AN island community has welcomed the re-opening of an historic pub and restaurant.


The King Alfred, on Walney, has opened its doors again under new ownership.

The elevated Ocean Road venue had been shut as a business for some 10 months, since the Indian Kitchen ceased trading there in January. Enterprise Inns then put the vacant building on the market for £295,000.

The Mulgrew family, from South End Caravan Park, on Walney, bought the impressive Victorian building and reinstated its original name.

They quietly opened the pub and restaurant last Thursday evening and have enjoyed busy trade since.

The business has seven staff, including chefs Chris McDonald and Nathan List, who are creating dishes for the meals menu and a Christmas menu.
Daniel Mulgrew and Rebekah Mulgrew. LINDSEY DICKINGS

The upstairs of the building is being converted into a 10-bedroom hotel. This element of the business is due to open in March or April. Mike Mulgrew and his family are delighted to be bringing back a popular pub which has been in the community for decades.

Mr Mulgrew said: “We had a very busy first weekend.

“It’s been great, we are getting very good feedback.

“People are enjoying coming to The King Alfred and people are really enjoying the food.

“They are telling us that it is brilliant to have the pub and restaurant open again and how much they have missed it.” Mr Mulgrew said they wanted to create a traditional pub and restaurant and they don’t intend to have TVs showing sport.

The pub is taking Christmas menu bookings for now, Christmas week and the new year. There are plans to arrange some live entertainment events.

The King Alfred Bowling Club have stayed on as tenants at the bowling green on the site.

When was the pub built?

The pub was built in 1899 and opened for business in 1904 with the provisional title of Vickers Arms.

Why was the name changed to The King Alfred?

The King Alfred is not named after England's cake burning monarch. It was named after HMS King Alfred, a first of class armoured cruiser which was launched By Vickers in 1901