The Ship Inn in Coniston reopens after £400,000 refurbishment

The Ship Inn in Coniston had been closed since October 28 and has had what its owners have called a 'complete transformation'.

Paola and her husband Cecil Jones took over the reins of the pub on April 19 of this year and within months received an ‘Excellence’ award from Robinson’s for having particularly exceptional beer quality.

This put their pub in the top 10 percent of the brewery’s branches in the country.

The pub debuted its new look to customers on Tuesday (December 12) for those just wanting drinks however the full opening was on Friday when staff welcomed people for food.

Paola Jones said on Friday: "We've had really positive feedback so far from everyone who has come into the pub. The pub has had a complete transformation and it has a really cosy country pub feel to it. 

"We've added some festive touches of course, including mulled wine and mince pies, which will be perfect for when people come in for their Christmas parties tonight.

"We're expecting to be very busy however we welcome everyone to come and have a nosy.

"We have a brand new menu and an updated wine list. Both bookings and walk-ins are welcome."

The Ship's owners have been quick to organise events making its first opening week a busy one in the lead up to Christmas.

It is the pub's special Christmas Darts competition on Tuesday (December 19) with live music  on Wednesday (December 20), Friday (December 22) and Saturday (December 23).

The positive feedback began arriving as soon as the pub opened for drinks on Tuesday and posted a couple of sneak preview photos on its Facebook page.

One man who has already been in said: "Had a few drinks in there this evening the refurbishment is excellent and still retains the country Inn character....friendly dogs..very welcoming..well done."

Others couldn't wait to revisit with one user adding: "Looks fantastic, we are in Coniston for Christmas, we had a great few meals and drinks with you in May, looking forward to eating and drinking with you again."

One man added: "Can't wait to come back. Such a welcoming, lovely place to stop by...and always excellent food."