IRVINE'S oldest pub is set to reopen to customers later this month - and the Times has been given an exclusive first look inside the new-look premises.
The Ship Inn - set to be known simply as 'The Ship' - has been closed since July 2020.
It dates back to 1567 when it was a customs house, before becoming a licensed hostelry in 1754.
The owners say they're planning to begin with a couple of 'soft launch' days on January 25 and 26, for invited guests only and giving staff the chance to become accustomed to the new surroundings, with the full re-opening pencilled in for Friday, January 27.
All of those dates remain tentative at present, with the owners hard at work behind the scenes to get the premises ready for their first customers.
The Times can also reveal that The Ship is remaining within the ownership of the Murray family, with Christopher taking up the task of giving Irvine, and Ayrshire, one of its favourite gastro-pubs back.
There has been plenty of speculation ever since the closure two-and-a-half years ago around when and who would be reopening the venue - particularly since work started on renovating the historic building in December 2021.
In November last year, The Ship's return was confirmed via a post on social media - though only one more post, recruiting for staff, has followed since.
According to Christopher, The Ship will operate on a bookings-only basis on reopening, though an official system has yet to be put in place.
Phone lines are also yet to be installed at the venue.
Hear more from our chat with Christopher later this week, and in the next print edition of the Irvine Times - on sale from Tuesday, January 10.
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