A UNIQUE pub situated on a picturesque island off the coast of Barrow is to reopen next month.

The Ship Inn on Piel Island closed during the national lockdown in line with coronavirus regulations set by the Government.

Now, the historic venue is to throw open its doors to residents and visitors once more to offer a warm welcome to all for the season ahead.

The property will be operated by The Piel Island Pub Company for 2021, run by the boss of leading local firm Lakeland Inns. It will create ten new jobs.

Kirsty Ridge, managing director of The Piel Island Pub Co. said: “We know how important it is to the whole community to see the Ship Inn open again so people can enjoy a visit to Piel this summer.

“Giving our customers a great experience is something we strive for. It’s at the heart of everything our team does, so we’re excited to work with Barrow Borough Council to reopen the doors of the pub in early July.”

Lakeland Inns also run the The Commodore Inn at Grange, The Sun Inn in Ulverston, The Black Cock Inn in Broughton-in-Furness and the The Royal Oak at Spark Bridge.

The previous landlords of The Ship Inn opted to retire following the end of lockdown this year.

Cllr Jay Zaccarini, who represents Roosecote, said: “I welcome the fact that the pub will be opening soon. I myself look forward to getting over to the island to enjoy it with family and friends. Although it is welcome news, I do feel it should have been done far quicker. We have lost some of the season already and I can tell you residents have been frustrated and I share those sentiments.”

South Walney Labour councillor Frank Cassidy said: “A number of Walneyites have asked me about how things were going on Piel and they will be delighted that the Ship Inn is poised to re-open.

“Councillors have taken a keen interest in developments and I know our town hall officers have been working hard to get everything up and running.

“Summer is here, John Murphy’s walks to Piel have started again from Snab Point on south Walney and visitors can look forward to enjoying everything the island has to offer.”

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough council, the custodian of Piel Island and its pub, said: “We pledged we would reopen The Ship Inn as soon as possible after lockdown ended and I’m delighted this is now about to happen.

“Piel Island really is the jewel in the crown for our tourism sector and we have long held ambitions for it to move towards a sustainable, environmentally friendly future with carbon neutral status.”

The opening date for The Ship Inn will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Anyone interested in applying for one of the positions available should contact Kirsty@lakelandbrewhouse.co.uk