A pub is on the hunt for a new landlord who will also become the king or queen of an island.
The leader of Piel Island, off the Cumbrian coast, will sit on a throne, hold a sword and have beer poured over their head.
The 50-acre retreat near Barrow-in-Furness, which only has two ferries a day during peak season, is in search of a new ruler to call the remote island home.
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The job is perfect for someone with a love of outdoors, beer, seal watching and a long contract.
Barrow Council has begun the hunt for someone who has experience running a pub and won’t mind the odd coronation process.
The Ship Inn on Piel Island has stood there for more than 300 years while the castle, looked after by English Heritage, has been on the island since the 1300s.
A new landlord is being sought as a lease from the council expired in May 2021 and it is hoped that the new landlord will stay for the long term.
Since then, a partnership, called the Piel Island Pub Company, was formed to bridge the gap until a landlord is found.
This partnership comes to an end in January 2022.
The future of Piel Island was discussed a couple of weeks ago by Barrow Borough Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
As well as running the Ship Inn, the monarch of Piel Island has to manage and maintain the island as well.
In a report to councillors, the Committee said: “Any operator needs to appreciate the constraints offered by power, weather, access and its location within an area of site of special scientific interest.”
The borough council’s director of people and place, Steph Cordon described Piel Island as a ‘unique’ place and one popular with campers.
While some people may think running an island and pub could be a great sabbatical from work, Ms Cordon is suggesting a ten-year lease to ensure the island is properly maintained and cared for, as a lot of the maintenance of the island will fall into the lap of the king or queen.
She said: “The emphasis would be on a long-term, 10-year lease with an annual review of performance and a rental charge that would be subject to review over the time period.
"The relationship with the ferry operator and the management arrangements for Piel Island is really important. Alternative access arrangements off the Island besides the ferry need to be in place.”
Applications are now open, with the hope of a new monarch being crowned in April.
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