in the Hawkins Arms before moving to the Ship Inn. Another entry in the same newspaper records that; ‘Timothy Sarah of the Ship Inn Pentewan who supplied horses for the working of the tram-railway to the dock at Pentewan was found dead in his bed on Sunday’.
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The inquest stated, his death was by natural causes. He was 66 years old. He was succeeded as landlord by Captain John Kellow. Probably the same John Kellow who had been a Master Mariner. At some point between 1873 and 1892 Kellow was followed by John Hocking who died in 1892.
James Geach the next landlord applied for a seven day licence in 1895 but was turned down on a technicality. In 1898 he was fined for keeping late hours. An article in the West Briton newspaper of 3rd August 1903 records; ‘There are those living who remember when it took three public houses to keep going the licence trade at Pentewan, the Jolly Sailor, the Hawkins Arms and the Ship Inn. Fortunately the first two have been turned to better purpose’.
By 1911 the landlordship of the Ship Inn had changed again. In March of that year it was reported in the local newspaper that Mr. C Weaver of the Ship Inn Pentewan was coming down East Hill St Austell in his pony and trap. The horse bolted and a passenger, a boy named Ernest Dungey, jumped out unhurt near the White Hart. The pony then turned down Duke Street breaking several panes of glass. Mr Weaver was unhurt and the pony was only slightly cut.
The lower end of the lounge bar of the Ship Inn was formerly a cottage which was next door and was taken over to make the pub a larger building.
The pub known as the Hawkins Arms which was where The Cove shop and café’are today, (2012), in 1837 the landlord was Joseph Phillips and in 1839 William Davies.
The pub the Jolly Sailor was situated in the square, where today the building houses two separate flats. This pub was destroyed by fire around 1878. In 1856 when the landlord was William Marshall the pub was advertised to let. A Mr Hennah was the next mine host and the licence was transferred from him to John Hocking in 1869. The licence was not renewed at the 1878 Brewsters Sessions.
Courtesy of Robert Evans local historian.
James Geach the next landlord applied for a seven day licence in 1895 but was turned down on a technicality. In 1898 he was fined for keeping late hours. An article in the West Briton newspaper of 3rd August 1903 records; ‘There are those living who remember when it took three public houses to keep going the licence trade at Pentewan, the Jolly Sailor, the Hawkins Arms and the Ship Inn. Fortunately the first two have been turned to better purpose’.
By 1911 the landlordship of the Ship Inn had changed again. In March of that year it was reported in the local newspaper that Mr. C Weaver of the Ship Inn Pentewan was coming down East Hill St Austell in his pony and trap. The horse bolted and a passenger, a boy named Ernest Dungey, jumped out unhurt near the White Hart. The pony then turned down Duke Street breaking several panes of glass. Mr Weaver was unhurt and the pony was only slightly cut.
The lower end of the lounge bar of the Ship Inn was formerly a cottage which was next door and was taken over to make the pub a larger building.
The pub known as the Hawkins Arms which was where The Cove shop and café’are today, (2012), in 1837 the landlord was Joseph Phillips and in 1839 William Davies.
The pub the Jolly Sailor was situated in the square, where today the building houses two separate flats. This pub was destroyed by fire around 1878. In 1856 when the landlord was William Marshall the pub was advertised to let. A Mr Hennah was the next mine host and the licence was transferred from him to John Hocking in 1869. The licence was not renewed at the 1878 Brewsters Sessions.
Courtesy of Robert Evans local historian.
Our Team
Experience the warmth and hospitality of a true Cornish pub at the Ship Inn, a beloved fixture in the community for over 250 years. The team at the Ship is dedicated to making you feel at home, and you'll find some familiar faces among our staff, including Sarah, one of our waitresses who has been with us for over 20 years, and an "Ooooh Hello!" from Michael, our cleaner and fire attendant, who has been a part of the Ship family for over 14 years and walks to work every day, come rain or shine!
Satisfy your thirst with a refreshing pint of real ale, a glass of great wine, or a gin from our superb collection. Our team of chefs takes pride in offering a delicious, seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, with all your favourite pub dishes. We strive to deliver the perfect pub experience, with great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and of course, a roaring open fire in the winter to keep you warm and cozy. Come join us for a true taste of Cornwall and a welcome like no other.
Satisfy your thirst with a refreshing pint of real ale, a glass of great wine, or a gin from our superb collection. Our team of chefs takes pride in offering a delicious, seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, with all your favourite pub dishes. We strive to deliver the perfect pub experience, with great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and of course, a roaring open fire in the winter to keep you warm and cozy. Come join us for a true taste of Cornwall and a welcome like no other.
