61 Bridge St · Milford, NJ · Est. 1985
New Jersey's Original
Craft Brewpub
A proper British pub on the banks of the Delaware River. Cask-conditioned ales brewed on-site. Traditional pub fare made with locally sourced ingredients. The place that started New Jersey's craft beer scene — one imperial pint at a time.
January 3, 1995 · NJ's First Craft Tap Handle · Hand-pumped cask ales · Family-friendly
Real Ale on the Hand Pump
Cask-conditioned English-style ales served at cellar temperature via hand pump — lower carbonation, fuller flavour, brewed right here on the premises.
An 1879 Victorian Building
Tin ceilings, exposed brick, dark timber and nautical memorabilia. A building with stories to tell — including a speakeasy past during Prohibition.
Traditional British Pub Fare
Fish & chips, Scotch eggs, Cornish pasties, shepherd's pie and cottage pie — British classics made with locally sourced, often organic ingredients.
On the Delaware River
Overlooking a picturesque millrace in the heart of historic Milford, just steps from the bridge to Pennsylvania and the scenic Delaware River.
Our Story
The Pub That Started It All
In 1985, Ann and David Hall opened the Ship Inn as a British pub in the little river town of Milford. On January 3, 1995, Mayor Ron Rehl pulled the first ever craft tap handle in New Jersey history — an imperial pint of cask-conditioned Best Bitter. For a time, the Ship Inn was the only brewery in the entire state.
Today the tradition continues under Descendants Brewing Company at the Old Ship Inn, honouring the Hall family legacy while writing the next chapter.
Read the full story →1995
Year NJ's first craft beer was poured
#1
First craft brewery in New Jersey
1879
Year the Victorian building was constructed
7bbl
Authentic English Peter Austin brew system
Ales on the Hand Pump
Best Bitter
Cask Conditioned · Hand Pump
The house classic since opening day 1995. Buttery, lemon-touched, dry finish. A textbook English bitter served as it should be.
Extra Special Bitter
ESB · English Style
Fuller-bodied and Cascade-hopped. Grapefruit rind, rye-pumpernickel toasting and a creamy, lingering finish.
Randy's Panhead Porter
English Porter · Cask
Dark, rich and sessionable. Black chocolate, coffee roast and hop char — one of the inn's most celebrated beers.
Session Ale
Golden · Easy-drinking
Floral hops, soft grapefruit and a clean, light body. The approachable entry point — perfect with fish and chips.
4–6 ales rotating on tap · Seasonal specials brewed throughout the year
Hours
| Monday – Thursday | 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm+ |
| Friday | Noon – 12:00 am+ |
| Saturday | Noon – 12:00 am+ |
| Sunday | 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm+ |
Happy Hour Mon–Thu 4–6 pm · House taps, wine & small bites
Plan Your Visit
Address
61 Bridge Street, Milford, NJ 08848
Phone
(908) 995-0188
Reservations
Walk-ins welcome. For large parties and events please call ahead.
Parking
Street parking on Bridge Street and nearby public lots.
Read what our guests say about us
★ Read our reviews on Yelp