Booking Terms

Last updated: 2026

These booking terms apply to table bookings, Christmas bookings, event enquiries, wedding reception enquiries, private hire enquiries and motorhome or campervan stopover enquiries made through The Ship Inn website.

Booking Requests

Submitting a booking form or enquiry form does not automatically confirm your booking.

Your booking is only confirmed once The Ship Inn has contacted you and confirmed availability, date, time, guest numbers and any relevant booking conditions.

Table Bookings

For table bookings, please provide accurate details including your name, contact number, preferred date, time and number of guests.

If you are running late, please contact us as soon as possible. During busy periods, late arrival may reduce the time available at your table.

We reserve the right to release tables where guests arrive late and have not contacted the venue.

Table Time Limits

During busy periods, table times may be limited.

For standard dining bookings, table times may be around 2 hours unless otherwise agreed.

For larger groups, Christmas bookings or event bookings, table time will be confirmed by the team.

Larger Groups

Large group bookings may require confirmation by phone or email.

We may request pre-orders, deposits or additional information depending on the size and nature of the booking.

Christmas Bookings

Christmas bookings are not confirmed until The Ship Inn confirms availability, table time, deposit details and any pre-order requirements.

Christmas bookings may require:

Deposit payment
Menu pre-order
Final guest numbers
Dietary information
Arrival time confirmation
Table time confirmation

Christmas dates can be busy, so early enquiry is recommended.

Event and Private Hire Bookings

Wedding receptions, birthdays, baby showers, christenings, wakes, corporate events, Christmas parties and private hire bookings are subject to availability and venue approval.

No event is confirmed until all agreed booking conditions have been met.

This may include:

Deposit payment
Signed booking confirmation
Agreed food and drink requirements
Confirmed guest numbers
Agreed timings
Decoration approval
Entertainment approval
Final balance payment where applicable

Deposits and Payments

Deposits may be required for large tables, Christmas bookings, private hire, events and wedding receptions.

Deposit amounts, payment deadlines and cancellation terms will be confirmed before the booking is finalised.

Deposits may be non-refundable depending on the booking type, date, notice period and costs already incurred.

Cancellations and Changes

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your booking.

Changes to guest numbers, timings, menus or event requirements may affect availability, pricing or booking conditions.

For events, Christmas bookings and larger groups, cancellation terms will be confirmed as part of your booking.

Allergies and Dietary Requirements

Please tell us about allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements when booking and again when you arrive.

For events and group bookings, allergy and dietary information should be provided in advance.

We will do our best to help, but we cannot guarantee that any food or drink is completely free from traces of allergens.

Food businesses are legally required to provide allergen information and manage allergens effectively.

Alcohol and Licensing

The Ship Inn is a licensed premises.

Alcohol will not be sold to anyone under 18. Valid ID may be required.

Anyone who appears intoxicated, behaves aggressively or breaches venue rules may be refused service or asked to leave.

The UK government confirms it is illegal to sell alcohol to under-18s.

Decorations, Entertainment and External Suppliers

Decorations, entertainment, DJs, live music, cakes, florists, venue dressers or outside suppliers must be discussed and approved in advance.

We may refuse items that could cause damage, safety issues, licensing issues, cleaning problems or disruption.

Confetti, candles, smoke machines, glitter, wall fixings, open flames or large decorations must not be used unless approved in writing.

Damage and Behaviour

The person making the booking is responsible for ensuring guests behave appropriately.

The Ship Inn reserves the right to charge for damage caused by guests, suppliers or decorations.

We reserve the right to refuse service, stop an event or ask guests to leave where behaviour is unsafe, abusive, disruptive or in breach of licensing requirements.

Motorhome and Campervan Stopovers

Motorhome and campervan stopovers are by prior arrangement only.

A stopover is not confirmed unless approved by The Ship Inn.

Availability may depend on space, weather, private events, operational requirements and venue discretion.

No facilities, electric hook-up, waste disposal, showers or water supply should be assumed unless confirmed directly by the team.

Photography and Social Media

The Ship Inn may take photos or videos at public events for marketing purposes.

For private events, permission should be discussed in advance.

If you do not want yourself or your guests to appear in marketing images, please tell the team.

Force Majeure

The Ship Inn will not be liable for failure to fulfil a booking due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including severe weather, power failure, fire, flood, illness, licensing restrictions, supplier failure, emergency closure or other events outside our control.

Contact

For booking questions, contact:

The Ship Inn
6 Rosemary Lane
Downholland
Ormskirk
L39 7JP

Phone: 01704 336688