About Us
With its charming thatched roof and Grade II-listed status, The Ship is the quintessential Suffolk village pub. Part of Deben Inns since 2019, it blends historic character with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Originally known as The Musket, the pub has a colourful past — reportedly linked to the notorious Suffolk smuggler Margaret Catchpole. A hidden cupboard tucked beneath the eaves once served to conceal stolen goods, adding intrigue to its long history. Inside, low beams, coal fires, and traditional interiors create a cosy welcome in cooler months, while in summer the large enclosed beer garden comes alive. Children’s play equipment, pony parking, and nearby riverside walks make it a firm favourite for families, dog walkers, and equestrian visitors. Set in the peaceful village of Levington, near the River Orwell, The Ship is perfectly positioned with easy access to Felixstowe and Ipswich via the nearby A14. Despite its tucked-away feel, it remains deeply connected to the local community. The kitchen serves food all day, with seasonal specials with a modern twist, generous Sunday roasts, and the very popular Ship cold seafood platter. Local beers and spirits showcase the region, and buffet and function options make it ideal for celebrations of all kinds. The Ship is a pub where history, riverside charm, and everyday Suffolk life come together seamlessly.
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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