Ship

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Keith Hunt, 11 June 2018.

Former Rainham restaurant boss takes over the helm at the Ship Inn in Conyer.

A well-known former Towns’ restaurant boss has taken over a business in neighbouring Swale.

Damon Dalmedo ran The Barn in Lower Rainham for 15 years.

He is now revamping the Ship Inn by the creek at Conyer, a hamlet between Faversham and Sittingbourne.

New Ship "skipper" Damon Dalmedo.

After leaving the 17th century Barn, Damon took time out with his family and did some freelance work.

He said: “It is a new venture its a complete new concept of food and service, it is contemporary dining, I’m really excited.”

The 44-year-old was called on to help out at the 18th century Ship by his ex-restaurant manager.

The dad put his culinary skills to good use in the kitchen and was then asked to take over the pub by owner Simon Smedley.

He will be assisted by fellow chef Barry Coppins, who served his apprenticeship at the pub, gained further experience elsewhere and has now returned.

Damon will also have help from his wife Sarah and has brought in his accountant Paul Coleman as a partner.

“With his accountancy brain and my experience in the industry we are a really good marriage,” he says.

“We haven’t got any rules and regulations.

"It is down to the public. It is a case of giving people what they want.

“We will have a varied menu. The classic will stay on the board. There will be a seasonal menu which we will change on a week to week basis. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity at The Ship. I think I have one more in me!”

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Megan Carr, 6 January 2024.

Ship Inn at Conyer on the market after sudden closure.

A family-run pub which mysteriously closed has been put on the market for nearly £600,000.

Leisure property specialist Fleurets has revealed that the Ship Inn at Conyer, near Teynham, has been put up for sale by private clients after its lease came to an end.

Last month, a notice from owners Swale Marina appeared on the door of the freehouse announcing it had ceased trading.

The 18th-century pub was once a popular place for customers to eat and drink near the water at Conyer Creek on the Saxon Shore Way between Sittingbourne and Faversham.

Events were being promoted on the Ship’s Facebook page right up until its closure – including a 1980s karaoke night on November 25 – but there was no announcement about the pub ceasing trade.

Both Swale Marina and the Ship Inn were contacted for comment but neither have responded.

The freehold of the property is on the market at a guide price of £595,000.

Fleurets is advertising the listing as “boasting a unique rural village setting” that is “a favourite and special pub in the area”.

It has been fully refurbished and is described as being “well presented throughout” and “rewarding customers with views over the Swale Marina and creek”.

The refurb saw the dining areas extended and the kitchen upgraded.

A Fleurets spokesman added: “This has increased the trading potential meaning there is very little need for any further investment.

“This is a fantastic, unique opportunity to continue successfully serving the local communities, as well as customers from further afield drawn to this lovely unspoilt coastal area, whether by land or water.”

Inside the Ship Inn at Conyer. Picture: Fleurets.

In addition to the trade areas, there is also owner’s living accommodation complete with a double bedroom.

Simon Bland, senior associate for Fleurets, added: “I’m super pleased to be handling the sale of the Ship Inn.

“In my view, it is quite simply one of the best privately owned free houses in Kent and utterly unique both in its setting and character.

“We’re expecting plenty of inquiries and looking forward to finding a great new owner for it – no doubt they will have fallen in love!”

The pub was once a landing post for smugglers as it was an ideal place for dropping off contraband due to its remote location.

The Ship Inn, which was originally a bakery and blacksmith, then became an alehouse in 1802.

Viewings are by appointment through Fleurets. Call 0207 280 4700 or email london@fleurets.com.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Elli Hodgson, 5 September 2024.

Ship Inn at Conyer to reopen nine months after sudden closure.

A family-run pub which mysteriously closed is set to reopen after nine months vacant.

The Ship Inn at Conyer Creek on the Saxon Shore Way between Sittingbourne and Faversham, will be opening its doors again this month.

The Ship Inn at Conyer will reopen this September. Picture: Harry Roberts.

The 18th-century free house shut in December unexpectedly but has now been taken on by first-time landlord Harry Roberts, who has worked in the hospitality industry for a decade.

He said: “The pub should be up and running in a couple of weeks – and definitely this month.

“We’re excited to see the locals and I look forward to seeing them and meeting and giving them their space back where they can all meet up together.”

After getting the keys four weeks ago, the 28-year-old says the pub has been undergoing a cellar refit, but the building is in “beautiful condition”.

He now plans to bring in chefs with Michelin star experience, with a focus on “locally sourced food”.

Harry Roberts, 28, is the new landlord of the Ship Inn Conyer. Picture: Harry Roberts.

Before taking on this new challenge, Harry worked as both a chef, front-of-house and a manager for various pubs in the county, such as the "New Inn," Sandwich.

“I thought the next step was to take on my own pub,” he added.

The landlord, who lives in Faversham, now looks forward to welcoming punters back.

He said: “Everyone’s been very supportive, so we just want to get the balance right for the community.”

Inside the new-look Ship Inn at Conyer which is reopening this month.

The Ship Inn Conyer closed suddenly in December 2023, despite promoting events up until its closure.

The freehold of the property later went on the market at a guide price of £595,000.

The pub was once a landing post for smugglers as it was an ideal place for dropping off contraband due to its remote location.

The Ship Inn, which was originally a bakery and blacksmiths, then became an alehouse in 1802.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Claire McWethy, 22 May 2025.

Eat My Words review of The Ship Inn at Conyer near Teynham, along Saxon Shore Way walking route.

There’s nothing like the satisfaction that comes from pushing open the doors of a cosy pub and easing off your boots after a country walk.

And this was no ordinary walk, or pub, for that matter.

The Ship Inn at Conyer reopened in September.

I’d spent my Saturday taking in the marshes and mudflats that make up the Saxon Shore Way between Conyer and Faversham.

My colleague had already sung the praises of this particularly picturesque route, and if the KentOnline seal of approval wasn’t enough, it has also been named in the top 20 coastal walks in Britain by The Times.

I could see why, with its epic views over the Swale Estuary on one side and sweeping vistas of fields filled with prancing lambs and blossom-filled orchards on the other.

But, after a tiring but rewarding stroll and treading in more than my fair share of sheep poo, the best sight of all was when The Ship Inn, perched beside the quaint quayside at Conyer, came into view.

“This is it,” we thought as a glass of rosé and Cruzcampo arrived at the bar. “We’ve earned this.”

The inn is cosy and rustic inside.

The inn is cosy and rustic inside.

I had no idea what to expect from this place, having only reopened under new management a few months ago.

This particular Ship became the scene of its own Mary Celeste-esque mystery when, in December 2023, it shut without warning. Dismayed locals turned up to find nothing but a note in the window. Meanwhile, upcoming events were still being promoted on its Facebook page.

After nine months empty, however, it was taken on by first-time landlord Harry Roberts, who said he planned to bring in chefs with Michelin star experience and focus on locally-sourced food.

That in mind, I felt a little twinge of sadness as I remembered those baby sheep frolicking as my other half ordered the rump of lamb.

I plumped for the posh fish and chips - or to give it its proper title, halibut with seaweed potatoes, asparagus, wild garlic, madeira and morel mushroom sauce - and we settled in at our corner table.

Inside, The Ship Inn ticked two of my three boxes when it comes to the perfect pub ambience - a real fire and a dog. In fact, there was a whole link or string (whatever the collective term is) of sausage dogs.

I’ll let them off not having the third - hops over the bar - as there was plenty of rustic charm to be had, coming from exposed bricks, distressed wood and period-style furniture.

It wasn’t long before our mains arrived, and at this point, the penny dropped. This wasn’t a run-of-the-mill gastropub, overcharging hungry ramblers as I’d feared - we’d stumbled across something special.

The fish was firm and buttery, but it was the rich, earthy sauce that stole the show. The potatoes were melt-in-the-mouth tender, and the seaweed - thankfully, the variety a distant relative of those sludgy stinkbombs that can spoil a day at the beach - added a subtle saltiness.

It was “mop up every last drop” delicious.

The lamb was, dare I say, even better. Seared to perfection, it came with confit belly, Jerusalem artichoke and its pairing with salty, tangy feta and capers was a match made in heaven.

We had initially baulked when we’d seen the prices - both dishes came in at an eye-watering £32 - but any complaints over that were soon forgotten.

This was the stuff of special occasions, and as good as anything I’ve eaten in Kent.

So good, we couldn’t resist the pull of the dessert menu. Everything was £9, apart from the cheeseboard (£13). It’s fine, we decided, we could always pawn some family silver.

Mine - a chocolate crèmeux with salted caramel, peanut praline and honeycomb ice cream - was like the best Crunchie you’ve ever had, while my dining partner had a pistachio sponge cake with a refreshing strawberry sorbet, which was just as delicious.

Full and content, the after-dinner talk turned to why we’d never heard of this place before, and how long it would be before there’d be a waiting list to book a table here.

“Maybe we could fudge the review and say it was average?” came the suggestion.

I suspect it wouldn’t be long before the Michelin team rumbled us, though. The Ship Inn is just a stone’s throw down the coast from The Sportsman in Seasalter - another pub in a prime position on this pretty part of the Estuary - which has had a star since 2008.

Having been fortunate enough to get a table there a few years ago, I can say that what we’d just tasted was right up there in the quality stakes.

Even if The Ship doesn't get that particular accolade, though, it’s safe to say this five-mile stretch of coastline is now home to not only one of the best walks but also two of the best dining experiences around, and we can count ourselves lucky to have it on our doorstep.

Food: My lack of expectations meant I had the joy of having my socks knocked off by the standard of grub here. Surely worthy of a Michelin star *****

Drink: There was a good selection of wines, including from local vineyards, and I’m reliably informed the lager was more than satisfactory too *****

Decor: It was rustic and relaxed inside, and the garden looked like it would be a lovely little sun-trap in better weather *****

Staff: Faultless. We had a warm welcome at the bar and attentive service at our table, meaning plates were never empty or glasses running low for very long *****

Price: Did I baulk at paying £32 for posh fish and chips? To begin with. But it was a truly memorable meal, and I didn’t feel short-changed on quality. The menu did have more affordable options, with mains starting at £18 when we visited, plus gourmet sandwiches from £9 ****

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By the Secret Drinker, 30 October 2026.

Secret Drinker reviews the Ship Inn pub at Conyer, near Sittingbourne.

Dodging the recent storms, I intrepidly made my way to a pub which sits right on the quay and allows drinkers to gaze upon moored boats while enjoying a well-earned pint.

At the Ship Inn on Conyer Creek I was delighted to discover not just a couple of proper draught ales but also a roaring log burner, Teddy the dog and a good gaggle of wildly-haired local boat dwellers.

Looking smart in the late Sunday sunshine, the Ship Inn at Conyer is clearly an historic building but it is beautifully maintained.

Visiting on a late Sunday afternoon, it wasn’t surprising to find roast dinners had already been demolished, although there were still several groups of diners enjoying puddings and coffees.

The original building obviously dates back centuries but as soon as you step through the door it’s clear there have been a number of interior reincarnations over the years and inside the pub feels modern and neat but, at the same time, warm and welcoming.

I chose to drink a 4.8% Gadds’ Green Hop Ale and, having already lunched, selected a packet of Salty Dog crisps, before taking both to secure an armchair seat in front of the log burner.

This is the view across Conyer Creek from the front step of the Ship Inn. Several of the folks living on the boats you can see here were already inside the pub.

It’s a nice enough fireplace and there was music playing gently in the background – Hozier, Tom Odell, George Ezra and then, unfortunately, Red Hot Chili Peppers. There is no pool table, dartboard, jukebox or other pub machines but it looks as if there is a large rolled-up screen over the fireplace, which might be used for a big game, providing the fire isn’t required.

The whole place has been decorated to keep things as light and bright as possible, with stripped floorboards, light-coloured beams and even the pews in the dining area have been stripped back to lighter wood. It’s all accompanied by neutral furnishings in light tan checks and off-white paint. Like just about every other pub on the planet, they have felt the need to recognise Halloween, presumably believing the season presents additional commercial opportunities. Fortunately, the decorations were reasonably restrained and tasteful.

Keen for a second pint, I was left waiting as the barmaid, dressed like all other staff in top-to-toe black with T-shirts featuring the pub name, was in hot pursuit of a toddler. She apologised as she poured my Moretti but said she was fearful he might fall.

This is the first-floor dining area. These tables were still in use when I arrived but I managed to get this picture just before I left.

In keeping with the pub's name and history, a ship's bell makes perfect sense, though sadly, I was never going to be able to stay long enough to see whether it is actually used at closing time.

The delay, however, was just enough to lose me my fireside seat, so I joined the group of locals enjoying a few pints on the left side of the bar. An older couple were sat on stools at the bar with the other drinkers gathered around nearby tables where they were just close enough to exchange good-hearted insults without having to shout.

It struck me this is a pub which successfully achieves that sometimes tricky balance of welcoming diners and drinkers alike with ease. And, even on a Sunday, there was room for a fellow called wearing a hi-vis jacket with his wellies, though the joke he told wasn’t as bright as his jacket – Why did the Mexican push his wife off the edge of the hill? Tequila… geddit?

This seemed a perfect moment to visit the facilities but I have to report that, although the gents looked very smartly decorated and appeared to be well maintained, there was a very definite, very ‘distinctive’ aroma which the small air freshener on the windowsill was never going to be able to dispel.

Back in the bar, they’d run out of jokes and the group sat at the table surrounded by several large old bagatelle games had moved on to ribbing one member of their group who was apparently in the pub as a local for her last night.

The log burner was alight and I was delighted to secure an armchair close enough to warm my toes, although I lost my seat when I returned to the bar for a second pint.

This is the area set aside for dining at the back, left-hand-side of the pub, and, like everywhere else, it features light-coloured wood and neutral furnishings.

The gents' toilet was neat and tidy and looked well maintained but there was a very noticeable 'distinctive' smell.

Whilst there are more than enough warm and welcoming corners for drinkers, there are also plenty of good-sized dining areas, two rooms on the first floor as well as another at the back, left side of the pub. Even though I wasn’t dining, I took a glance at the menu, which I found fixed to a board by mini wingnuts. I’m sure the menu changes regularly but on Sunday the 6oz burger was £18, a lamb shoulder (sharer) £54 and the puddings £9 apiece.

By now the boat dwellers with the impressive hairstyles had finished their drinks and headed back to their various vessels and even Teddy the dog looked keen to be off, so as the numbers slimmed down, I also took my leave.

I’d enjoyed my brief visit to this quayside pub for a few pints, complete with several nods (ships’ wheels, a brass bell, model sailing boats) to its nautical history, but given the pride it obviously has for its food perhaps next time I should make time to eat.

There is a small courtyard seating area at the back of the pub but it was far too chilly for sitting outside on the day I visited.

THE SHIP INN, CONYER ROAD, CONYER, SITTINGBOURNE ME9 9HR.

Décor: Light, bright and modern inside, The Ship effortlessly combines history with comfort. It also creates a welcoming environment which works for both diners and drinkers. There are enough nods to the nautical history without overdoing it. ****

Drink: Billed as a guest ale, Gadds’ Green Hop is an easy-drinking seasonal golden ale with plenty of flavour and bite – I must admit I prefer it to the Ramsgate brewery’s other offering here, No 5. ****

Price: A pint of Gadds’ Green Hop Ale was £5.50 and a packet of crisps £1.50. A pint of Moretti was £6.60. I wasn’t in to eat but a lamb shoulder (share) is £54, a burger £18 and puds start at £9. **

Staff: Child-minding duties aside, there were plenty of staff on duty and the barmaids were cheery and helpful. They looked smart and kept themselves busy when not serving. ***

Perhaps not the best photograph I've managed to take but the lights on the front of the pub didn't make it easy getting a picture of the outside area at the front of the Ship Inn.

The corridor back to the bar from the gents - the wall on the right is lined with framed posters.