Dream job alert! Piel Island in Morecambe Bay is on the hunt for a "monarch" to run its 300-year-old pub — and there's still time to apply.
The Ship Inn pub, which sits on the remote island half a mile off the Cumbria coast at Barrow-in-Furness, needs a new landlord as part of a 10-year lease. Described as "one of the most unique hospitality prospects in the UK", it's ideal for someone looking for a fresh start away from the bustle of everyday life.
Tempted to submit your application? Some of the day-to-day duties will include maintenance of the pub, grounds maintenance of the surrounding area, and management of the camping site, toilet and shower block. The council have added that there are hopes to install a new toilet block and a green energy supply to the pub, too.
Piel Island, which features a ruined 14th Century castle and a campsite, is just 50 acres in size. Accessible only by ferry, it welcomes a host of visitors during the summer months, with some staying in its designated camping areas.
"There's something incredibly special about Piel Island, it's certainly a location that is held close to the hearts of so many people across Barrow and the wider area," Councillor Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council, told Yahoo News.
"As well as running The Ship Inn, the successful applicant will need to manage and maintain other parts of the island, including its small camp site, taking into account the sensitivities that go hand in hand with a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest."
As part of tradition, the new pub landlord will be "crowned" by having alcohol poured over their head. Barrow Council explain: "The tradition holds that each new landlord is crowned King of Piel in a ceremony of uncertain origin, in which they sit in an ancient chair, wearing a helmet and holding a sword while alcohol is poured over their head.
"By the 19th Century it had become an important aspect of the island's history to such an extent that responsibility for looking after the helmet and chair fell within the tenancy agreement."
For more information about the role, head over to pielisland.co.uk. Good luck!
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15 bird feeders to buy right now
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
