The Ship Inn Pub in Macclesfield

Barlow Hill, Wincle, Danebridge, Macclesfield SK11 0QE

About This Pub

Oh, let me tell you about The Ship Inn – it's one of those places that just warms your cockles from the moment you step inside. Nestled in the picturesque Dane Valley, this traditional spot has been around since 1739, and you can really feel that history in its stone floors and crackling open fires. The food is where it shines brightest; I've heard rave reviews about their steak and ale pie and the salmon fillet, with portions so generous you'll be loosening your belt after. Pair that with a pint of real ale or something from their wide selection of drinks, and you're in for a treat. The staff, like Christine and James, are an absolute delight, always on hand to make sure everything's just right, whether you're dining in or enjoying the beer garden on a sunny afternoon. It's perfect for a post-walk lunch or a catch-up with mates, and being dog-friendly adds a nice touch for those countryside rambles. But, fair's fair, it's not without its quirks – the limited hours mean you might have to plan ahead, especially with closures on Mondays and Tuesdays, and it seems like it's not as active lately with fewer recent buzz. Still, if you're after an authentic, homely pub experience away from the hustle, this one's a winner that I'd happily recommend for a proper good time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The food is absolutely spot on – think hearty home-cooked meals like steak and ale pie or fresh salmon, with generous portions that leave you feeling satisfied and ready for a good chat.
It's got that warm, welcoming vibe with open fires, stone floors, and a cosy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home, especially on a chilly evening.
The location is a real treat, tucked away in the beautiful Cheshire countryside with stunning views and a lovely beer garden for sunny days out.
Staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, always quick with a smile and happy to look after you, making every visit feel personal and enjoyable.
They're super dog-friendly, which is brilliant if you're out for a walk and fancy a pit stop – just remember to check about the seating areas.

Cons

Opening hours can be a bit restrictive, with the place closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so it's not ideal if you're planning a spontaneous mid-week trip.
There haven't been many recent reviews, which might mean things have quieted down a touch, so it could feel less buzzing at times compared to busier spots.
A few minor gripes with some dishes, like the carrot cake being a bit crumbly, show that while the food's generally great, it's not perfect every time.
Being in a rural area, it might take a bit of effort to get to if you're not local, and the limited hours could make it tricky for last-minute plans.

Contact Information

Barlow Hill, Wincle, Danebridge, Macclesfield SK11 0QE

+441260227217

Pub

Hours not available

Opening Hours

Opening hours not available

Location

Recent Reviews

What a gem this place is!!! They had a party of 20 who were all eating and drinking outside, but they still managed to quickly seat us with a smile, the inside is clean and cozy and arranged well. We came for the steak and ale pie as we heard they were rather fantastic at this establishment, they weren't wrong. The pie itself was crunchy on the outside and stuffed with filling, the gravy is to absolutely die for, I could have drank a pint of it! Lovely selection of cask ales, the bitter was exceptional. All in all a great experience with quick service, friendly staff and great food. Bravo 👏

Joe Pickup

Terrific pub with a great atmosphere. Had lunch in a lovely sunny garden. The menu had some wonderful touches, and the food was beautifully presented. Christine looked after us in every way. Remember to check out the specials board, and take advantage of the specials deals - eg. Fish and chips Fridays.

Edward Osicki

Really enjoyed our three course meal at The Ship Inn. Stopped in Wincle for a bit of wandering. Recommend the Salt/Pepper Squid and Roasted Pepper starter & Salmon Filet for main. Generous portion sizes and still managed to squeeze pudding in too. Staff were very friendly and attentive. Would highly recommend 🍴

Julia Randle

Lovely service and great atmosphere with many friendly dogs around. The food looked really good and I had food envy of everything I saw brought to other tables. The carrot cake I think was gluten free and quite crumbly. Overall nice,but the sugar butter icing is never as good as cream cheese ones. The free ice cream on the side is a lovely touch.

S L

I just love this place. After a 2 hour walk on the Danebridge Forest Circular up to Lud’s church nothing beats a spot of lunch at the Ship Inn. The multi room layout, the beer garden (weather permitting - it didn’t), the stone flagged floor, the warm atmosphere and friendly and welcoming James. James couldn’t be more helpful and he told the story of the Queen Mother (not) visiting but hanging around the bar area all the same. The food ordered, it was not long before hot fresh dishes appeared. My dining companion opted for sausages and mash served in a delicious gravy. The 3 x sausages were wonderfully tasty (ok, they weren’t my order but I nicked half of one 😊). Having ummed and ahhd over which dish to plump for and, having conferred with James, I decided on the beef cobbler with suet pudding and winter vegetables served in a rich gravy. Good choice my son. My other consideration was fish & chips but decided I’d have those on a Friday when it is served with bread and butter and a pot of tea for a special Fish Friday price. Dedicated driver had 2 x pints of Diet Coke and co-diner had a glass of Pinot Grigio and the bill came to about £45. Not bad at all. The food, the decor, the atmosphere, the flagged floor, the welcome, the service and the food make this place a gem. Don’t tell anyone or you’ll never get a table 🤫 Thank you to all the Ship Inn team.

Romeo November Fox