Ever wanted to run your own pub or live on an isolated island? Applications are now open to run a pub on Piel Island (yes, you read that right) just of the northwestern coast of England, where you’ll even be crowned royalty for your service.
Picture: Kev Wheeler/ Flickr Commons
Situated about 1 km off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness in northwestern England, this island is loaded with history, with one of the world’s most unique pubs: a 200-year-old establishment called The Ship-Inn.
A partnership organisation stepped in to ensure that The Ship-Inn reopened in July after the previous leaseholders terminated their contract. Now, the Barrow town council is searching for a new owner to take over the 10-year lease in what is proving to be the UK’s most unusual recruitment process.
John Murphy, who has been leading walks to the island for nearly 40 years, told The Guardian that whoever gets the job will need to be ‘massively dedicated. You can’t just nip across to Tesco for a loaf of bread when you’re on Piel Island,’ he said. ‘You’ll need to have dedication and a strong passion for isolation and peace and quiet. It takes a special personality.’
The previous King of Piel being inaugurated. Picture: pielisland.co.uk
Even though the pub’s new proprietor will have to face the island’s uncertain weather, isolation and long working hours, they have the benefit of watching seals, birds and incredible sunsets. As a bonus, you will be crowned the King or Queen of Piel, in a ceremony that includes a rusty sabre and buckets of beer poured over your head.
‘Even if you’re pissed out of your head the views from Piel are pretty amazing,’ said Murphy. ‘I must have slept on every blade of grass on that island, drunk or sober, and I just love it.’
ALSO READ
