THE reopening of an historic pub 21 months after pulling its last pint has been met with excitement from the community.

The Ship Inn on Piel Island will open its doors to thirsty punters on Saturday and will be serving local ales, spirits and a menu of pub favourites as a new team - the Ulverston-based Piel Island Pub Co - takes to the pumps.

Experienced publicans Jason Lewis and Joanne Clarke will be at the helm of the Ship’s return from 9am.

With a combined wealth of experience running kitchens and front of house, the pub’s new stewards are a winning formula.

Councillor Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council, who are custodians of Piel Island and The Ship Inn, said the announcement was ‘uplifting news’.

“The grand reopening is uplifting news, particularly after the year we have all endured,” she said.

“We pledged the pub would reopen as soon as possible after lockdown and we are delighted that this is set to happen on Saturday with a new team in place for the summer season who are championing locally made beers and spirits.

“Piel is a very special part of our borough and a location loved by residents and visitors alike. My thanks go to the council’s team who have worked tirelessly for weeks to prepare the pub for customers and visitors this summer.

“I hope people take the opportunity to visit the island over the coming months to enjoy and experience it’s beauty, special atmosphere and unique surroundings.

"There’s simply nowhere else quite like it.”

The return of the 300-year-old pub has created ten new jobs and another focal point for the small island, which also boasts seal colonies and the ruins of Piel Castle, run by English Heritage.

Piel stalwart John Murphy leads guided four-mile round walks to the island and said he looks forward to working with the new tenants.

“This is an event we’ve been waiting for ever since the previous tenants left,” he said.

“And I’m really looking forward to working with the new tenants.

“From the point of view of natural history the island is strong enough to be marketable on right.

“The added bonus is that now people can have a drink and a bit to eat.

“So that’s enhanced the natural beauty of Piel.”

Kirsty Ridge, managing director of Cumbrian pub company Lakeland Inns, and a director of The Ship Inn, said her and fellow directors ‘look forward to welcoming guests from near and far’.

She added: “This is such a special place, we feel very privileged to have the opportunity to run a pub with such history.”