A DOG-FRIENDLY PUB in an ideal location for passing walkers is now under new management.
Paola Jones and her husband Cecil have taken over the Ship Inn in Coniston.
Although this is the couple’s first time running a pub, they are no strangers to the bar scene.
“My husband has bar experience,” Paola explained. He had spent years working in taverns, but for other people. He simply wants to accomplish it himself!
“I’ve got a little bit of experience, but I was an estate agent valuer for years.”
Patterdale is the hometown of the husband-and-wife duo and their kid, Jack.
When they saw that the Ship Inn was for sale, they leaped at the opportunity and didn’t waste any time in opening the doors to the bar.
“We just went for it because Coniston is beautiful,” Paola explained.
“We received the keys on Monday, April 17, but we didn’t open the doors until Wednesday, April 19.”
In addition to passing campers and hikers, the bar proprietors accept four-legged pals.
“We love dogs, we are dog friendly, and we love them coming in!” Paola added.
Efforts are being undertaken to make the pub’s food menu more accessible in order to welcome more people, including additional gluten-free and vegan choices, which Paola previously described as ‘very restricted’.
“We’re going to keep all the classics that people like, not going fancy or gastro, keeping it traditional with a few new things on there,” she explained.
“Because walkers pass by in the morning, we’re getting a new coffee machine and a new cake range.” They can have a piece of cake and a cup of coffee and then return in the afternoon for a stronger drink and a dinner!”
The couple also want to include a ‘roast and ramble’. People may attend the pub in the morning for breakfast before going about their days, and then return later for a Sunday roast.
Kath Beattie studied Journalism at The University of Central Lancashire and now writes for several Travel publications. She recently moved to The Lake District and enjoys walking her 3 dogs every day across the fells.
