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The Ship in Grays, Essex, has been transformed following our £400,000 investment, which introduces new Publican, Sam Foster to the helm.

The major renovation has created a more family-oriented pub. Works have included a full internal refurbishment to create a new contemporary feel and making the large pub trading space much more appealing. There are clearly defined bar and lounge areas that can be sectioned off for family and community functions if needed. The Ship also boasts a fantastic outdoor space with a covered smoking shelter, plenty of benched seating and umbrellas on the grassed area for customers to sit out on those sunny days.

Publican Sam is well known in the area having lived and worked in other pubs in the area for 27 years. Sam is passionate about great hospitality and is focussed on building the business at the Ship to create a central hub for the community. Speaking about the investment she said “I’m really excited about the pub. The project at the Ship is the perfect opportunity to bring new life to the pub. I’m lucky to have the backing of my family and great friends supporting this venture and I’m looking forward to the partnership with Punch and growing the business together!”.

The Ship will now offer an extensive range of cask, craft and world beers as well as premium spirits and a gin menu. A new food menu has been introduced which includes sharing platters and burgers alongside traditional pub favourites. The pub will host all the key sporting events throughout the year, whilst also providing weekend entertainment from daytime family activities to a pub quiz and live entertainment in the evenings.

Punch’s Managing Director, Andy Spencer, said, ‘’This is a significant investment by Punch in a great community pub and we are pleased with the new look created. With Sam at the helm, we are confident that The Ship will go from strength to strength operating at the very heart of the community it serves.”

Punch owns and operates 1300 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales and is investing £32 million in its pub estate in the next year with the right Publicans running their pubs.

Photos: Ship New Look Exterior
Photos: New Publicans Sam and Nigel

Address: The Ship, Dock Road, Little Thurrock RM17 6EX
Website: https://ourlocal.pub/pubs/ship-little-thurrock/
Social: https://www.facebook.com/Theshiplittlethurrock/

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