Sandgate
The Ship Inn, a pub by the beach in Sandgate with sea views
A friendly pub by the beach in Sandgate. Enjoy a sea view from the restaurant and our upstairs deck.
A friendly village pub, right by the sea.
Sandgate is the bit of coast between Folkestone and Hythe that still feels like a village. The beach is across the road. People walk in off the seafront, off the High Street and off the bus from Folkestone. It’s a pub you can reach on foot, then stay in because the room is already warm.
It is one of the older rooms in the L&B family. Stewart and Wendy ran it for 38 years before L&B took it on in 2023, and a lot of the regulars came with the building.
Formerly known as The Famous Ship Inn. Not to be confused with The Ship on Folkestone’s Stade, by the harbour.
Street to shore
Lots of space, all with sea air.
There’s been a pub here since 1798. Here’s what you’ll find on each floor.
- StreetSandgate High Street
Walk in off the High Street, or off the bus from Folkestone.
- BarThe old pub bar
Cosy wood, seaside pictures on the walls and a warm welcome.
- RestaurantTables with a sea view
Tasty pub food, a pint and a lovely view of the sea.
- DeckUpstairs, outside
Our upstairs deck, perfect on a sunny day.
- ShoreThe pebble beach
Just across the road. Great for a walk before or after your meal.
Tide table
What’s on
We have regular quiz nights and live music from time to time.
| When | What’s on |
|---|---|
| Midweek | A relaxed supper |
| Quiz nights | Regular, and everyone’s welcome |
| Live music | Now and then, so keep an eye out |
| Saturday | Seafood, pints and a lively room |
| Sunday | A proper Sunday roast with a sea view |
Opening & food times
| Day | Open | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10AM–11PM | 10AM–12 | 12–3PM | 5–9PM |
| Tuesday | 10AM–11PM | 10AM–12 | 12–3PM | 5–9PM |
| Wednesday | 10AM–11PM | 10AM–12 | 12–3PM | 5–9PM |
| Thursday | 10AM–11PM | 10AM–12 | 12–3PM | 5–9PM |
| Friday | 10AM–midnight | 10AM–12 | 12–3PM | 5–9:30PM |
| Saturday | 10AM–midnight | Food served all day | ||
| Sunday | 10AM–10PM | Food all day until 8PM | ||
Pub food with a sea view
Good pub food with a sea view.
- Beer-Battered Fish & Chips£19.5
- The Ship Inn Fish Pot Pie£18.5
- Salt & Pepper Squid£9.5
- Classic Prawn Cocktail£11.5
Download: Bar menu (PDF) · Restaurant menu (PDF)
Prices from the current menu PDFs. Ask the team about allergens.
Christmas 2026 at The Ship InnFull menu, prices & bookingFolkestone Restaurant Week menu9–13 November · Two courses £20.26 · Download (PDF)Come and see us
65 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Kent CT20 3AH
theshipinn@landb-restaurants.co.uk
Walking the coast path from Folkestone? Pop in for a drink and a bite.
All our venues on the map
Get directions to The Ship Inn
1 The Pullman, directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)2 The Ship Inn, directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)3 Harbour Inn, directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)4 Cat & Fiddle, directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)5 Panataria, directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)6 Luben, directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)7 London & Paris Hotel, directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)8 Union, directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Opening soon© OpenStreetMap contributors- 1The PullmanFolkestone town centreDirections ↗
- 2The Ship InnSandgateDirections ↗
- 3Harbour InnFolkestone harbourDirections ↗
- 4Cat & FiddleFolkestoneDirections ↗
- 5PanatariaFolkestoneDirections ↗
- 6LubenFolkestoneDirections ↗
- 7London & Paris HotelFolkestoneDirections ↗
- 8UnionFolkestone · opening soonDirections ↗
What people say
- Google 4.3from 592 reviews, as of 13 Oct 2026
“Friendly staff, good drinks choice & great outside area with sea views. Will be returning!”
“The food in this pub was fantastic, I can certainly see why the pie is famous. Reasonably priced for the quality, service and portion size.”
The Ship Inn: good to know
Where's The Ship Inn?
It's in Sandgate, at 65 Sandgate High Street, CT20 3AH. It isn't on Folkestone harbour. That's Harbour Inn, on Harbour Street.
Do I need to book?
We'd say yes for food at the weekend, a Sunday roast, or if there are more than four of you. Just tap Book a table at the top of the site. For a midweek drink at the bar, you usually won't need to. Walk-ins are welcome when there's room, but we can't promise a table if we're full.
Can I just walk in?
Of course, if we've got a table free. Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch get busy, so it's best to book for those.
Do you do a Sunday roast?
We do! You'll find one at The Pullman, Harbour Inn and The Ship Inn.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Panataria, in the bar at The Pullman, and at Harbour Inn, The Ship Inn and Cat & Fiddle. Luben hasn't got a bar, so we can't have dogs inside there, sorry. Please keep them on a lead, off the seats and away from the kitchen pass. If it's really packed, we might ask you to wait outside or pop back later.
Can I bring the kids?
Yes, of course. There are high chairs where we've got them, and Luben's made for families. Last food orders still apply, though. Buggies can be a squeeze when the bar's busy, so please fold yours up if you can.
I have an allergy. What should I do?
Let us know when you book, and again when you sit down. If something isn't safe for you, we'll tell you straight rather than guess.
Can I book for a big group or a private area?
Just email or ring the place you'd like to go. They'll give you the latest on what's available.
When are you open?
It depends on the venue and the day, and each venue page has its own times. The Pullman, The Ship Inn and Harbour Inn open at 10AM every day. They close at 11PM Monday to Thursday, midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 10PM on Sunday. Food's served Monday to Friday from 10AM (breakfast until 12, lunch 12–3, dinner 5–9, or 9:30 on Fridays), all day on Saturday and until 8PM on Sunday. Luben opens from 12 each day, and Panataria's open from 9:30AM to 4PM every day.
Is there parking?
There's street parking and public car parks near each of our places.
More questions? See the full FAQ or get in touch.
The Ship Inn · Sandgate · L&B