The Ship in Barnsley is to reopen at the end of February after a four-year closure and revamp

Work has begun on a major £370,000 revamp of The Ship in Worsbrough, Barnsley by Heineken owned Star Pubs & Bars1 to transform it into the best community sports and entertainment pub in the area.  Closed since October 2019, The Ship will reopen at the end of February with four jobs created on the back of the investment.

Local Worsbrough resident, Rebecca Skelly, is the new licensee.  Brought up in the area by a pub owning family, in recent times Rebecca has worked as a social worker.  Passionate about her community and a desire to give back to it, she decided 2024 would be the year for a career change and to take on The Ship herself and breathe new life into it.

Rebecca intends for the pub to be the hub of the community.  She has plans to host coffee mornings, community get-togethers, sports groups and mother and toddler groups in the day as well as quiz nights, regular bingo, open mic nights, live music, karaoke and DJ nights in the evening.   She’s already recruited people for the pub’s football, darts and snooker teams to play in leagues and is keen for others to join.  She has also reached out to local care homes to gauge interest in afternoon bingo.  

Funds are being spent on a complete top to toe redecoration of the interior of The Ship to create an open space with sports area including pool table and darts board.  There will be five high-definition TVs showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports.  New natural wood and carpet floors, new lighting, and an eclectic mix of fixed and free-standing furniture in blue and mustard colours will give the pub a brighter, smarter more contemporary and rustic look and feel, whilst still retaining its traditional character and features.

The pub’s striking red brick exterior is to be given a facelift with new grey and white signage and lighting.  The garden is being overhauled with refurbished decking and seating for 122 created making it ideal for those wanting a coffee or refreshment while walking the Trans Pennine Trail.  In warmer months, Rebecca will also have outdoor games to keep children entertained.

The drinks offer at The Ship will include premium beers, spirits and wine, zero alcohol and soft drinks and fresh coffee.

Rebecca says: “For me it wasn’t a case of running any pub, it was the opportunity to run a gorgeous pub on my doorstep and to restore The Ship to its 90’s heyday.  Locals have missed having The Ship open as it hasn’t been properly open for 10 years and has been totally closed for four.  I couldn’t believe the reaction I got when I posted on social media my plans to take it on.  I had over 2000 positive responses in 24 hours! I was brought up in Worsbrough and so know what locals want and the area needs.  I am keen to encourage people to socialise locally rather than go into town by creating a really vibrant local which will bring people together whether for coffee, a pint, entertainment, or sports.”  

Star Pubs & Bars Business Development Manager, Norm Howie says: “The Ship is in a prominent position on a busy junction and is well located for the Trans Pennine Trail.

“We’re delighted to be investing in The Ship to create a great quality local. It needed the right person to take it on which it now has in Rebecca with her local knowledge and passion for the area, the pub and her new vocation.

“Heineken is a supporter of the great British pub. This investment will take The Ship to a whole new level and ensure it is sustainable in the long term.

“The immediate area has good pubs but there’s a gap for a community local that focuses on sports and entertainment.  It will be a real asset to the community and will encourage people to stay local.  With Rebecca at the helm, a new look and feel, new drinks and great sports and activities on offer, I’m sure it will deliver what is needed locally.  I wish Rebecca many happy years ahead.”