Fancy a career change? Ever wanted to work on an island, surrounded by booze, with plenty of peace and quiet – and be crowned a monarch, no less?
Well, have we got the job for you… with a couple of minor caveats, of course. The island in question is Piel, a 50-acre patch of land a short distance off the north-western coast of England, and the job involves running its historic pub, the Ship Inn.
As part of the ten-year lease, the new landlord will also be responsible for maintaining other parts of the island including its campsite, according to Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council.
“The successful applicant will need to be dedicated to their role on Piel – an absolute jewel in the borough’s crown – while taking care of the many people who visit the pub each year.
“While there are periods when the pub and the island is bustling with people, there will be periods of quiet too – something the successful applicant will need to embrace,” she said.
Deal not sweet enough for you? Then maybe you’d enjoy also holding the lofty title of “King of Piel”, which is awarded to the current landlord in a coronation ceremony involving sitting in a chair wearing a special helmet while alcohol is poured over their head.
However, be sure to read the selection criteria: tradition holds that the King of Piel must be “a free drinker and smoker and lover of the female sex”, according to the island’s website.
So, if that sounds like you, make sure to get your application in; after all, who wouldn’t want to have “King” on their CV?
