Food & Drink

The Old Ship

Reputed to be the oldest pub in South Shields, established around 1803. Originally a coaching inn on the road between Westoe and Sunderland, with an old mounting stone still outside the front entrance. Included in the South Tyneside Council local listing of significant heritage assets.

Sunderland Road, Westoe, South Shields, NE34 6NQ

About The Old Ship

The Old Ship is reputed to be the oldest public house in South Shields, built in 1803 and standing on Sunderland Road in Westoe. It originally served as a coaching inn on the road between Westoe and Sunderland, and an old mounting stone, once used by horsemen getting into the saddle, still stands outside the front entrance. A crest above the main door historically bore the date 1803, the builder's initials, and the motto "By hammer and hand all art doth stand", linked to a smithy behind the pub. The Old Ship is included in South Tyneside Council's local listing of significant heritage assets.

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Blog posts and guides that feature The Old Ship.

Oldest Pubs in South Shields

From a coaching inn established around 1803 to a Grade II listed Victorian gem on Fowler Street, here are the oldest and most historic pubs in South Shields.

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