‘It’s really exciting that we’re making it our own, reinstating it at the heart of village life’
Hannah Emmerson outside her other business the Boat House Cafe at North Landing Flamborough.
Picture by David Harrison.(Image: David Harrison)
A well known fishing family has brought joy to an East Riding of Yorkshire seaside village after announcing plans to reopen a much loved pub which has lain empty for 18 months. The Emmerson family have been fishing off Flamborough Head for centuries, with its business supplying businesses across the country with fresh fish, lobster and crab.
Hannah Emmerson also runs her own cafe at North Landing, The Boathouse, which has become a huge success since launching in 2020. Now the family is extending its reach, by reopening the popular Ship Inn in Flamborough, near Bridlington, 18 months after it last closed its doors.
A £320,000 refurbishment by the building’s owners Heineken owned Star Pubs and the sisters – which starts next week – will see The Ship transformed into a family and dog-friendly seaside pub, benefiting from a fantastic supply of locally caught crab, lobster and seafood fresh from the family cobles. Around 10 new jobs will be created on the back of the transformation, which will see an increased focus on food, and an upgrade of the pub’s sports offer. The new landlords will also be adding two ensuite bedrooms – a family and a double room – soon after.
Hannah told how she has great confidence in the revamped Ship Inn, which will be run by Hannah, her sister April and Hannah’s husband Tom Davison – many years after the siblings first worked in the very same hostelry.
She said: “People are always asking me if we can open somewhere in the village itself as The Boathouse can be tricky for some customers to visit due to its steep access. I started The Boathouse with no prior experience of operating a hospitality business at the time, this led to me and Tom taking on our second business East Coast Shellfish, a shell fish merchant also in Flamborough. These have given me the confidence to take on The Ship with April.
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“We both worked in the pub when we were young – it was my first job aged 11 – and were regulars ourselves at one time too. It’s really exciting that we’re making it our own, reinstating it at the heart of village life, and that we’ll be introducing a brand-new restaurant to the village specialising in locally sourced produce from local farms and suppliers. Our menu will ensure there is something for everyone, changing with the seasons and will support local businesses too.”
April recently returned to Flamborough after seven years in the navy, which she joined aged 18, followed by a more recent role as a manager at The Port of Liverpool. She added: “I am looking forward to this next chapter of my life and our family’s life. It is something different for all of us.
“Villagers are excited at the prospect of The Ship reopening this summer and love that it’s a local family taking it on. We’re really looking forward to welcoming the community and breathing life back into the pub. It’s been missed these last 18 months. Once we’re up and running, we’ll mark the occasion with a fun celebratory event.”
In the autumn once the peak summer season is behind them, Hannah and April plan to introduce pizza nights, quiz evenings and host regular live entertainment ensuring the pub is buzzing all year round. Inside, the layout will consist of a sports bar and snug, a locals bar and a restaurant/lounge area. Customers will have the choice of eating anywhere in and outside the pub.
The funds are being spent on a complete overhaul of the interior and exterior of the pub including redecoration of walls, new flooring, furniture and lighting. They say the look and feel will be traditional with wooden tables and lots of leather covered chairs and stools, original wooden beams, and in the dining area painted panelling and a new wood burner.
The walls will be painted in shades of blue and red sand, in keeping with the pub’s seaside location, and local Flamborough and fishing related bric-a-brac, including old Emmerson family fishing photos, will adorn the walls. Outside, the courtyard beer garden will feature a fishermen themed mural, festoon lighting, a painted gazebo and new planting. The sisters’ future plans include creating more seating in the garden and converting the various outdoor sheds into snug seating areas and a games room.
Star Pubs Business Development Manager, Matt Williams, added: “We’re delighted that Hannah and April are taking on The Ship with their hyper local knowledge and combined organisational, customer service and marketing skills. Hannah has put The Boathouse on the map for its great food, attracting 40,000 followers on social media. I am confident she and April will turn The Ship into another success story for the family and wish them well.
“Flamborough has a unique sea landscape and many wonderful nature walks making it a popular tourist destination. With East Yorkshire visitor numbers predicted to increase, The Ship is well placed to benefit.”
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