The Ship Inn

About

The Ship Inn at Elie in Fife has long been one of Scotland's most iconic pubs, famous for its great views, stunning location, and even as the only pub in the world to have a cricket team with a pitch on the beach. The owners, Graham and Rachel Bucknall, who also run the Bridge Inn at Ratho (named as AA Pub of the Year in September 2014) purchased the Ship Inn, a pub they both knew very well, in late 2014. After a major 6-month renovation programme, they re-opened a transformed Ship Inn in the summer of 2015. 6 beautiful bedrooms were opened in March 2016. The inn is part of a row of old cottages by the harbour. At its heart is the bar where the comfy chairs and sofas beside the open fires and wood-burning stoves make a welcome sight, especially when it's windy and rainy outside. You are more than welcome just to call in for a coffee, but it's worth stopping longer for a pint, a whisky or a meal in the upstairs restaurant with its views of the bay. The same menu is offered throughout the inn - and if you have your dog with you, he or she is very welcome to join you downstairs - water, treats and even dog beds are provided. The food is of the hearty pub variety, but seafood, locally caught, is high on the menu. Graham and Rachel have also created delightful double and twin bedrooms, all with views of Elie Bay and the Firth of Forth. The Ship Inn is unique in the fact that it has the only cricket team in the UK that plays matches on the beach. From May to September, depending on the tide and after the sand has been rolled flat, the Ship's team hosts matches for other Scottish teams and touring teams from all over the world.

At a glance

• Verified listing
• Typical visit: about 1 hour