BITE CLUB: REVIEW - The Ship Inn, Conyer, Sittingbourne
The Ship retains its rustic charm, but its exciting modern menu means there is certainly a contemporary feel
image by ‘Cene Magazine
Beautifully positioned on Conyer Quay with views across the old boatyard and the glorious marshes, The Ship Inn (@theshipinnconyerquay ), has long been a destination pub for walkers and ramblers as well as being at the heart of the village community.
But after it shut suddenly in December 2023, the extended period of closure was finally brought to an end by new landlord Harry Roberts, whose ambition was to bring the pub back to the top of its game with a focus on high-quality food.
The Ship retains its rustic charm, including a beautiful fireplace, a pub-games corner and even a stuffed pheasant, but with its stripped-back tables, shining draught beer tower replacing old-school pumps and an exciting modern menu, there is certainly a contemporary feel.
The dining options tick all the right boxes, while the landlord informs us that the cattle we can see in the field give the same beef you will find in the kitchen - how’s that for farm-to-fork!
To start, we opted for the beautifully rich ham hock ballotine with grated celeriac and kohlrabi slaw, zinging piccalilli and a chunky toasted brioche (£12). We also went for the classic spiced whitebait in a light breadcrumb (£8). Fresh and crunchy and dipped into a lemon aioli, it was a great starting snack.
For the mains we had the meaty seabass (£26), with beautifully crisp and salted skin - served on a bed of grilled tenderstem broccoli and fennel cooked in saffron, which sweetened up the anise flavour. Butter beans and a lemony broccoli purée added extra dimensions to a flavour-packed dish. Across the table the venison haunch (£32) was absolutely stunning.
Slices of delicious tender venison served with celeriac, kale and delicate rings of pickled onion. This was accompanied by the showstopping smooth truffle mash sprinkled with chives, which concealed a pot of rich braised venison shoulder in a hot jus. Beautifully presented and expertly executed. A great meal.
