A DOG friendly pub in the perfect spot for passing walkers is now under new management.

Paola Jones and husband Cecil are now at the helm of the Ship Inn in Coniston.

Although this is the first time the pair have run a pub, they are no stranger to the bar scene.

Paola said: “My husband has got the bar experience. He worked in pubs for years, but for other people. He just wanted to do it himself!

“I’ve got a little bit of experience, but I was an estate agent valuer for years.”

The husband-and-wife team, along with their son, Jack, hail from Patterdale.

When they saw the Ship Inn was up for grabs, they jumped at the chance and didn’t wait around before opening the doors to the pub.

“Coniston is beautiful, so we just went for it and now we are here,” said Paola.

“We got the keys on Monday, April 17, but we opened the doors on Wednesday, April 19.

As well as passing campers and walkers, the pub owners are keen to welcome in four-legged friends.

Paola said: “We love dogs, we are dog friendly, and we love them coming in!”

Efforts are being made to make the pub’s food menu more inclusive to welcome more people, offering more gluten free and vegan options, with Paola describing it as ‘quite limited’ beforehand.

She said: “We’re going to keep all the classics that people like, not going fancy or gastro, keeping it traditional with a few new things on there.

“We’re getting a new coffee machine and a new cake range in because walkers come past in the morning. They can get a cake and a coffee and come back in the afternoon for a harder drink and a meal!”

The pair are also hoping to introduce a ‘roast and a ramble’. This could see people visit the pub in the morning for a spot of breakfast before going about their days and returning later for a Sunday roast.

Visit: www.facebook.com/shipinnconiston