If you have ever dreamed of being in charge of your own pub and are prepared to have beer tipped over your head - a new landlord vacancy on a tiny island may be just the ticket.
The hunt is on for someone to run the Ship Inn on the 50-acre Piel Island, which sits off the coast of Cumbria near Barrow-in-Furness.
The lucky manager will also become 'King' of the island, with tradition dictating that, to be crowned, they have to wear a helmet and hold a sword while sitting in an ancient chair and having beer tipped over them.
The previous landlord and king, Steve Chattaway, departed with his wife Sheila in March after 13 years in charge of the pub.
The island also boasts a 14th century castle which was once used as a base by a 10-year-old Yorkist pretender to the English throne.
A temporary partnership called the Piel Island Pub Company then ran the Ship Inn when it reopened in July after lockdowns and Covid-19.
Now, a permanent landlord is being sought by Barrow Borough Council. The successful applicant will take up their post early next year.
As well as running the pub, the new landlord will also have to manage and maintain the island itself.
If you have ever dreamed of being in charge of your own pub and are prepared to have beer tipped over your head - a new landlord vacancy on the tiny Piel Island may be your calling
The hunt is on for someone to run the Ship Inn (pictured) on the 50-acre Piel Island, which sits off the coast of Cumbria near Barrow-in-Furness,
A report to councillors describes Piel Island as a unique place but 'any operator needs to appreciate the constraints offered by power, weather, access and its location within an area of site of special scientific interest.'
As well as running the pub the successful applicant will need to manage and maintain the island itself.
When not in use, the king's helmet, sword and throne – which is made from an old barrel - are stored at Barrow's Dock Museum.
At each coronation, the outgoing king has crowned the incoming king. There has never been a queen.
New knights of Piel Island go through the same ceremony as the incoming king.
The first step of the ceremony involves the knight sitting on the throne before the king holds the sword and reads the 'charter', which declares that the recipient is 'of good behaviour' and 'steady'.
The recitation then continues: 'Let it be impressed on your mind, that you must be a free drinker, a moderate smoker and an ardent lover of the opposite sex.'
The lucky manager will also become 'King' of the island, with tradition dictating that, to be crowned, they have to wear a helmet and hold a sword while sitting in an ancient chair and having beer tipped over them. The previous landlord and king, Steve Chattaway (pictured), departed with his wife Sheila in March after 13 years in charge of the pub
The knight is also obliged to help the king prevent any 'bull-baiting, cock-fighting or pigeon shooting' on the island.
The new landlord of the Ship Inn will also have to cope with the uncertain weather and - because only around 10 people live in the island's eight cottages - the isolation.
Local guide John Murphy told the Guardian that whoever gets the job will need to be 'massively dedicated'.
He added: 'You can't just nip across to Tesco for a loaf of bread when you're on Piel Island,' he said. 'You'll need to have dedication and a strong passion for isolation and peace and quiet. It takes a special personality.'
The island can be reached on a ferry which runs from April to September, or by foot when the tide is low.
On the bright side, the island is also home to 70 grey seals and boasts spectacular views in all directions.
At each coronation, the outgoing king has crowned the incoming king. There has never been an official queen. Pictured: The coronation
