The Old Ship Aground, a storied pub located on Minehead’s Quay Street and a cherished stop along the South West Coast Path, is poised for significant refurbishment pending approval. Operating under Hall & Woodhouse, the Grade II listed building has been a fixture in the Somerset coastal community since the 1880s and now faces a comprehensive upgrade designed to enhance both its charm and practicality.
Situated closest to Minehead Harbour, the pub serves as a popular rest point for walkers tackling the South West Coast Path, with the next nearest pub, The Bottom Ship at Porlock Weir, nearly nine miles away. The planned renovations aim to preserve the pub’s historic character while modernizing key facilities.
Proposals include extending the cellar with new doors and timber cladding, removing an outdated metal staircase, and installing new air conditioning systems. The entire exterior will be refreshed with a more subtle, muted color palette, complemented by restored windows and refurbished doors.
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Inside, the ground floor pub and hotel layout will remain largely the same, but bathrooms will be upgraded with new tiling and lighting, complemented by fresh panels and flooring throughout. The bar areas will receive a meticulous overhaul, including relocating beer mats from the beams to the ceiling to enhance the space’s aesthetic.
Additional improvements include installing new flooring on the upper floors, updating en-suite rooms with modern tiling, and adding acoustic underlaying to improve guests’ comfort and experience. According to Planning Potential, representing Hall & Woodhouse, these updates are essential to revitalizing the pub and boosting customer satisfaction, particularly in the hotel rooms.
The refurbishment is also expected to increase visitor numbers, enhancing revenue streams while maintaining the pub’s distinctive identity in harmony with its historic surroundings. The cellar extension specifically aims to improve operational functionality and support business growth.
Minehead Town Council has welcomed the proposed investment, emphasizing the importance of such an enhancement to a high-profile town landmark. Somerset Council is scheduled to deliver a decision on the planning application by late summer, which will determine the future shape of this beloved coastal pub.