I’m the ‘King’ of my own tiny island with just 10 residents – visitors are welcome… but they won’t get any food
A PUBLICAN who became ‘King’ of his very own island has warned visitors they will need to bring their own food if they wish to eat.
Aaron Sanderson, 33, is the current owner of The Ship Inn on the patch of land just off the southern tip of the Furness Peninsula in Barrow, Cumbria.
But the new landlord discovered that nabbing the keys to the boozer also meant becoming the new ‘King’ of the 50-acre Piel Island in Morecambe Bay.
The remote island can only be reached by ferry and only boasts 10 residents.
However, the popular booxer creates a hearty buzz during the summer months, and continues to attract visitors in their droves.
Inside, the pub is decked out in nautical-themed artefacts, photographs and artwork.
Live music is always on offer, as are draught beer, spirits, wines and soft drinks.
But Aaron has more exciting plans in the pipeline for The Ship Inn.
The honcho is plotting an exciting makeover in order to bring a blend of live music and the pub’s hospitality to welcome in a wider audience.
For now however, parched punters will have to bring their own food, as only a few bar snacks are available.
The remote island is most only accessed via boat, with a small weather-dependent 12-person return ferry available in peak season for £6 return, usually running from 11am to 4pm.
“It was a right mess, the people who had it before just didn’t clean it,” Aaron said.
“They were shutting at weird times and there was just no consistency.
“It can be absolutely bouncing in here on a Saturday night and we’ve had acoustic acts on and music playing.
“People will just rock up in big groups, set up their tents and bring their own food.
“The atmosphere has been amazing and it really is a great place to be at weekends when the weather is good, it was rammed last week, you wouldn’t have been able to get a seat or get the chance to talk to me for a chat like now.”