The Ship Inn Wincle: Charming rural pub near Macclesfield wins award
By Alex Greensmith
11th Jul 2024 | Advertisement Features
A local pub has been named 'Newcomer of the Year' at an awards hosted by Greater Manchester brewery JW Lees.
The Ship Inn, Barlow Hill, Wincle, scooped the prize at the awards in Wilmslow last week, beating competition from three other venues.
Macclesfield Nub News went to meet front of house Christine and chef James (also known as Jim), for a chat about The Ship Inn becoming the JW Lees Newcomer of the Year 2024.
They also sponsor Macclesfield Nub News.
"The Ship Inn in Wincle is a beautiful little country pub", said Christine.
"We serve excellent home cooked cuisine, and excellent beer.
"We have a fantastic team and we provide top notch customer service, so the overall package.
"Just being nominated, even invited to an event like that is something we have never done.
"We were made to feel so special as well. Being nominated so soon after taking over a pub is just such a massive achievement.
"And then the fact that we won as well, is even better."
"There were four pubs in the category including us," said Jim.
"First and foremost we'd like to thank the staff, we wouldn't be able to do without the staff, past and present," said a grateful Christine.
"Thank you to our fabulous customers, we could not have done it without you as well.
"And also to thank JW Lees who have given us this massive opportunity in this beautiful pub."
Indeed, the Middleton brewery has supported Christine and Jim's desired improvements to the pub, from sleek new signage to a new carpark next to their 'fairy-like' beer garden.
"They have been very good for a good-sized pub company," told Jim.
"It is not all about bottom line with JW Lees, but with them it is. They are quite old-school, and do actually look after people, which is a breath of fresh air."
"The pub has been decorated, it has got nice new signage. JW Lees paid for the carpark to be all tarmac and lined, which helps because not everyone wants to walk up a steep hill."
"It was nerve-wracking hearing your name being called out and then everyone deadly silent waiting to know the winner out," recalled Christine.
"When they called our name out I was like 'Oh my gosh, yes, we've done it'!"
This latest award follows a Travellers' Choice Award they received from TripAdvisor last year.
The Ship Inn is included within the 'Top 10 Restaurants in Macclesfield', according to TripAdvisor.
"We get a lot of people coming over from Macclesfield now, because we are now in the top 10 on TripAdvisor," added Jim.
"It has taken us a while to get in there, but people start to look at destination pubs when you are in the top ten."
Their menu spans pub classics, with Jim particularly taking pride in his pies. Characterful highlights of the menu include West Indian Jerk Chicken, to a Greek-inspired burger.
They have soup, pasta and humous of the day. Plus, they do traditional Sunday roasts from £16.50.
Other foodie events throughout the week include 'Fish Friday', from £10.95, and Steak Night every Thursday evening from £39.95.
You can browse the full pub grub menu HERE.
And for Jim, the pub's improvements have not stopped yet.
"Going forward, we are looking at doing some sort of deli, so people renting holiday accommodation round here can buy our food, take it home and throw it into the oven," he said.
"Christine is also looking at organising a Caribbean night this September."
A quiz night is touted to be introduced soon too.
The couple boast over 60 combined years in the hospitality industry, but The Ship Inn tops their lists of their favourite places to work.
"This has probably got to be one of the best places I have worked," proclaimed Christine.
"When we first got here, the welcome we received from the locals was amazing.
"I was really taken aback with cards, gifts, that sort of thing it was lovely.
"The whole time we have been here, the support we have received from the community has been amazing."
The pub dates back to 1739, with Christine and Jim determined to uphold the pub's traditional values.
The Ship Inn is one of the major pillars of the parish of Wincle, along with a brewery (just down the road), a school and a church.
The area is also known for fishing and walking, being situated near the gorgeous Dane Valley.
"We get people coming from quite far, it is a tourist spot we get a lot of walkers," explained Christine.
"Overall, the whole experience running The Ship [Inn] has been amazing, beautiful. Thank you."
The pub is dog friendly, and has a kids menu too. They serve both lunch and dinner, however, please note the kitchen closes for a few hours in the mid-to-late afternoon. And with the pubs booming popularity, it is recommended that you book a table to avoid disappointment.
Macclesfield: You can make a booking on THIS LINK or by calling 01260 227217.
The award comes shortly after the new publicans celebrated their one-year anniversary at the pub.
You can read our previous articles with The Ship Inn HERE and HERE.
Click HERE to follow The Ship Inn on Facebook.
The Ship Inn Wincle sponsor Macclesfield Nub News. We are grateful for their support, please consider supporting them in return.
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