Coniston pub wins beer award in six months of owners running first pub

Owners Paola, 35, and husband Cecil Jones, 51, have a six-year-old son called Jack with a baby on the way and a Cavapoo dog Ralphy - who inspired their doggy menu at The Ship Inn near Coniston.

The pair have only been at the helm of the pub at Bowmanstead since April this year.

Although they have bar experience, the Ship Inn is the first time they have run a pub. 

Now, the couple are delighted to have won an 'Excellence' from Robinson's brewery so soon. The accolade is known as 'best in glass' given for excellent beer quality .

Out of 260 Robinson's pubs in the UK, the owners were also told their pub is in the top 10 per cent of the brewery's pubs in the country.

Paola said: "We are so proud to have achieved this award in just six months of us taking over. We love the pub, the people in Constion and our lovely customers.

"Our real ales are big sellers and we work really hard on the quality of our beer. The guys came out and did a random check on our cellar, lines, glasses and beer quaility overall.

"After everything being thoroughly checked and tested it's amazing that the hard work of our team has been recognised in this way and we are delighted to show it off.

"It comes at a great time just before the pub is due to close for six weeks for a refurbishment so it's a big push." 

The Ship Inn is closing from October 28 to December 8 for a revamp. Although big changes are set to be made, the couple aims to keep the traditional character of the pub. 

Paola added: "This really makes us feel like we are doing what we should be and that we are meant to be here in Coniston at the Ship.

"We have an excellent team who work hard and this just goes to show it had paid off."

The pub offers a choice of three cask real ales to try for £5 in a beer paddle.