ONE of the UK’s most unique pubs is set to reopen its doors, 21 months after serving its last pint.

Based on the small island of Piel and surrounded by seal colonies, The Ship Inn is said to have had a presence on the island for more than 300 years.

On Saturday it will be serving local ales, spirits and a menu of pub favourites as a new team - the Ulverston-based Piel Island Pub Co - takes to the pumps.

Kirsty Ridge, managing director of Cumbrian pub company, Lakeland Inns, is a director of the new business.

“An awful lot of hard work has been put in by the team over the last few weeks as we have battled against the clock to get The Ship Inn ready to welcome guests once more,” she said.

“We’re really looking forward to sharing a drink with island residents, local visitors and tourists from further afield, as we continue the work of those before us to make the pub and Piel a great place to be.

“This is such a special place, from the majesty of the castle to the beauty of the surroundings, and we feel very privileged to have the opportunity to run a pub with such history.”

Piel Island lies off the coast of the Furness Peninsula in south Cumbria and is surrounded by the waters of Morecambe Bay.

As well as The Ship Inn, the 50 acre island is also home to the ruins of Piel Castle, run by English Heritage, and a number of cottages that are occupied all year round.

The Ship is due to open at 9am on Saturday under the stewardship of experienced publicans Jason Lewis and Joanne Clarke.

Mr Lewis has decades of experience running kitchens, whilst Ms Clarke’s experience front of house ensures the pair are a winning formula.

The reopening of the pub has created ten jobs which will ensure visitors can be served between now and the end of September when the temporary lease ends.

Bookings are now available for the accommodation at the pub, while a site for campers to secure a pitch is also up and running.

Anybody wishing to camp in the maintained areas of the island grounds where the facilities are based is asked to reserve their slot online.

Ms Ridge added: “The Ship Inn is such a unique pub and, along with the other directors of the Piel Island Pub Co, I’m really excited to be just days away from opening up.

“We’re hoping for a summer of sun and adventure on the island and look forward to welcoming guests from near and far.”

Visit pielisland.co.uk to book a camping pitch or pub accommodation.