Ship Inn, Porlock, MINEHEAD, TA24 8QD [Map]
01643 862507http://www.shipinnporlock.co.uk/ 
11-23 MO-SA; 12-22:30 SU
Accommodation, Car Park, Evening Meals, Real Fire, Beer Garden, Lunchtime Meals, Quiet Bar, Campsite At / Near Pub

The Ship Inn, March 1998. The photo above
really doesn't do the pub justice

The only pub in this guide that I have not actually consumed a pint in yet as I was unfortunately driving on both visits. Even so, the pub struck me immediately as a very friendly, welcoming hostelry that definitely needs to be visited again for consumption of beer. No TV's or nasty piped music so all the entertainment has to come from the people within.

A very old pub with parts of the thatched building dating back to the 13th century. The pub was mentioned in Lorna Doone. We sat in the low-beamed bar at the front with some very friendly locals. Apart from Draught Bass and Courage Best, Cotleigh Barn Owl beer was on offer, an award winning winter beer brewed in Somerset. They also have a guest beer on offer though not always in Winter.

Caught a glimpse of the menu which included several local dishes which are all cooked on an aga according to the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. They use lobsters from Lynmouth, salmon from the Exe and lamb from Exmoor. All the food seemed very reasonably priced. Must stop there for lunch one day before attempting to climb the famous Porlock Hill.