The Ship Inn, Axmouth, Devon

When you’re spending your large group holidays in the South West, it helps to have an idea of the local pubs that are worth going to. Well, here’s one – The Ship Inn, at Axmouth.

Axmouth is the pretty little village you drive through on the way to Seaton on the East Devon coast; just as you drop down the hill, The Ship Inn is on the right. And it’s a good pub, family run and reliable, the food is tasty, the welcome is warm and the service attentive. Inside it’s all been modernised, which probably works well considering how busy it can get in the summer - like most pubs near the beach.

The menu is varied, and it's all made using locally sourced meats, fresh fish from Lyme Bay, hand-picked crabs landed on the shore at Beer, and vegetables from nearby farms. Mains include pub favourites and things like Local lambs liver & smokey bacon, Pan fried Lyme Bay scallops in creamy chilli sauce, and Slow roasted belly pork with mash and gravy. There's also a range of steaks from the Grill, homemade burgers and chilli dogs, salads, and a children’s menu.

At the back of the pub there’s a big beer garden with views over the River Axe; in the summer they have an outdoor bar with a Black Rock grill and pizza oven, and sometimes they do a hog roast and host live bands. It’s all jolly convivial at The Ship, that’s what matters, and the fact that the locals come here all year round, driving from the nearby towns and villages is a good thing. It shows they like it.

Best advice is to book in advance, especially if there’s a big group of you, but plan it well and call in for dinner after a day on the beach at Seaton or Beer, or after rockpooling or crabbing from Axmouth harbour. Watch the sun set over the estuary, go home with your bellies full and your hearts content.

Open 12-3 and 5-10 every day (may change with the seasons)

T: 01297 21838

All information correct at the time of writing