Pub of the Week: Ship & Trades, Chatham Maritime

The Ship & Trades is a stunning waterfront bar, restaurant and hotel in Chatham’s Marina. The building, which dates to 1875, once formed part of the Royal Naval Dockyard offices, but is now home to a completely transformed contemporary bar, restaurant and hotel.

Building on the success of last year when manager Paul Brown was named ‘Manager of the Year’ at the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards, the team as a whole were recognised this year, receiving ‘Managed Business of the Year’. The award recognises their dedicated and passionate approach, and exceptional standards.

Inside, there is a comfortable lounge bar, cosy snugs, and a separate restaurant, all with modern furnishings and decorated with images of boats, maps and rope work, celebrating the area’s nautical heritage. In addition there are 15 beautiful bedrooms, some of which benefit from spacious waterfront balconies offering breath-taking views over the marina. 

The ground floor restaurant, with floor to ceiling glass walls, provides wonderful views across the River Medway, making it a truly unique place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. For warmer days, there is also a waterside terrace, with heating and covered areas. 

On the menu you’ll find a full range of modern dishes and traditional favourites, all freshly-prepared using the best local and seasonal produce. Enjoy a prime steak from the chargrill, gourmet burger, stone-baked pizza, or your favourite pub classic. There are also lighter bites and sandwiches, and a children’s menu.

On the bar you will find a choice of quality cask ales, international lagers and carefully-selected new world wines.

The Ship & Trades is ideally situated for a trip to the Historic Dockyard or a day’s shopping in the nearby Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre.

The team are now taking bookings for Christmas.

To find out more, visit the pub’s website, find them on Facebook, or give one of the team a call on 01634 895 200.  You can also join their Birthday Club, and receive a free meal on your birthday, every year!