pub

IN CORNWALL is a pretty fishing village that made an appearance on television across 18 years in the hit ITV series Doc Martin.

Now, a pub that starred in the show and overlooks the seafront will reopen after it announced its sudden closure last month.

The postcard-worthy village of Port Isaac sits on the North coast of Cornwall.

It’s full of white-washed cottages and pubs including The Golden Lion which closed in February when the ‘local company running them ran out of money‘, according to Cornwall Live.

Just a few weeks later, the pub announced it was under new ownership of St Austell Brewery and would reopen on Friday 13 March with the same team.

When the news was revealed on Facebook, one local said: “So pleased to hear it will be reopening. It is the hub of the village. Will be in next week for a meal.”

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Another added: “Wow that was a quick turnaround but really excellent news.”

While some might not have literally stepped into the pub, it has appeared on TV.

The Golden Lion doubled as the ‘Crab & Lobster‘ in the ITV series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes which was on air between 2004 and 2022.

In fact, lots of Port Isaac was used in the TV show as it doubled as the fictional village of Portwenn.

Fans of the series will recognise the pretty harbour, beaches and the Grade-II Listed Fern Cottage which is perched high above the harbour.

The stone cottage once stood in as the doctor’s surgery and now fans of the show can rent it out as a two-bedroom self-catering holiday cottage.

The cosy cottage sleeps four, it also has a sun terrace, garden and a hot tub.

It’s not cheap though as the booking website estimates the cottage at £443 per night.

Fans of the show can take guided walking tours exploring locations like the cottage as well as Mrs. Tishell’s pharmacy, and the harbour.

A guided tour bookable with The Official Shop of the British Tourist Board starts from £17.

Port Isaac has roots dating back to the Middle Ages and later on was used as trading port for slate and then a pilchard fishing hub.

Fishing is still a popular activity in the village with daily catches of crab and lobster.

The village itself is full of pretty cottages, independent shops and narrow winding streets.

There’s even a street called Squeezy Belly Alley which is an 18th-century passageway that at its smallest point is just 18 inches in width.

Port Isaac is not the only location in Cornwall to appear on British TV shows.

The pretty village of Looe is famous for being the backdrop of Beyond Paradise.

Another is the Lizard peninsula which is set to be big this year when the the new HBO Harry Potter series airs.

Earlier this year, actor John Lithgow who plays Albus Dumbledore, was spotted filming on the beach.

One of the spots where Harry Potter has been filming is in Cadgwith Cove, a small fishing village and Kynance Cove, a tidal beach with white sand, turquoise sea and rock stacks.

For more on Cornwall, this pretty English town was once the ‘capital of Cornwall’ and here you might spot some royals.

And here are the Sun’s favourite hotels, holiday parks, cottages and campsites in Cornwall.

This hidden gem off the Cumbrian coast boasts a medieval castle, The Ship Inn pub, and a landlord crowned in a centuries-old tradition

Charming and eccentric, this tiny island off the Cumbrian coastline attracts visitors eager to experience its remarkable setting and rich historical heritage.

Resembling something from a storybook, Piel Island boasts a crumbling castle and its own monarch – though not in the traditional sense.

As far as hidden treasures go, this destination epitomises the term, nestled discreetly beyond Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria and accessible only by boat or guided crossing when tidal conditions permit.

Yet the panoramas upon arrival are spectacular, offering vistas across Yorkshire, the Lake District and even as far as Blackpool. It’s possible to spot Blackpool Tower emerging through the waves and, notably, ‘The Big One’ rollercoaster at Pleasure Beach.

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One visitor described it as a secret “paradise”, saying on TripAdvisor : “We love everything about Piel, from the walk over the sands to the warm welcome at the pub and the always exciting exploration of the castle: we’ve seen it many times – always find something new!”

Historical background

Dominating the landscape stands a 14th-century fortification, referred to by some as Fouldry Castle, constructed by the Abbot of Furness with the purpose of protecting Barrow-in-Furness.

The structure served to defend against marauding pirates or Scottish invaders on the surrounding waters. Notably, it sheltered Lambert Simnel, a challenger to Henry VII’s crown, who arrived on the island in 1487.

Whilst naturally the castle in its complete form couldn’t survive such an extended period, its remains stay remarkably preserved, revealing the principal structure that once stood there.

Guests can observe the keep, both the inner and outer baileys and the towered curtain walls, which possess an unsettling atmosphere.

The Ship Inn

The origins of The Ship Inn are somewhat unclear, though it’s thought to date back more than 300 years. Whilst there is minimal evidence, accounts indicate the location was converted from a former ship chandlery at some point during the 17th century.

Over the years, numerous travellers started using the pub as a boozy refuge, which led to several issues out at sea. Indeed, following a series of boating incidents and suspected fatalities in the 19th century, a coroner is believed to have issued a statement to the pub’s landlord.

The Ship Inn’s website states that it read: “The landlord of the Ship Inn should not supply drink so as to make incapable men who may have to take charge of a boat.”

Today, the pub continues to operate as a traditional community hub from March to September, offering an extensive selection of beers from local breweries, alongside wines, spirits and even better – food. The menu features beloved pub grub favourites including pies, wraps and jacket potatoes.

One Google review states: “Absolute gem of a place. We spent a half day on the island – took the ferry across (seven quid return for adults), had delicious burger and chips from the BARBECUE at the pub before a walk round the entire island, a wander round the castle ruins and time on the beach. Everyone was super friendly. We’d definitely consider going back to camp.”

Further cementing its unique charm, the pub’s landlord, Aaron Sanderson, who has held the role since 2022, was officially – or unofficially – crowned as the king of Piel in a traditional ceremony. This is a title bestowed upon every landlord of the pub, with the inaugural version of this ritual believed to have occurred in 1856.

In an interview with the BBC, Andersen said: “It’s definitely a unique role and difficult to do, but enjoyable at the same time. ” He also proudly declared that his pub boasts “probably one of the best beer gardens in the world.”

Getting there

Adding to the allure and mystery, the island is almost exclusively accessible via a single boat, which can only accommodate up to 12 passengers. The ferry departs from Roa Island in Barrow daily throughout the summer season, running from 11am right up until 4:30pm.

Reviews indicate that the journey costs around £7, and for those not quite ready to depart, camping is available from as little as £5. The cost is per tent and there’s no need for a pre-booking system; simply arrive and pitch up by the pub.

When the tide is low, there’s an opportunity to embark on a guided walk over to the island, but only when it’s safe to do so. As for driving, only three individuals have been granted permission to drive on the land, one of them being the king, naturally, and it’s no simple task.

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FANCY a pint? This new heritage pub is set to become a popular spot for a post or pre-train journey tipple.

The boozer has just opened as part of an enormous multi-million pound refurb at Carlisle Station.

Called The Scott & Brassey, the new pub officially opened on 25 February inside Carlisle Station at Platform 4.

It was formerly used as a First Class waiting room and at one stage even welcomed Queen Victoria.

The Grade-II listed space has been used as various different outlets over the years and was a cafe for decades – but has just opened as a pretty pub operated by Lancaster Brewery.

It has undergone a £400,000 renovation delivered by Network Rail, backed by Avanti West Coast and the Railway Heritage Trust.

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Its name ‘The Scott & Brassey’ comes from novelist Sir Walter Scott and Victorian railway pioneer Thomas Brassey.

Inside, the pub has period features like a large fireplace, and vaulted beam ceilings.

The walls are a mix of deep blue and bright yellow, in the corner are cosy booths with low lampshades.

Upstairs on the mezzanine level is additional seating at smaller tables.

The bar area is sleek and modern with a wooden top and dark grey tiled front along with lots of greenery on shelves and of course, drinks offerings.

It will have seven cask ales on hand pull, five from Lancaster Brewery and two from local cask brewers, and one cask cider – there will also be eight keg lines.

The pub said it aims to spotlight ‘regional and national producers with one of the largest selections in Cumbria‘.

On Facebook reviews, one visitor to the new pub wrote: “Had a great afternoon with my mum and sister today! lovely staff and a fabulous asset to Carlisle.”

Another said: “What a fab job you’ve done. Stunning renovation and fantastic atmosphere.”

The pub is open every day from 11am until 10pm Sunday-Thursday and 11pm Friday-Saturday.

It’s dog-friendly too.

The new pub is inside Carlisle Station which is around 179 years old, and is in the middle of a huge overhaul.

Carlisle Station cost just £53,000 to build at the time, which in today’s money is around £4.6million.

It now welcomes around two million passengers a year with trains to London and Manchester as well as Edinburgh, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Cumberland Council previously announced it would be spending £28million on redesigning Carlisle Station.

The new designs include the creation of a new forecourt entrance to the north of the station.

The north side will have improved links to the city centre, and parking outside the already standing Griffin pub.

It will also see a new piazza space, called George Square created to the south of the station.

This will mean improved access for passengers, and secure cycle parking, as well as plenty of green spaces.

The work is set to be fully complete in early 2027.

For more on train station’s, this is one of the UK’s busiest that’s set to undergo a huge transformation.

And the seven new train stations are coming to UK under £14billion plans.

A BRITISH indie rocker has left pub punters feeling shocked as he performed in a cover band – but would you have recognised him?

The global songwriter, 31, was spotted singing at a local pub in his home town Shields alongside his dad and brother.

Sam Fender has had three Brit Awards and his albums Hypersonic Missiles and Seventeen Going Under also topped UK charts.

But the Geordie star took to covering other people’s songs as he got together with his family in a social club.

A fan took to TikTok and posted a video of the star performing and captioned it: “Rare .. Sam Fender playing and singing with his dad and brother on keyboard.

“All for a good cause #teamjanine raising awareness for MND . Real canny lads!”

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The award-winning singer took part in the event to raise funds for MND in memory of the late Janine Turnbull, joining his dad and brother on stage as part of band The Pirates.

In another video shared of the same event, fans rushed to the comments section to praise the star: “The vocals are absolutely insane, fair play.”

A second said: “They’re a talented bunch those Fenders.”

While a third wrote: “I love how humble Sam is and doing this.”

A fourth stated: “Was great that he was able to do that and just be Sam local lad again.”

A fifth added: “Unreal scenes.”

Sam is allegedly a multi-millionaire after years and years of hard graft combined with his natural musical talent.

He’s built formidable music connections from a collaboration with rising US star Noah Kahan to supporting Bruce Springsteen and The Killers and hanging out with the late guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck. and Johnny Depp when the actor was in the North East with his Hollywood Vampires band.

The singer-songwriter, nabbed the Mercury trophy and £25,000 cash at the 2025 ceremony in his native Newcastle – the first time the awards had been held outside London.

He won with his third album ahead of a star-studded pack of 12 nominees, including Pulp, Wolf Alice, FKA Twigs, PinkPantheress and Pa Salieu.

Sam was not fancied by the bookies, so his victory was something of a shock, and the crowd went ballistic at his name.

The Geordie name-checked fellow nominees during his acceptance speech and thanked an ecstatic crowd.

He said: “We did not expect this at all. I want to say thank you,” before declaring: “This region is the best region in the country.”

Sam then grabbed his guitar and launched into a rendition of his album’s titular track, People Watching.

He also paid tribute to the late actress Annie Orwin, the inspiration behind the song, who he described as like a “surrogate mother”.

Sam added that his win on home turf was “really, really important” because the music scene in Newcastle had “always been in an isolated bubble”.

Last year, Sam hoped to toast his global success with his own range of booze.

The star had been granted permission by the UK’s Intellectual Property Office to use his name to sell a range of goods.

The documents revealed he could market “Beers, Alcoholic beverages, and Non-alcoholic beverages; Retail services connected to the sale of Beers, Alcoholic beverages, Non-alcoholic beverages, Mineral and aerated waters, Fruit beverages and fruit juices.”

The application stays in place for ten years now that it has been rubber-stamped.

A HISTORIC UK pub has reopened after a £1.8million renovation.

The Hoop and Grapes pub in Farringdon, London has reopened after a huge refurb – and all the buildings around it are modern skyscrapers.

The Grade-II listed pub has been closed since 2019 as the surrounding area was redeveloped.

Restored by Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame, the refurbished pub still celebrates its history, whilst also adding vibrant and modern elements.

The pub was originally built in 1721 on land that used to be a part of St Bride’s Church burial ground and is thought to have been a wine merchant’s home.

And the boozer is well known for being the site of illicit ‘Fleet Marriages’.

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These were weddings that took place illegally in the late 17th century and often involved couples wanting to marry fast, for example when a woman was pregnant.

To bring the story to life, the pub has added a swing sign which depicts an 18th-century wedding scene.

There are also hand-painted signs on the outside of the pub that add to the historic front facade.

The boozer also once held a special license to operate from 2am to 5am for printers and market workers.

Across five floors, the building offers three different experiences.

On the ground floor is where visitors will find a traditional London pub with a courtyard garden.

On the first floor, there is then a comfortable seating area.

And the top floor is a more intimate piano room, ideal for private events.

The menu features dishes with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce.

There are buffet feast boards as well, such as a beef burger sliders platter for £50 or a pork and sage Scotch eggs board for £45.

When it comes to having a tipple, the pub boasts Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Kentish ales and lagers, English wines and cocktails.

According to the pub’s website, “the name ‘Hoop & Grapes’ likely refers to the metal hoops used to hold barrels together, and the grape-derived wines that will have been the daily business of this 18th century building even before it became a public house.

“However, a possible alternative reading of the name is that ‘Hoop’ could be a corruption of the word ‘Hops’ and the name might simply refer to the availability of both beers and wines within.”

One visitor said: “Best pub in the ‘City’ in my opinion.”

Another simply said: “Beautiful pub.”

In other pub news, here’s a very extensive list of London’s 35 best pubs – by the locals who drink in them.

Plus, the best pubs across the UK – including indoor slides, huge beer gardens and pints cheaper than Wetherspoons.

With its own onsite pub and nine acres of land, Weetwood Hall Hotel is a proper Northern retreat.

Even though parts date back to the Tudor period, all mod-cons are taken care of – so here’s everything you need to know.

Where is Weetwood Hall Hotel?

Weetwood Hall Hotel is just five miles from Leeds city centre and on a direct bus route to all the main attractions.  

The hotel’s large car park, free for residence, lends itself to road trip adventures.

If you’re in town for one of the many sporting events Leeds plays host to, Weetwood is well placed being 2 miles from Headingley Stadium and 6 miles from Elland Road.

What is the hotel like?

This four-star hotel gives you a proper Yorkshire welcome, and the friendly staff are on hand for all your needs.

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It is built around a gorgeous 17th-century Jacobean manor house, set in nine acres of peaceful woodlands with its own traditional pub.

Parts date back to 1540, so it has real history – but it’s been thoughtfully updated into a modern hotel with quirky style.

It’s a nice balance of historic charm and modern convenience.

What are the rooms like?

You’ve got solid options. Signature rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, or upgrade to one of the king rooms, which really deliver on atmosphere with four-poster beds and period features.

Fast WiFi, proper amenities, and comfortable beds make for a good night’s sleep. 

Standard rooms cost from £31.05pp based on two sharing. See weetwood.co.uk.

What is there to do?

Weetwood’s Stables Pub has real character – it’s housed in the original horse stables and makes for atmospheric evening drinks.

It’s a cosy drinking hole serving traditional English beers and Yorkshire gin, plus there are big screens for watching sports.

For sunny days, there’s also outdoor seating in a lovely large courtyard. 

Once you’ve unpacked, why not take a ride on the little yellow water taxi (£3 per person per trip) to the free Royal Armouries Museum where Henry VIII’s and an elephant’s armour is on display.

Harewood House, one of the Treasure Houses of England, is an 18 minute drive away.

What is there to eat and drink?

The breakfast was delightful, with hot and cold options plus a very popular pancake station.

Convive Restaurant handles dinner with classic British dishes and cocktails, while afternoon tea costs £32.50 per person. 

At the onsite Stables pub, sample some of the many varieties of Yorkshire gin that are on offer.

Is the hotel family friendly?

For a family getaway, book one of the Weetwood’s family rooms with space for up to 4 people.

Make sure to ring ahead to organise a travel cot for the little ones.

Furry friends are welcome for a service charge of £25 per stay.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Fully accessible rooms are available and equipped with an adjustable electric bed, wet room and orthopaedic raised seating.