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.

The bar at The Ship Inn, Sandgate: beer taps in front of a back bar of bottles and a chalkboard of drinks
The Ship Inn roundel
Recommended

2026

The Ship Inn

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.

  1. StreetSandgate High Street

    Walk in off the High Street, or off the bus from Folkestone.

  2. BarThe old pub bar

    Cosy wood, seaside pictures on the walls and a warm welcome.

  3. RestaurantTables with a sea view

    Tasty pub food, a pint and a lovely view of the sea.

  4. DeckUpstairs, outside

    Our upstairs deck, perfect on a sunny day.

  5. ShoreThe pebble beach

    Just across the road. Great for a walk before or after your meal.

The Ship Inn frontage on Sandgate High StreetA window corner table at The Ship InnBeer taps on the bar at The Ship Inn

Tide table

What’s on

We have regular quiz nights and live music from time to time.

WhenWhat’s on
MidweekA relaxed supper
Quiz nightsRegular, and everyone’s welcome
Live musicNow and then, so keep an eye out
SaturdaySeafood, pints and a lively room
SundayA proper Sunday roast with a sea view

Opening & food times

DayOpenBreakfastLunchDinner
Monday10AM–11PM10AM–1212–3PM5–9PM
Tuesday10AM–11PM10AM–1212–3PM5–9PM
Wednesday10AM–11PM10AM–1212–3PM5–9PM
Thursday10AM–11PM10AM–1212–3PM5–9PM
Friday10AM–midnight10AM–1212–3PM5–9:30PM
Saturday10AM–midnightFood served all day
Sunday10AM–10PMFood all day until 8PM

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.

Book a table →

All our venues on the map

  1. 1The PullmanFolkestone town centreGoogle Maps ↗
  2. 2The Ship InnSandgateGoogle Maps ↗
  3. 3The Harbour InnFolkestone harbourGoogle Maps ↗
  4. 4The Cat & FiddleFolkestoneGoogle Maps ↗
  5. 5PanatariaFolkestoneGoogle Maps ↗
  6. 6LubenFolkestoneGoogle Maps ↗
  7. 7The London & Paris HotelFolkestoneGoogle Maps ↗
  8. 8UnionFolkestone · opening soon

What people say

The Ship Inn: good to know

Where is the Ship Inn?

Sandgate, 65 Sandgate High Street, CT20 3AH. Not on Folkestone harbour. The Harbour Inn is the one on Harbour Street.

Do I need to book a table?

For food at the weekend, a Sunday roast, or more than four of you: yes. Use Book a table at the top of the site. Midweek drinks at the bar, often no. Walk-ins are fine when there is space. We will not invent a table that is not there.

Do you take walk-ins?

Yes when there is a table. No when there is not. Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday lunch are the ones to book.

Do you serve sunday roast?

Yes at The Pullman, The Harbour Inn and The Ship Inn.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, in Panataria, the bar at The Pullman, The Harbour Inn, The Ship Inn and The Cat & Fiddle. Luben has no bar, so dogs are not allowed inside. Keep them on a lead, off seats and away from the kitchen pass. If the room is packed we may ask you to wait outside or come back.

Can I bring children?

Yes. High chairs where we have them. Luben is built for it. Last food orders still stand. Buggies in a packed bar are a squeeze, if you can leave it folded, do.

What if I have an allergy?

Tell us when you book and again when you sit down. We will be honest if something is not safe rather than guess.

Can I book a large group or a private area?

Email the relevant location or ring them up and they'll be able to provide you with up-to-date information.

What are your opening hours?

They differ by venue and by day, and each venue page lists its times. The Pullman, The Ship Inn and The Harbour Inn are open from 10AM every day, until 11PM Monday to Thursday, midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 10PM on Sunday. Food is 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 from 9:30AM to 4PM daily.

Is there parking?

Street and public car parks near each venue.

More questions? See the full FAQ or get in touch.

The Ship Inn roundel

The Ship Inn · Sandgate · L&B