About Us
Located in the small village of Levington, hidden next to St Peter’s church, on a vantage point overlooking the Orwell River, lies the Ship Inn. The Grade 2 listed building dates back as far as the 14 century, had its first license granted in 1712. Originally named The Musket, the pub supposedly had links to infamous smuggler Margaret Catchpole and had a secret cupboard under the eaves for where smugglers could hide their goods. The pubs exterior has colourful hanging baskets and a classic thatched roof. As you enter the building the you are greeted with the beautiful low ceilings and original beams as well as the warmth from the log burner, the restaurant has sailing ships across the walls and the bar has an excellent choice on wines and spirits. The menu is full of locally sourced produce with seasonal delights across the specials.
JOIN OUR TEAM
At Deben Inns we pride ourselves in the quality of food, drink and above all, service we deliver to our customers.
Our venues enjoy high accolade from our patrons and are appreciated as some of the best public houses and restaurants in Suffolk. With Seven venues within the Deben Inns group, there are always opportunities for hard-working, ambitious and motivated staff in all areas including:
Waiting, Bar and Kitchen Staff, Chefs and many more …
DEBEN INNS BLOG
At The Ship, we’re proud to be part of the Deben Inns family — a group of welcoming pubs and restaurants across Suffolk, each with its own character, charm, and story to tell.
The Deben Inns Blog is where we share everything that makes our inns special — from seasonal menu launches and chef features to local events, community stories, and behind-the-scenes updates from our teams. It’s also the perfect place to keep up to date with what’s happening across all of our venues, including The Fox, The Maybush, The Wilford bridge, and of course, here at The Ship.
Whether you’re looking for foodie inspiration, updates on upcoming events, or just a glimpse into life at Deben Inns, you’ll find plenty to explore.
Behind the Scenes at Deben Inns
Team Days Out & Training
At Deben Inns, we believe great pubs start with great people. That’s why we invest in more than just skills—we build a community. From team-building adventures to hands-on training sessions, our staff days out are a big part of what makes the Deben Inns family so special. Whether it’s mastering the perfect pour, exploring new menu ideas, or just enjoying a well-earned day out with colleagues, our team is always learning, growing, and having fun together. Take a peek behind the scenes and see what our amazing teams get up to when they’re not behind the bar or in the kitchen. Because happy teams make happy customers—and that’s what we’re all about.
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