No.38 - The Ship, Levington, Suffolk

Saturday 28th May, 2011 - A beer bike ride to Trimley.
Having not ridden a bike for some time, the thought of a 12 mile bike ride seemed a little daunting, and a little bit crazy, but with a beer festival awaiting us at the finish line, it was too tempting to turn down. So at midday, myself and Mr.Carl Day were dropped off at The Red Lion in Martlesham where we met our bike ride organiser and map extraordinaire, Mr. Andrew Barton. However, before we started the bike ride, we kicked off with a pint of Adnams Bitter!
We left the Red Lion at about 12.45 and rode up the hill to The Black Tiles. I must admit the old ticker was doing 10 to the dozen at this point, but another half Bitter sorted me out. The next stop was The Bell Inn at Kesgrave, where unfortunately although ordering 3 pints of Adnams we were actually served 3 rather vinegery tasting IPA's. Nevermind, The Shephard and Dog was next which is where we picked up our final member of the ride, Mr. Adrian Pilcher. The munchies had now kicked in so after burgers all round, and another Adnams, we saddled up at about 3.00pm and made our way to the main pub stop of the ride, The Ship at Levington.
I must admit that I have frequented The Ship a number of times but this was my first visit since Adnams had taken over the pub back in late 2010. The historic 13th century, former smugglers inn, is positioned right next door to the Levington church. It sits very close to the Orwell estuary and perhaps because of this, and possibly because its called The Ship, it has a very nautical theme! As proved here by Mr. Day !
As you enter the pub, the well stocked bar appears right in front of you with its nice decorative touches.

All the beer barrels are on show behind the bar, and the beer is very well cellared and conditioned. It's actually a nice touch to see your pint being poured straight from the barrel in front of you, somehow makes it taste even nicer. Broadside, Bitter and Explorer were all available so it was Explorer's all round. In fact we ordered 5 pints between us so that we could claim our free limited edition T-Shirt - well Adrian ordered the 5 pints. Good work fella! The log fire, which obviously wasn't alight today, I would imagine is also a very welcoming sight during the winter. It was huge ! In fact back in 2003 the pub was refurbished after a fire totally gutted the place. Before this fire, rumour has it that, the roof was actually made from an upside down Viking Ship which was found out in the Orwell estuary flats. Anyone remember that ?

Time was pushing on and we had a beer fest to cycle to. We were now only about 2 miles away and with it being about 4.00pm, we had to make tracks. We supped up and got some other 'bikers' to do the honours for a quick group photo. You'll be glad to hear that we made it safely to the beer fest at Trimley for 4.40ish where we met up with our ladies and little ones and managed to spend a few hours drinking some weird and wonderful local brews. At 7pm it was time to go after what had been a cracking day spent with some fine fellows. Rumour has it there could be another ride organised for later in the summer. Hmm, there's a few Adnams on the list Norfolk way Mr. Barton!