The Old Ship in the Press

The Ship was mentioned again, as a lucky dip in The Good Pub Guide 2008

"Cheerful, local atmosphere, friendly staff, enjoyable generous food, changing real ales including Banks's, and Pedigree, warm woodburner".

Daily Post January 2008 - "Ancient Inn with a warm welcome"

"The Old Ship has been a part of village life in Trefriw for the past two centuries, and continues to play a central role, welcoming tourists and locals alike with equal sincerity. To step inside feels almost akin to walking into a traditional, warm Welsh farmhouse. Greeted by a crackling log fire in the inglenook fireplace draws one into a state of blissful inertia. Then theres the home cooking, using as much local produce as possible......including the classic and popular Welsh shoulder of lamb! The specials board could also well include braised rabbit, grey mullet, shepherds pie, or smoked haddock. And in the summer the patrons throng to the waterside patio and beer garden."

From "Good Pub Food"

Award-winning chef Rhian Barlow, previously in this Guide as cook at another Welsh pub, took over the Old Ship in 1999 and has worked hard to turn it into a traditional real ale and good food house. Using as much local produce as possible, including fine bangers from the butcher opposite, she prepares all the food herself. She even makes her own pickles and chutneys- a feature of the ploughman's alongside her favourite Welsh cheese, Goran Glas from Anglesey.

Examples from the specials board might be braised rabbit with prunes and Conwy beer - she uses lots of ale in cooking - grey mullet on garlic mash with mussel stew, cheese-topped shepherd's pie with oven roasted veg, or vegetable dauphinoise with salad, £7.50 - £9.95. The evening menue offers starters such as home-made soup, smoked haddock with prawns or feta and olive salad, £3.20 - £4.50. Main courses include pepperhot beef with ginger, half a shoulder of Welsh lamb baked with redcurrants and rosemary, salmon with Welsh mustard sauce or spinach tortellini in mushroom and red pepper sauce, £7.95 to £12.95 including vegetables. Home-made puds at £3.70 could be bara brith butter pudding, raspberry brûlée, chocolate truffle torte or citrus cheesecake with kumquats.

From the "Good Beer Guide 2007"

Formely a 16th-century customs house, now a busy village local. The small bar serves a cosy L-shaped lounge with an open fire and pictures of historical and nautical interest. The no-smoking dining room has an inglenook. This genuine free house serves a good range of guest beers and tasty home-cooked food.

From the "Good Pub Guide 2006", in the lucky Dip section

Friendly local atmosphere, enjoyable generous food, well kept Bank's Marson Pedigree and guest beers.