A grade II-listed pub which dates back to the 1700s and is a "pilgrimage spot for folk music enthusiasts" is seeking new tenants.

The Ship Inn in School Road in Blaxhall, near Woodbridge, is seeking someone to take over a 'free of tie' lease as the current landlord, Terry Davey, is looking to step back at 80 years old.

The pub, which is available on a lease of about £35,000 with Everard Cole, is a traditional Suffolk free house dating back to the 1700s and features in many local tales and folk songs, such as George Ewart Evans' famous book about rural life ‘Ask the Fellows Who Cut the Hay’. 

The pub had a traditional interior that has been recently modernised and refurbished The pub had a traditional interior that has been recently modernised and refurbished (Image: Everard Cole)

Mr Davey, who has owned The Ship Inn for the last 17 years, said he was able to save the pub from developers in 2007 by paying them off. 

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The eccentric landlord has since employed live-in managers.

Mr Davey is now looking for tenants to take over the pub after its recent refurbishment and "to capitalise on the Ship's popularity in the area".

He said: "It is intended for the Ship to remain unspoiled and a welcoming venue for music and performance of all kinds."

Mr Davey described the venue as a "pilgrimage spot for folk music enthusiasts".

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The owner added: "We are looking for an experienced operator to carry on the Ship's popularity and rich social history in this premium holiday destination."

The pubs outdoor space is perfect for summer days and music eventsThe pubs outdoor space is perfect for summer days and music events (Image: Everard Cole)
The pub has two bar areas, a commercial kitchen, a patio and a beer garden, as well as eight en-suite letting rooms and residential accommodation above the pub.

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The pub currently sells homemade food, such as fresh seafood from the nearby Suffolk coast at Aldeburgh and Lowestoft.The pub currently sells homemade food, such as fresh seafood from the nearby Suffolk coast at Aldeburgh (Image: Everard Cole)

There is also a range of fixed and loose seating spaces totalling over 60 covers. 

A dedicated car park out is out the front.

The pub's dedicated car park can fit over 25 carsThe pub's dedicated car park can fit more than 25 cars (Image: Everard Cole)