From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Keith Hunt, 11 June 2018.

Former Rainham restaurant boss takes over the helm at the Ship Inn in Conyer.

A well-known former Towns’ restaurant boss has taken over a business in neighbouring Swale.

Damon Dalmedo ran The Barn in Lower Rainham for 15 years.

He is now revamping the Ship Inn by the creek at Conyer, a hamlet between Faversham and Sittingbourne.

New Ship "skipper" Damon Dalmedo.

After leaving the 17th century Barn, Damon took time out with his family and did some freelance work.

He said: “It is a new venture its a complete new concept of food and service, it is contemporary dining, I’m really excited.”

The 44-year-old was called on to help out at the 18th century Ship by his ex-restaurant manager.

The dad put his culinary skills to good use in the kitchen and was then asked to take over the pub by owner Simon Smedley.

He will be assisted by fellow chef Barry Coppins, who served his apprenticeship at the pub, gained further experience elsewhere and has now returned.

Damon will also have help from his wife Sarah and has brought in his accountant Paul Coleman as a partner.

“With his accountancy brain and my experience in the industry we are a really good marriage,” he says.

“We haven’t got any rules and regulations.

"It is down to the public. It is a case of giving people what they want.

“We will have a varied menu. The classic will stay on the board. There will be a seasonal menu which we will change on a week to week basis. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity at The Ship. I think I have one more in me!”

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Megan Carr, 6 January 2024.

Ship Inn at Conyer on the market after sudden closure.

A family-run pub which mysteriously closed has been put on the market for nearly £600,000.

Leisure property specialist Fleurets has revealed that the Ship Inn at Conyer, near Teynham, has been put up for sale by private clients after its lease came to an end.

Last month, a notice from owners Swale Marina appeared on the door of the freehouse announcing it had ceased trading.

The 18th-century pub was once a popular place for customers to eat and drink near the water at Conyer Creek on the Saxon Shore Way between Sittingbourne and Faversham.

Events were being promoted on the Ship’s Facebook page right up until its closure – including a 1980s karaoke night on November 25 – but there was no announcement about the pub ceasing trade.

Both Swale Marina and the Ship Inn were contacted for comment but neither have responded.

The freehold of the property is on the market at a guide price of £595,000.

Fleurets is advertising the listing as “boasting a unique rural village setting” that is “a favourite and special pub in the area”.

It has been fully refurbished and is described as being “well presented throughout” and “rewarding customers with views over the Swale Marina and creek”.

The refurb saw the dining areas extended and the kitchen upgraded.

A Fleurets spokesman added: “This has increased the trading potential meaning there is very little need for any further investment.

“This is a fantastic, unique opportunity to continue successfully serving the local communities, as well as customers from further afield drawn to this lovely unspoilt coastal area, whether by land or water.”

Inside the Ship Inn at Conyer. Picture: Fleurets.

In addition to the trade areas, there is also owner’s living accommodation complete with a double bedroom.

Simon Bland, senior associate for Fleurets, added: “I’m super pleased to be handling the sale of the Ship Inn.

“In my view, it is quite simply one of the best privately owned free houses in Kent and utterly unique both in its setting and character.

“We’re expecting plenty of inquiries and looking forward to finding a great new owner for it – no doubt they will have fallen in love!”

The pub was once a landing post for smugglers as it was an ideal place for dropping off contraband due to its remote location.

The Ship Inn, which was originally a bakery and blacksmith, then became an alehouse in 1802.

Viewings are by appointment through Fleurets. Call 0207 280 4700 or email london@fleurets.com.

From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Elli Hodgson, 5 September 2024.

Ship Inn at Conyer to reopen nine months after sudden closure.

A family-run pub which mysteriously closed is set to reopen after nine months vacant.

The Ship Inn at Conyer Creek on the Saxon Shore Way between Sittingbourne and Faversham, will be opening its doors again this month.

The Ship Inn at Conyer will reopen this September. Picture: Harry Roberts.

The 18th-century free house shut in December unexpectedly but has now been taken on by first-time landlord Harry Roberts, who has worked in the hospitality industry for a decade.

He said: “The pub should be up and running in a couple of weeks – and definitely this month.

“We’re excited to see the locals and I look forward to seeing them and meeting and giving them their space back where they can all meet up together.”

After getting the keys four weeks ago, the 28-year-old says the pub has been undergoing a cellar refit, but the building is in “beautiful condition”.

He now plans to bring in chefs with Michelin star experience, with a focus on “locally sourced food”.

Harry Roberts, 28, is the new landlord of the Ship Inn Conyer. Picture: Harry Roberts.

Before taking on this new challenge, Harry worked as both a chef, front-of-house and a manager for various pubs in the county, such as the "New Inn," Sandwich.

“I thought the next step was to take on my own pub,” he added.

The landlord, who lives in Faversham, now looks forward to welcoming punters back.

He said: “Everyone’s been very supportive, so we just want to get the balance right for the community.”

Inside the new-look Ship Inn at Conyer which is reopening this month.

The Ship Inn Conyer closed suddenly in December 2023, despite promoting events up until its closure.

The freehold of the property later went on the market at a guide price of £595,000.

The pub was once a landing post for smugglers as it was an ideal place for dropping off contraband due to its remote location.

The Ship Inn, which was originally a bakery and blacksmiths, then became an alehouse in 1802.