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Ship Inn Distress, Christchurch, ENG

Ship Inn Distress

4.4
4.4
82 Reviews
£25 and under
Pub
Top tags:

You’ll find the Ship in Distress pub in the historic village of Stanpit in the beautiful borough of Christchurch on Dorset’s south coast. We’re just a few minutes walk from Christchurch Harbour, famous for its fishing, walking and bird watching (Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group has recored over 320 bird species at the harbour and it’s home to three sailing clubs!). We love our coastal location and our bar pays tribute to this with a fittingly traditional nautical theme! Dogs are welcome and we’ve got a large car park for visitors and plenty of seating space. So, whether you’re a local or in the area for a fleeting visit, come down and experience our classic pub food, drinks and friendly, warm atmosphere. We’re always happy to see new faces!

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2 people
May 2022
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19:00
Booked 1 time today

Additional information

  • Location

    66 Stanpit Christchurch, ENG BH23 3NA

  • Area

    Bournemouth

  • Parking Details

    Private Lot

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 82 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Dorset

    Child Friendly

  • Dorset

    Neighbourhood Gem

  • Dorset

    Outdoor Eating

  • Dorset

    Romance

  • Dorset

    Sunday Lunch

  • Dorset

    Vibrant Bar Scene

  • Bournemouth

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. RR

    RebeccaR

    Dorset

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    the steaks were not as good as previous visits, little bit disappointed , but we will be back

  2. MD

    MartinD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 May 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Staff very efficient and friendly, steak a little over done for me but that's a personal preference overall a very nice meal in a very nice place.

  3. W

    caroleW

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 8 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    lovely staff great food Atmosphere is lovely lovely decor

  4. RV

    RobertV

    Devon

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 May 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    We have now been here twice in three weeks it has a lovely extensive menu and the food we had was really good,there is a lovely area outside which will be great for the summer. We will be returning very soon.

  5. GM

    GaryM

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 24 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We were first in, and had a great Sunday lunch within 20 mins. Would definately go again.

  6. RH

    RachelH

    Surrey

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and service. Really prompt, courteous and friendly staff.

  7. CB

    CarolynB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had a lovely Sunday lunch my partner was chuffed as he never gets at home, and I loved my salad fab

  8. CC

    ClaireCi

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely place, very clean, staff extremely friendly and helpful and the food was fantastic. Can’t wait to return!

  9. FT

    FulviaT

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really nice food and excellent service. Definetely going back

  10. JP

    JackyP

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Had a fabulous meal at a very reasonable price and the staff looked after us so well, especially Corey, who is an absolute legend. All the staff are lovely and welcoming , will definitely come back

  11. GS

    GerriS

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 March 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    Quiz night so quite a noisy night . Table service available . Nice choice of ales . Good pub grub well cooked and salad was fresh . Ver6 friendly staf& and landlord

  12. EF

    EileenF

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely food, extensive menu to suit all tastes. The pub is beautiful inside, with lots of nooks & crannies to sit in.

  13. JT

    JacquieT

    Hampshire

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 27 February 2022

    overall1food1service2ambience2

    Literally the worst roast dinner we have ever had. The vegetables were clearly from a bag of frozen. Soggy and tasteless. The meat appeared to be also frozen ready sliced meat. The potatoes - just horrible - again, cheap frozen ready made, extremely bad quality and literally left a nasty taste in the mouth, never mind the unusual texture - nothing like a roast potato, it stuck to the roof of your mouth. The gravy was tasteless, and my nut roast was just a slab of sludge - most unpleasant. We had no table service at all - I had to leave the table whilst we were eating to go and order a drink. And no one came to us at any point to ask how the meals were. There was also no question as to why we had barely touched the food when the plates were cleared. Nice friendly staff, but I understand why they avoid asking anything about the food - they must get nothing but negative comments.

  14. M

    Malc

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 27 February 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience3

    Meal not tasty in any way and swimming in tasteless gravy.

  15. H

    Happy

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 February 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    We had a very pleasant evening , waiter was very helpful and friendly. We all felt relaxed and at home. Although there was a lot if noise from a group having a party it didnt affect our enjoyment of the occassion.

  16. JB

    JillB

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a great meal in the Ship in Distress last night. My steak was cooked to perfection - will definitely be back! Paige was our waitress and she was very helpful & friendly. Jill

  17. M

    Mario

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 February 2022

    overall2food1service1ambience5

    Place looks and feels great, apart from the fact that food undercooked, and considering my little 1 year old was sleeping in pushchair, waitress was really loud when food was brought, fact that woke him up and gave us arms full when about to eat. Bit dissapointed woth wuality of food as been first time we tried and online pics food looked more than great.

  18. b

    bloggy123

    Dorset

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 12 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and food. Would highly recommend, it’s reasonably priced and a good atmosphere.

  19. NP

    NeilP

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Thoroughly enjoyed our evening out, the food was excellent as was the service. We will definitely be coming back.

  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 February 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service, friendly atmosphere.

  21. RT

    RuthT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 January 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely meal, relaxing atmosphere, would definitely recommend

  22. JG

    JohnG

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 January 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Very good quality food, lots of choice on the menu, a good selection of drinks. Staff were friendly & hard-working.

  23. SB

    SimonB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 January 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The roast dinners are amazing!! Great cuts of meat and proper veg and roast potatoes. Would really recommend.

  24. JT

    JimT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 November 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A very pleasant evening meal with friends. Sat in the bar area as the restaurant was empty and we wanted a bit of atmosphere. An enjoyable experience.

  25. A

    Armstorm23

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 November 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food. Great service. Not rushed and the service was incredible always there when needed

  26. D

    Dawn56

    London

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 10 October 2021

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    Sunday lunch is always great. And recommend the cauliflower cheese.

  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Warwickshire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 30 September 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Great food! Every choice we made was first class! Just excellent.

  28. MC

    MikeC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 September 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Very good quality food at a reasonable price. Friendly staff in nice surroundings. Plenty of car parking too.

  29. AB

    AnnB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 September 2021

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    We found the experience relaxing and enjoyable. The food was good and the waitresses friendly

  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Birmingham

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 7 September 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Food was really good. Happy, inviting pub. Staff were busy but courteous and attentive. Highly recommend this place for excellent pub fare and reasonable pricing. Will be back again, hopefully.

  31. RB

    RayB

    Dorset

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 September 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    A good local. Plenty of menu options. Very friendly staff. An all round good evening meal experience.

  32. JP

    JulieP

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 September 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Lovely roast dinner, hot plate. Veg cooked to perfection. Meat nice and tender

  33. D

    Dawn56

    London

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 29 August 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Sunday lunch was fantastic and such good value for money.

  34. MH

    MartinH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 July 2021

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Booked lunch with my partner and son , first time we had been in a pub since Covid restrictions in 2020. We were made very welcome by the staff. The food was excellent and presented very well by the waitress. I have no hesitation in recommending this excellent little pub for both a great welcome and excellent food.

  35. NJ

    NickyJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 July 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely restaurant and food - fantastic service - couldn’t fault it - great value for money

  36. SC

    StewartC

    Dorset

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 8 July 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is really nice. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The landlord Gary is great fun and really welcoming. We had a lovely night. Thank you everyone at the ship

  37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Dorset

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 July 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Food was good, no complaints, reasonably priced. Staff were pleasant, didn’t rush you.

  38. SC

    SiobanC

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 20 June 2021

    overall5food3service4ambience5

    Staff very friendly great service Quite a few items not available from the menu which was disappointing

  39. NH

    NatashaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 June 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a fab night. The staff were very welcoming and friendly.

  40. RB

    RebeccaB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 June 2021

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Food was lovely, cocktails were nice. Outside seating was lovely with music playing. Family friendly and dog friendly.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Ship Inn Distress offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 01202 801327.

Ship Inn Distress is rated 4.4 stars by 82 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
May 2022
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
19:00
Booked 1 time today
Google Map for Ship Inn Distress

66 Stanpit Christchurch, ENG BH23 3NA

Additional information

  • Area

    Bournemouth

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu 12:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 12:00–00:00 Sun 12:00–22:00

  • Cuisines

    Pub

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Private Lot

  • Payment Options

    MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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