It's the country pub on the edge of the city which was once a haven for smugglers. The Ship Inn at Old Redbridge dates back to 1654 and was originally at the water's edge before land was reclaimed, making it the perfect place for smugglers back in the day - as well as royalty enjoying a spot of salmon fishing on the River Test. These days it's a hidden gem with olde worlde nautical memorabilia, original beams and inglenook fires, a menu to be proud of, a skittle alley, function room and a giant garden with children's play area and room for a party marquee.
(Image: The Ship Inn) READ MORE: The New Forest pub with children's play area and bargain ice creams It's run by landlady of 18 years Alison Weight who is just as passionate about the pub today as the day she took over. Previously with Premier Inn for 20 years, the last five of them at The Balmoral Beefeater at Nursling, she fell in love with The Ship Inn before finding out it was up for sale. Alison has seen her children get married at the pub and her grandchildren enjoy it, but lost her husband and business partner Charlie to cancer three years ago.
(Image: The Ship Inn) She remains staunchly committed to the pub - and its customers. "There's been great times and really tough times here, but we have such loyal customers, my goodness have they supported me! "It's so unique, it's a beautiful pub and I'll only be leaving here in a box! "What would I do without The Ship? I thought can I live without it and I can't. It's been a massive part of my life for so long now and I can't even think about any one else running it.
"Sometimes it's hard, but you dust yourself off and get on with it. As long as you're surviving, paying the bills, paying your staff, and paying yourself a little wage, you just keep going." (Image: The Ship Inn) The Ship caters for everyone with family gatherings in the skittle alley particularly popular as the game can be played by everyone from toddlers to the elderly.
Homemade pies, chilli and curries go down a storm, as do local real ales. TV antiques dealer Paul Martin will be checking out Titanic and shipping memorabilia at the pub on October 7, while the quiz takes place every Tuesday and the monthly live music features The Jays over the bank holiday weekend. (Image: The Ship Inn).
