The Old Ship Aground

Someone from this business manages this listing.

2,060 reviews

#3 of 48 Restaurants in Minehead££ - £££, Bar, British, Pub

+44 1643 703516+ Add website

Hours

Sun

12:00 - 20:00

Mon

12:00 - 22:00

Tue

12:00 - 22:00

Wed

12:00 - 22:00

Thu

12:00 - 22:00

Fri

12:00 - 22:00

Sat

12:00 - 22:00

Improve this listing

Ratings and reviews

4.5

2,060 reviews

#3 of 48 Restaurants in Minehead

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Bar, British, Pub, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options

“... was constantly back and fire the bar and tables ensuring everyone was ser...”

“Well worth a visit, try the brisket burger!”

Special Occasion Dining, View, Groups, Bar Scene

“Stunning location, great food and friendly staff.... the views across the Qua...”

“HUGE ROOM WITH A FANTASTIC VIEW”

Location and contact

Quay Street, Minehead TA24 5UL England

+44 1643 703516

Improve this listing

Details

Manage this business?

About

Historic Harbour Side Pub Inn & Hotel. A landmark building with its history of hospitality going back over 100 years. Our atmospheric restaurant and pub food experience is always very popular. We offer Seafood, Fresh Fish, Local Farm Produce, Seasonal ingredients, Carvery, Kids Menu and not forgetting Celiac Gluten Free, Dairy Free there is lots of choice. Alfresco eating and drinking with beautiful scenic views. Great Beers & Wines. Tea & Coffee Served from 10am. Cosy in winter with a real fire.

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Dog Friendly

Contribute

Write a review Upload a photo Ask a question

We perform checks on reviews.

Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews

Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.

When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.

Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.

Learn more about our review moderation.

4.5

2,060 reviews

Excellent

1,451

Very good

414

Average

Poor

Terrible

nuts-5

Winchester6 contributions

Relaxing, atmospheric Seaside Inn

Dec 2019 • none

Visited the pub twice whilst staying in Minehead over the 2019 New Year period. warmly welcomed even though we were a large group or 8 people, made to feel comfortable. Had an enjoyable afternoon drinking good ale, wine etc. and playing games readily available in a relaxed and 'ships timbers' environment. Booked to go back for dinner on New Years Day and had a evry good value meal for all, good quality food served in a warm and friendly manner by the staff, even though they had obviously had a long night before, serving and waiting on guests for their New Eves Party. After living on the Scillies and spending many a time in sea related pubs this one is right up with the best of them with homely feel and warm service and a great local environment. Not pretentious or plastic, authentic and all the staff were welcoming and helpful. all the family of all ages enjoyed both visits and we will go back when in Minehead again.

Written 10 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

exmoorman

Thank for such a lovely review :-) Julian, Janina & Team

Written 23 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Victoria

Wiveliscombe3 contributions

A welcome port in a storm.

Dec 2019 • none

Four of us called in here on Sunday 29th December. We had a brisk walk first to sharpen our appetites then arrived at The Old Ship Aground where we had booked a table. We were looked after well by lovely staff and the restaurant that our table was in had a lovely atmosphere. Obviously very popular and very relaxed. The waiting staff were really helpful and friendly. My son had the scampi and chips which he said was great and the rest of us went for the carvery roast lunch. My husband had the bigger plate which I think was about £13 and my daughter and I had the smaller plates at about £8. I'm glad we did go for the small plate because we still were able to have a really good sized roast. The food was delicious with lots of interesting extras and unusual vegetables. I think the carrots were cooked in orange juice and there were artichokes too. The roast potatoes were crispy and hot and delicious - they can so often be disappointing in pubs. I certainly want to go back to this pub in the future. In fact I told some friends about it and we're going to stay at an Air B and B in April for one of our birthdays and intend to make sure we go back for another visit to this super place.

Written 8 January 2020

justcallmejeeves

London3 contributions

Sunday Knees up & an amazing roast, what more can you want from a Sunday!

Feb 2020 • none

We found this pub on the Friday lunch time of our weekend stay, we were greeted by a lovely man who looked after us for the whole service. The food was fantastic, the house red wine is a wonderful red from Italy that we enjoyed immensely. When we were leaving we checked if they did a sunday roast, we thought it might be a nice place to come back to with our friends on the last say. We were told that not only did they have a great sunday lunch menu, but that there would also be live music in the form of a knees up, and that we should book a table if we wanted to come. Sure enough we booked a table the next day for that sunday, we had the most brilliant of hangover curing roasts (carvery style), and then spent a few hours joining along with the Knees up (sing-a-long). The singer/ keyboard player is actually phenomenal, what a lovely & talented human being. All of the staff at this pub are so lovely, the boss lady is so welcoming, her team are so polite, I only wish we lived closer, it would be a regular sunday without a doubt.

Written 7 February 2020

littlesuntana@yahoo.co.uk

Croyde33 contributions

Poor cold food!

Jan 2020 • none

We had a meal at The Old Ship Aground in Minehead last Sunday. The taste was good but the meal was cold and not warm. We complained to the manager but he did not give us any refund and said the food needs to be turned over several times which never happened. There was a Carvery but not good.

Written 24 January 2020

exmoorman

I am so very sorry you did not enjoy your time with us. Please be assured that we really try hard to look after all our guests. Clearly we failed during your visit. I would very much like an opportunity to put right this unfortunate situation. With this in mind, it would be great to speak with you personally my mobile telephone is 07837 360 234. This will help me both in investigating how this happened but also to reassure you of our very best intentions in dealing with your complaint. I look forward to your recourse.

Written 27 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kerrie B

13 contributions

Disappointed.

Aug 2020 • family

We booked here after reading great reviews on trip advisor, however unfortunately the reviews do not live up to what we experienced. We were first seated in a corner table which had no light at all, we did ask to move as we could see empty tables and the waitress was polite and moved us. The menu was VERY limited and after looking online before we arrived getting our hopes up for mussels, it was very disappointing. The prices had been boosted up, which was probably due to the eat out to help out scheme but if we were fussy eaters I don’t think we would have carried on our dining experience due to this. For starters we ordered a grazing board and mushrooms to share. For the price of the grazing board we did expect more bread however that was not an issue, the butter was melted but the homemade hummus was nice. For mains we ordered 3 ribeye steaks and a seafood Thai green curry. The steaks were spot on but the plate was filled with a lot of soggy onions. The Thai green curry had never seen Thai green curry in its life! It was the most saltiest, peppery sauce ever tasted! Even the waiter agreed. He was very polite and kind and offered my mum some mussels on the house, which we were told they couldn’t do at the start as they were not on the menu! The mussels came and were swimming in butter so weren’t eaten either! The waiter expressed his apologies and gave us a glass of wine on the house but overall we were very disappointed in this experience with the food, the staff were great and polite however we won’t be returning.

Written 12 August 2020

Meely B

3 contributions

Rip off!!

Aug 2020 • couples

After reading the rave reviews, we were looking forward to some incredible food, so the high price didn’t put us off. However, they are running a limited menu at the moment so we were quite disappointed with the options. My starter of muscles was lovely but my husband had chicken, which was just 3 thin slices of chicken on lettuce for £7! I ordered crab for my main... it turned out to be crab pate with frozen chips... for nearly £20!! I’m pregnant, so I couldn’t eat the pate and we felt very ripped off!! Dessert was nice so it wasn’t all terrible, but our meal for 2 cost over £80 and we left feeling very disappointed.

Written 20 August 2020

exmoorman

Let me start by apologizing unreservedly for the distress that we have caused. Of course, I would like to have an opportunity to try and put right these shortcomings to which, I have left my personal contact details below. Mobile – 07837 360 234 landline 01643 703 516 email julian@theoldshipaground.com I am really sadden that when we asked you if you were happy with both your meal and the services we had provided you did not feel able to inform us of you dissatisfaction, had you said anything we would have done everything in our power to put right or rectify these shortcomings. Yes, we are running a reduced menu, due to the complications of running our business in a Covid safe way, and would ask for your understanding with this. It has placed the team under tremendous pressure. You will have no doubt read in all the news media that very many restaurants and their teams of staff all over the country are finding coping with the customer demand of the Eat Out Scheme a huge challenge. In finishing, I hope to hear from you so that we can show you have really do care for our customers & our staff.

Written 21 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

iprodrick

London251 contributions

Friendly staff and good food

Sept 2020 • couples

We booked a table online , but struggled to see an online menu. On arrival we were shown to a large dining area at the rear which was well laid out to provide space during the current covid situation We ordered the lamb kofta burger and hunters chicken as mains, both were very tasty and we'll presented, although I felt the hunters chicken was fairly expensive. Food offering was limited by the covid situation and I am sure will get back to that described on the website as soon as it is possible. Also used the bar on another occasion and agin the service was warm and friendly.

Written 20 September 2020

MarkPNew

Blackpool49 contributions

The Ship Ran Aground

Aug 2020 • couples

I have to say I was rather looking forward to my meal at The Old Ship Aground having booked a slot online, but was a little disappointed. On this occasion I fear the ship ran aground. The dressed crab was expensive £18 and unfortunately of poor quality clearly pre-prepared. I did speak to the owner and he told me that due to limited kitchen space they were having to buy the dressed crab in pre-prepared. I personally think that this is a big mistake especially in view of the location of this beautiful pub. My expectations were of a beautifully prepared local crab in a decent sized shell and to be honest what I was served would be more fitting from Tesco. My wife had battered fish and chips which was very nice however again the fish was definitely overcooked. I’m sure that this is not what is normally sent out from the kitchens and just the sheer volume of orders had something to do with the quality of the food being produced. I would however like to say that I would not be put off going again as I know if they got the food right it is a wonderful place to eat. The atmosphere and service was excellent and we were made to feel very welcome despite having made my views known to the management. We were happy to receive free drinks from the management in way of an apology for our poor food and I have to say I am looking forward to visiting again and will be doing so with high expectations. In conclusion whilst this isn’t one of the best reviews I’ve done I would still recommend giving it a try as I know that most people would really love the look feel and atmosphere of this beautiful pub.

Written 15 August 2020

DLF12

Reading333 contributions

Good home cooked food and plentiful

Oct 2020 • none

We went to the Old Ship Aground on a Tuesday evening. When we arrrived (7.15) the restaurant was busy but well spaced out for social distancing. The menu was extensive with lots of meat options and a few fish and vegetarian. We had the garlic mushrooms to share for starter followed by fish curry and aubergine parmigiana which were both filling despite the curry coming without rice. We managed to find room for the Somerset Apple Cake and Gooseberry with Apple Treacle Tart. All of the food was very good but we particularly enjoyed the desserts. The total cost with 2 rounds of drinks was approx £70. Service was good and it didn't feel too rushed. If we were in the area, we would happily return.

Written 22 October 2020

Martin

Timberscombe1 contribution

First meal out after lockdown

Jul 2020 • couples

My wife was very nervous about going out due to the current COVID situation, however as it was our anniversary we decided to celebrate that the old ship, we are extremely glad we did. Table booked online, very easy. Upon arrival we were greeted by member of staff wearing appropriate PPE , looked to be of high quality and actually blended in well with staff uniform so not at all intimidating. Table was set well apart from others, cutlery and napkins came pre-wrapped to avoid any contamination and there was a one way system around the pub to help avoid close contact with other people. Service and food were excellent as usual and we really enjoyed our first night out together in months, all helped by the efforts that Julian and his team have done to keep not only their customers but their staff members safe. If your looking to go out where the current COVID situation is taken extremely seriously I would highly recommend The Old Ship Aground! M.Savage

Written 19 July 2020

Jo Reynolds

Minehead1 contribution

AMAZING! - love this place!

Dec 2019 • none

We live locally but hadn't eaten here before until 21 December when we decided to go out for a date night. From start to finish our evening was fantastic. We were greeted on arrival by a lovely lady who welcomed us and asked if we were having a meal or just drinks. We replied that we had just booked a table within the last couple of hours. She seated us at a lovely table in the window. It was a busy evening with it being just before Christmas, but the service and quality of food were second to none. We were actually surprised we had been able to get a table, but they were so accommodating and it seemed no trouble at all. We ordered burger and chips, and cod and chips and the presentation of what essentially wasn't "posh" food was beautiful, and the quality incredible. It was piping hot, well cooked and absolutely delicious. We had family visiting a few days later on Boxing Day and visited again that evening with my 2 children and our visitors, my parents. Once again, we received fantastic service and a hugely warm welcome, and all of our food was again delicious and beautifully presented. The drinks were also lovely, and the gentleman who took our food order was happy to take further drinks orders at the table and bring them to us. With the food they even accommodated 2 fussy children by providing them with items that weren't on the menu - without making the children feel uncomfortable for being faddy. One of my sons is very anxious about being fussy with food and I was worried he would feel silly because it was obvious he wasn’t eating a proper meal – however, neither child felt uncomfortable and thoroughly enjoyed their evening. I can honestly say we will never eat anywhere else locally again - this place is THE BEST and you really could not ask for more. We popped in again last Saturday just for a lunch time drink and again received a warm welcome. Every member of staff we have encountered here has been so friendly, welcoming and accommodating, and we cannot recommend The Old Ship Aground highly enough.

Written 8 January 2020

exmoorman

Hi Joe Wow & Wow - thanks so very much for such a great review I have popped it up on our staff notice board for all to see. It is so great for the team to take such pride in their achievements. Until next time Julian, Janina & all the Crew from The Old Ship Aground

Written 23 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Peter D

35 contributions

Traditional pub serbing expensive dive food but with enthsiastic staff

Jun 2021 • couples

Booked this for a couple of meals as restaurants in minebead book up early. It offers a variety of food at the higher end of that expected from a trad pub, however prices have gone up significantly from those featured on line. 2 courses cost around £30with a drink. At that price you expect good food and it does deliver, crab main course, and the venison were excellent. The staff are young enthusiastic and helpful, with that does come inexperience, and the blowing out of candles when a guest has left is only one step away from putting chairs on the table, but they will learn, as for the chef that seems the finished article.

Written 28 June 2021

exmoorman

Hi Peter , thks for taking time out to reach out with your review great to see you enjoyed your visit, best wishes from all the team here at The Old Ship Aground.

Written 1 July 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rodney C

Bridgwater243 contributions

Disappointed

Nov 2021 • friends

Having used this pub for quite a few years for a Sunday lunch with friends, we again met up and for the first time had to book online. Normally we used to have a lovely reception from everyone but this time it was totally flat and shown to our table. Although it was cold outside, the pub still felt cold. We were approached for drink and food order fairly quick but then had to wait 45 minutes before the food came. Other customers were querying about the delay of their food orders. If they knew there was a delay they could have kept us informed. We had an apology from the the lad in the beanie hat(not a professional appearance) telling us our meals were being plated up. We all ordered a Sunday roast but when it came I was quite amused. Normally you get your roast with all your meat and vegetables placed all around your plate giving you a good full plate. What we got was vegetables at the bottom, meat (2slices)stacked on the veg and then a Yorkshire pudding stacked on the meat and a stuffing ball in the Yorkshire. You could see nearly more plate than food but this wasn't surprising as they seemed to have cut back on the amount of vegetables you now get. The only plus was the food and plate was hot. Very disappointed after years of good service and atmosphere and a landlord that always came and spoke to you. Now it was flat and I assume the manager was the one in a pink shirt and trousers (all the others were young and in black) was making no attempt to mix with his customers. Unfortunately the new owners have lost our custom from now on and when we walked to the town after the meal we noticed a lot of pubs and restaurants were busy with traditional roasts at a cheaper price and more food.

Written 28 November 2021

owner

While I am very disappointed to read that you did not enjoy your visit, I can assure you that we take all feedback on board and we make changes if they are required. I have spoken to our team and shared your feedback with them. Our Front of House Team are usually very good at welcoming customers and monitoring food waiting times at busy periods, but it would appear from your comments that on this exceptionally busy Sunday we did not operate to our normal high standards and for that we sincerely apologise. I will always defend our wonderful hard-working team from unnecessary comments, and I have obtained permission from our staff member who wears a hat to share with you that he wears this hat due to a serious medical condition. He has our continued full support as a valued team member, and we regularly receive feedback about how good he is at his role. He enjoys talking to our customers and is happy to explain why he has a hat to anyone who mentions it.

Written 15 December 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MaryB207

Southampton94 contributions

Lovely pub and fantastic welcome

Feb 2020 • none

We were having a girls weekend at Butlins, I saw this pub on Trip Advisor and decided to try it. We went there Friday night and hadn't booked, but were welcomed and had a table straight away. We were welcomed by Janina and her team, who couldn't do enough for us, we had drinks and the menu to browse, two of us asked if we could have the starter of mussels as main and there was no problem with this. The meals were lovely and we enjoyed the overall experience and decided to book for Sunday lunch. On arrival on Sunday, Janina knew our names and made us feel very welcome, we all had the carvery and enjoyed it. We will definatley return next time we are in Minehead, thank you Mary, Anne, Angela and Noeleen.

Written 12 February 2020

Voyager58902588391

Weymouth7 contributions

Really nice place with amazing staff

Jan 2020 • none

A group of us turned up for lunch on a busy Saturday and were well treated, nothing was too much trouble. Well fed, we booked for Sunday lunch and it was like we were family the friendly staff made us very welcome particularly Janina. Plenty of banter as well, so fun! Truly worth a visit

Written 27 January 2020

exmoorman

Great to hear you enjoyed your time with us come and see us again real soon. Julian. Janina & Team

Written 1 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

…

Showing results 1-15 of 2,044

Best moderately priced restaurants

See all