New Start for the Ship Inn
The Ship Inn in Haskayne is to reopen at the “end of march/beginning of April” under a new landlord.
Mike Leigh (pictured) has taken over the pub, which claims to be the first canal-side inn in Britain, with the aim of turning it back into a country ale house.
The Ship used to be a favourite of the SD, with always good Tetley Landlord and other beers and exceptional grub. However in recent times the pub hit the skids, with vastly over-priced food, loud music, poor service and a local teenage entertainer so awful he wasn’t even good.
One of the things that made the Ship unique was its big, strong smelling fireplace. The roof caught fire on Saturday and this was the result of “some silly sod” attaching a wooden joist directly into the chimney breast at some time in the past.
“It was just a question of time really,” says Mike on his blog. “Fortunately I spotted it early and the Fire Brigade got there quick enough to extinguish it and stop the Ship from sinking!”
Explaining what he wants to do with the pub, Mike says: “There’s no posh plans, just to try and get it back to its former glory. Good beer (cask Ales), good traditional food and events.
“I want customers to feel at ease whether they are having a pint after work in their scruff or families coming to visit in their Sunday best for a meal.”
Hear, hear!
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[...] New start for Ship in 2009 Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Ship and Anchor back in businessLong first [...]
Diabolical service at The Ship Inn « The Southport Drinker - February 16, 2009 at 8:02 am
Great news. I was aware of this pub’s reputation and had wanted to visit for a while and was dismayed to find it closed just this Saturday, although I was aware it had supposedly gone downhill. So I came online to look for information and this is very good to hear, I look forward to visiting again when it’s open.
Carl - February 16, 2009 at 1:10 pm
This is really good news about The Ship Inn.
Unfortunately some far worse news has broken today as we hear that the Oast House is closing.
The landlords cite impossibly pressure from Scottish and Newcastle, which has made it impossible for them to earn a living.
Sadly this is part of a growing trend. John Pugh MP has today written to Scottish and Newcastle asking that they come to Southport and meet their landlords face-to-face, so that they can see the damage their policies are doing and answer to the people whose livelihoods are being ruined.
We need to get momentum on these issues going in Southport to show solidarity with pubs and help the fight against the insane policies of the big pub cos.
Paul - February 19, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I’m glad John’s taking the pub issue seriously. I had a couple of pints with him last year and enjoyed his company. However, careful readers of the SD would have noted that the Oast House closed a couple of weeks ago.
southportdrinker - February 19, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Have heard that Mike Leigh is no longer taking over The Ship at Haskayne, Has anybody any idea of the new landlords.
charlie - February 21, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Have spoken to Mike and he assures me he is 100% behind the Ship. He’s no idea where the rumours have come from
southportdrinker - February 22, 2009 at 10:30 am
Hi all just to let you know that we Stacey and paul are going to be taking over the ship Mike has got other things going on but is doing all he can to help whilst still at the ship. We are a family from Rochdale and we have already got a pub called The Smithybridge its a lively old place but great. We are going to be bringing our winning formula to the ship offering good traditioal pub grub at reasnable prices and a good selection of real cask ales . Stacey holds her bii qualification in real ale managment and is also a cook. We cannot wait for this exiting new venture to start hopefully at the begining of may if you want further updates we have a contact on our website http://www.thesmithybridge.com heres to a good summer. xxx
stacey and paul - April 2, 2009 at 5:51 pm
[...] Paul denied all knowledge of this when questioned by the SD, it has now been announced that a couple from Rochdale, Paul and Stacey [...]
Switch at the Ship « The Southport Drinker - April 2, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Greetings and good wishes on your venture. We are a folk group, some of whom ran a folk night at the Ship back in the 70’s. You can hear us on http://www.myspace.com/tabbysnook. If you fancy a well run folk night or residency, we’d be pleased to help.
Best wishes Dave, Tony and Nick.
Dave - May 5, 2009 at 6:41 pm
omg! went in to THE SMTHYBRIDGE tonight for the first time in 12 months just a few questions???? why did you take the darts board, all the cork screws and toilet roles?????? lets just say we are happy locals and good lUCK at your new venture and by the way mandy was in tonight ……god she lights up the room it was fabulous seeing her! A HEART FELT GOOD LUCKxxxxxxxxxxxxx the new owners are ouzzzzzng with carisma beats the trailer park lookx
xxxxxx good luck hun!
happy locals - October 9, 2009 at 11:40 pm