Lyme Regis: young couple take reins at The Ship Inn

Ben Gittins and Grace Gray, both 29, are the new owners of The Ship Inn, located in Coombe Street, and opened for business on Saturday, April 15.

The pair, from Twickenham, south west London, say they have big plans for the Lyme watering hole nestled just behind the lively seafront, which is owned by Palmers Brewery.

Musician Mr Gittins told The News he wanted to bring 'that really great pub feel' to the venue and open it up to locals and holidaymakers alike.

The couple moved to Lyme Regis two weeks ago to take the reins at the pub and were motivated by the town's seaside location and vibrant atmosphere.

"We have been wanting to do this for a long time and were particularly interested in working with Palmers because of the way they support their tenants," Mr Gittins said.

"My background is in the music industry and I have travelled the world and that was a big thing.

"I was touring and playing and when that came to an end I went travelling to Australia before going into recruitment.

"But that was never really my passion and this [running a pub] was always something me and Grace wanted to do together."

Mr Gittins' band, The Carnabys, supported several high profile musicians on tours across the globe, including Blondie, Robbie Williams and Kings of Leon.

Ben Gittins in his music days with The Carnaby's (Image: Ben Gittins)

He met his partner Ms Gray eight years ago and the pair of them worked together at The Cabbage Patch pub in Twickenham.

"We came around to visit some pubs and one of them was The Ship - I wanted to change things up at work and look for something new and Palmers got in touch to say it was available.

"We jumped at the opportunity and moved heaven on earth to do so."

On his plans for the Lyme pub, Mr Gittins said: "We want to do the basics well, turn it into a fantastic environment with great food.

"Just make it a great community pub, somewhere to enjoy a pint and play some board games. We want to make it feel like a really nice social place.

"Some of my own musical memorobilia will be on the walls and we want to create a nice atmosphere. Just have that great pub feel.

"We did not want to get a pub in the middle of the country and Lym provides the ideal combination of being a beautiful area and it is busy and exciting with lots going on."

Ben Gittins behind the bar at The Ship Inn (Image: Ben Gittins)

The new landlord described the first few days of trade as 'fantastic' and called the support of Lyme residents 'overwhelming'.

"The pub was always well-liked and they are really pleased to see it open again," Mr Gittins said.

The Ship Inn has some big plans for The King’s coronation weekend in May, with events across the weekend including a fancy dress contest, live music and open mic night, with guests treated to barbecue food.

It hopes to soon employ a chef and start serving food in the near future, and also has a TV to show the sport and will host quiz nights and skittles.

“Myself and Grace are passionate pub people and have integrated into the community really well. We are big characters and love making friends. We’ve been blown away by the support,” Mr Gittins added.