MY PUB: The Ship, Bishop’s Sutton, Hampshire

Equally, a great drinks range complements the site, which sits in a rural area surrounded by farmers’ fields just off the A31.

Here, licensee Kelly Shaw tells The Morning Advertiser all about the Ship.

The pub

Set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, just outside Alresford, the Ship in Bishop’s Sutton is a beautifully restored 16th-century, Grade II-listed pub with a fresh perspective.

Following a full-scale refurbishment in early 2025, it is set to reopen on 19 August 2025 under new ownership with a mission to be both a relaxed neighbourhood hub and a considered dining destination.

Thoughtfully designed and reimagined, the Ship combines original period features, exposed beams, fireplaces and flagstone floors – with warm, modern touches that make it feel simultaneously timeless and contemporary.

The publican

I’m the driving force behind the Ship’s new era. While this is my first publican role, my eclectic background brings together a unique blend of hospitality passion and business acumen.

I began my career pulling pints in Winchester before moving into a decade-long career in global cybersecurity consulting, eventually pivoting into interior design.

My design ethos, centered on how places make people feel, runs through every detail of the pub. With my roots firmly in Hampshire, I took on the Ship in early 2025 as a passion project, combining a deep respect for village life with a bold new perspective and I have created a space that feels both authentic and new.

The trade

The Ship welcomes a broad mix of guests, from locals popping in for coffee or a pint after a dog walk, to destination diners seeking a relaxed but refined experience.

It’s an all-day pub in the truest sense: serving breakfast pastries and espresso in the morning, casual plates and lunches at midday and full dinner service into the evening.

While the pub leans into its countryside setting and village roots, beneath the rural charm lies a considered, design‑driven approach. Our focus is on comfort without compromise, elevated food, thoughtful drinks and heartfelt hospitality.

The team

I have pulled together a team that reflects my commitment to both character and quality.

At the helm of the kitchen is Tristan Lee, formerly chef‑owner of Restaurant Tristan in Horsham, West Sussex, which held a Michelin star for more than a decade. Known for his seasonal, produce-led cooking and attention to detail, Tristan brings fine-dining precision to a relaxed pub setting – creating dishes that are elegant, satisfying and full of flavour.

Front of house is led by Emma Riddell, an experienced hospitality professional with a calm, welcoming presence and a strong focus on customer experience. Under my leadership, the team has been carefully built around shared values – kindness, integrity, and pride in service. Ensuring that every guest is met with warmth and professionalism. Together, we deliver not just a meal or a pint, but a genuine experience.

The drink

The bar programme at the Ship is compact, well‑curated and intentional. Wines are selected for sustainability and taste – organic, biodynamic or low-intervention.

The beer taps feature local brews from Hampshire and surrounding counties. There’s also a strong low & no offering, including grown-up softs and alcohol-free beer and cider.

Every element of the drinks list is built around balance and breadth, reflecting my belief that a good pub should cater to everyone – whether you’re having a quiet pint or a pre-dinner Martini.

The food

The kitchen delivers food that is flavour-forward, seasonal and deeply satisfying. The menus rotate frequently, responding to what’s fresh and available.

Highlights include pork belly scratchings with mushroom ketchup, pan-fried trout with roasted shallots, bacon and watercress, and pork schnitzel served with samphire and fennel remoulade.

There’s a strong commitment to honest, ingredient-led cooking that’s accessible but elevated.

Desserts like lemon meringue pie or a silky chocolate mousse are as considered as the mains. Even the kids’ menu gets the same attention, offering scaled-down versions of signature dishes, rather than generic fare.

The events

The Ship is home to a growing roster of events and experiences, built around its unique spaces. Every Sunday, we host The Sunday Table, a three-course shared lunch that invites guests to dine together, fostering connection and conversation.

Beyond that, The Ship Studio, a converted stable outbuilding, is available for private hire, creative workshops, supper clubs and small gatherings. Equipped with its own coffee bar, it doubles as a serene daytime space for co-working or casual meetups. With a dedicated events brochure, we are positioning ourselves as both a vibrant pub and a versatile venue.

The future

The pub’s official reopening on 19 August is just the beginning. We have plans to deepen our seasonal offering, expanding the workshop and events programme, building the Ship into a regional favourite – not just a local gem.

We have a long-term vision to create a brand of hospitality rooted in emotion, experience and community, blending my background in design with the practicalities of day-to-day pub life.

A creative spin-off isn’t off the table either. Though, for now, the focus remains firmly on making the Ship the most welcoming pub in Hampshire.