A rustic and cosy village pub with an abundance of history and character, serving up delicious meals that wouldn’t look out of place in a fancy restaurant – it’s safe to say that The Ship Inn in Barnoldby-le-Beck is a true gem. A year-and-a-half on since I last ate there, in January last year, I’d heard the menu has recently undergone a bit of a revamp – so I was keen to get back down there and give the new menu a try. After making the drive down to the pub – situated on Main Road – on a sunny and warm Monday evening, we headed inside and took a seat at a table near the window in the front room. READ MORE: I’ve always loved the décor inside The Ship Inn – it’s the perfect blend of rustic and modern, with the exposed brick walls, wooden beams and vintage ornaments complementing the new-style furnishings. It’s great to see that the pub has kept its character and a lot of its original features after being a staple of the village for generations. We were approached by a member of staff who took our drinks orders and handed us two of the new menus. Browsing what was on offer, I realised that absolutely everything sounded delicious. The inside of the pub is bursting with character (Image: Grimsby Live) Options for starters included New Zealand Mussels in a white wine and parsley sauce, Tiger Prawns with chilli and lime and Creamy Mushrooms with toasted bread. For mains, options included Chicken or Halloumi Kebab with pittas, chips, salad and garlic mayo, Duck with dauphinoise potatoes, carrot puree, tenderstem broccoli and red wine jus and Linguine in a rich creamy sauce with salmon, mussels and prawns. There were also classic dishes available, such as the Steak and Ale Pie and Fish and Chips. But for some reason, both of us just really fancied the Mushroom Stroganoff (£15), which was described on the menu as mushrooms in a creamy mustard sauce with mash and vegetables. I’ve always been a massive fan of stroganoff, with and without meat, so I was pleased to see this on the menu. Not being hungry enough for starters, we both ordered one each. The dishes were served within about 15 minutes, and before I even started eating mine, I knew I’d love it because of how well it was presented. Everything on there looked delicious, and the portions were very generous which was a bonus. The Mushroom Stroganoff at The Ship Inn (Image: Grimsby Live) The button mushrooms were drenched in the stroganoff sauce, which was just out of this world. It was creamy and peppery with that unique ‘kick’ you can only get from mustard, all at the same time, and seasoned to perfection. It was definitely up there with some of the best stroganoff I’ve ever had – and it’s one of my favourite meals, so I’ve had quite a few! Now that I think about it, though, I’ve never actually had stroganoff with mashed potato before. I usually eat it with either rice or chips – but I think from now on, I’ll go for mash. The two went perfectly together. As for the carrots, they tasted like they’d been caramelised and just melted in the mouth. I’ll definitely be coming to The Ship Inn again. It’s clear to see that the quality of food has drastically improved, and I’m keen to try some of the other choices on the menu. Whether it’s for a date night, special occasion or just a quick bite to eat while passing through Barnoldby-le-Beck – it’s a lovely place to eat, with an atmosphere to match.

The ‘Hometown Heroes: A Celebration of Sport’ exhibition will launch at the Fishing Heritage Centre on Saturday A fascinating new exhibition which celebrates sporting heroes who were born and raised in Grimsby is opening to the public this weekend. From 11am on Saturday, July 20, members of the public can visit the brand new ‘Hometown Heroes: A Celebration of Sport’ exhibition at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre on Alexandra Dock. The display contains items which belong to local sportspeople, including legendary English Channel swimmer Brenda Fisher, dancers Kevin and Joanne Clifton, Paralympian Hollie Arnold and former motorcycle racer Guy Martin, among others. Each inspirational person whose items are featured in the exhibition all have one thing in common – their hometown is Grimsby. Take a sneak peek at the exhibition in the photo gallery below.

A professional from the Royal Ballet visited a Grimsby school as it put on performances of Billy Elliot. Havelock Academy, part of the David Ross Education Trust, organised the show for parents, carers, staff and the wider Grimsby community during the final week of term. The production involved more than 60 children taking on roles in the cast, chorus and crew, all guided by the school’s music and performing arts team, providing audiences with a nostalgic trip filled with song and dance. The musical stage adaptation of Billy Elliot is based on the well-loved 2000 film set in the North East of England amidst the miners’ strikes of the 1980s. It follows the story of Billy, an aspiring ballet dancer, whose father would rather he took up boxing. READ MORE: After some dramatic twists and turns, Billy auditions and secures a spot at the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London. The show, featuring music by Elton John and script by Lee Hall, is a heartwarming family affair that delves into intricate family dynamics and challenges stereotypes. Students aged between 11 and 18 at Havelock thoroughly enjoyed learning the songs, lines and choreography for the show. The lead role of Billy was portrayed by Year 8 student Henry, while his older sister Gracie took on the role of the Dance Teacher in some performances. Some roles were shared between two students who performed on different nights, offering more pupils the opportunity to experience leading roles. The students involved in the show were given a special ‘rewards’ afternoon on the eve of the opening night, featuring a visit from professional ballerina, Scarlett Harvey, an Artist from the Royal Ballet in London. Scarlett, who originally hails from Cleethorpes and had intended to attend Havelock herself before being accepted into ballet school, led a masterclass for the students, adding final touches to their show. She also treated them to a performance of the renowned ‘dying swan’ solo from Swan Lake and held a Q&A session with the students. Scarlett expressed her delight at returning to the area to spend the afternoon with the students participating in the show and wished them all the best for their performances. Havelock Academy, in Grimsby, has been performing Billy Elliot, and received a visit from professional ballerina Scarlett Harvey (Image: Havelock Academy) Meanwhile, the house band for the show included staff from Havelock and local musicians in Grimsby. Natalie Lennie, Head of Maths, purchased a new saxophone and relearned the instrument specifically for the production! The band was directed by Havelock’s Director of Music, Ian Cooke, and also featured academy Principal, Emma Marshall, on woodwind and piano. Other members include DRET Musician in Residence, Alison Willis, guitarist and teacher, Sam Carlton, Grimsby drummer Kevin Rogers, local English teacher, Peter Kench on brass, and bass player, Mike Sellars. Nicole Potton, Head of Performing Arts at Havelock Academy, expressed her admiration for the students’ dedication to such a large-scale production with a political plot, saying: “I am so impressed with how the students have thrown themselves into such a big show. The dancing has definitely been my favourite aspect, and that isn’t just the ballet, some of the big ensemble numbers are simply brilliant!” Jayleigh, a year 10 student who played one of the miners, shared her experience: “I have loved being involved in Billy Elliot this year and really enjoy the buzz I get when I go on stage in costume. Every Friday we stay after school and it is like having another family, who all help each other and all work together to make sure the show is really great. The teachers help us learn our lines and learn the dances and they make it fun and worth all of the hard work.” Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Year 10 pupil Harvey, who was part of the stage crew at Havelock Academy, said: “I have worked with the visiting technician in the sound and light box, to make sure everything on stage looks perfect. I have the best view as I can see the full stage from the back and when I operate the lights, it makes the whole show come alive. I love performing arts and like the fact that I can be involved from a technical point of view instead of being on stage. It is fabulous seeing the full thing come together after a year of hard work.” Emma Marshall, Principal at Havelock Academy and member of the band, praised the performance, saying: “What a fantastic end of term treat for everyone – it’s been brilliant to take part in such a fabulous show. Well done to all the cast and crew and thank you to the local musicians who also joined us for this amazing performance put on by Havelock students, cast and crew!” The final performance of Billy Elliot will be tonight (Thursday) at 6pm at Havelock Academy.

Unity Community and Freeman Street Market collaborate in the annual inclusive event An uplifting community event has been marked in the heart of Grimsby with the annual Pride celebration. Freeman Street Market and Unity Community join together for the colourful family occasion. It brings a feast of fun and rainbows to the market, with activities for kids, stalls and information and entertainment, including stilt walkers, tribute singers, dancing and the chance for children to help create a community artwork. The event today (Saturday, July 13) included a Pride March, with plenty of sparkles and rainbows in evidence, a bright antidote to the damp weather conditions. Inside and in the dry, there were lots of stalls supporting Pride to check out and arts and crafts to try out. The community art piece, titled Lifted by Unity, Inspired by Diversity, was helped along with children’s brushwork, and there was street food and a bar to keep everyone fed and refreshed. Face painting and glitter tattoos, craft and gift stalls, and the Mothership DJs all helped to make it a Pride to remember. Grimsby Live’s Donna Clifford was there to capture some of the brilliance of the occasion, as you can see from the pictures below. READ MORE: 60 faces as Scunthorpe celebrates its first Pride festival

Shoppers were left scrambling to get their hands on a floral midi dress from John Lewis after it sold out rapidly in every size and colour. For those still pining for it, there’s some good news – the popular frock is back in stock, albeit in selected shades, so you’ll have to act swiftly. The sought-after piece is the Yumi Floral Kimono Sleeves Dip Hem Wrap Midi Dress, priced at £60, which boasts a variety of colour options along with a V-neckline, kimono sleeves, and an all-over flower print, creating an attractive look as it gently flares from the skirt. Made of a light and breezy polyester fabric, this dress features a wrap front with a tie waist that not only provides comfort but also accentuates the figure. According to the John Lewis website, you can now snap up the green, blue, navy, and mint versions in sizes 8 to 22. Read more: However, availability is more limited for the light blue and soft pink options, and unfortunately, the peach one remains out of reach as it’s entirely sold out. Ideal for various occasions, whether you’re dressing up or aiming for a more casual look, customers rave about how the floral wrap midi dress feels and appears to be worth more than its £60 cost. A pleased shopper expressed satisfaction in a glowing review: “A beautiful dress bought for a wedding. The fabric is light and of a great quality. I have bought a size down from what I normally get but the dress is still rather generous in size!” reports the Mirror. One satisfied customer shared: “I generally don’t like buying dresses as I feel nothing fits or looks quite right on me but this is one of the best dresses I have ever bought. I have it in green, size 18, it fits perfectly, very flattering and I feel great in it. Dress it up with heels or go casual with flats, looks and feels fab either way. I love it! “. Another review states: “Very flattering dress that hangs nicely. Good length and lovely floaty delicate fabric. Bought the size 14 in navy for a wedding but think it’s going to get many outings! Looks more expensive than the price tag.” John Lewis dress in green (Image: John Lewis) Reviews indicate that the dress sizing may be on the generous side, although some customers have found it to be true to size; it’s recommended to refer to the John Lewis size chart for guidance. One three-star reviewer noted: “Lovely fabric but too big on the top part I would size down.” Yumi’s Urban Touch Floral Print Dipped Hem Midi Dress can be bought for £60 at johnlewis.com. If you’re looking for something else, River Island offers the Cream Floral Frill Swing Midi Dress for £48 a garment of sheer elegance. Alternatively, the Watercolour Ditsy Floral Loubelle Midi Dress from Nobody’s Child is available for £59. Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

An evening of conversation with Grimsby actor Thomas Turgoose is coming to Blundell Park next month – with funds from ticket sales going to a very worthy cause. On Friday, August 2 from 7pm until late, Thomas will deliver a Q&A session in the McMenemy’s Function Suite, where he will give audience members a fascinating insight into his illustrious career and his deep-rooted love for his hometown of Grimsby, its football team, and his experiences growing up in East Marsh. Hosted by the NSPCC and Together for Childhood Grimsby, the special evening will also include live music from local acts and a fish and chip supper, courtesy of Oliver Bros Fish Merchants of Grimsby. All proceeds from ticket sales will be going to the NSPCC and the Shalom Youth Centre, a cause close to Thomas’ heart. READ MORE: He said: “I’m thrilled to be part of this fantastic evening in aid of the NSPCC. Growing up as a child actor, my town was always there for me when I needed support the most. “I look forward to sharing my story and raising much-needed funds for this incredible charity that continues to help so many children across North East Lincolnshire. I’m also thrilled that some of the proceeds will be going to Shalom Youth Centre in Grimsby, a place very close to my heart and somewhere I used to frequent a lot when I was growing up in the area.” Thomas Turgoose during a previous visit to Grimsby NSPCC (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive) As well as the Q&A and entertainment, guests can also enter a raffle with prizes including the latest Umbro Grimsby Town FC home and away tops, signed This is England merchandise and VIP tickets to the Live by The Yard Festival in Hull and Rock N Roll Circus in Sheffield which is headlined by Richard Hawley, Becky Hill and Milburn. Lisa Smith, from Together for Childhood Grimsby, said: “This event is a testament to the community spirit of Grimsby. Thomas’s involvement highlights the local talent and the importance of supporting the NSPCC’s work in ensuring every child grows up safe and loved.” Kristine Green, the Community Projects Manager of Grimsby Town Foundation said: “We are honoured to host this special evening at Blundell Park as part of the ongoing relationship between the Club and the NSPCC. “It’s an excellent opportunity to unite our community for a worthy cause. Thomas Turgoose’s story is inspiring, and we’re proud to support the NSPCC in their mission.” Tickets for the event are available to purchase here.

Fascinating art and photography exhibitions, a peaceful garden with an array of beautiful plants and flowers and a light, airy and contemporary café serving absolutely bangin’ food – a winning combination, if you ask me. Situated in Barton, The Ropewalk has long been a popular spot for locals and visitors alike when it comes to all things arts and culture – but until last weekend, I’d never got round to visiting. After parking up on a grey and drizzly early afternoon, I headed to the on-site café, eager to grab a coffee to perk me up after my drive from good old Grimsby. As soon as I walked in, I loved the whole atmosphere of the place. READ MORE: The exposed wooden beams on the ceiling and little touches throughout were a reminder of the building’s long history as a rope making factory dating back to the early 1800s, while the décor and furnishings gave the space a modern and contemporary twist. I noticed that it was pretty packed, which I was expecting, but luckily I managed to find a table in a quiet spot near the corner. I ordered a latte and took a seat while waiting for my friend to arrive. I loved the variety of options available (Image: Grimsby Live) It took us a while to decide what to order, but I was eventually won over by the colourful display inside the main counter. For £12, diners can choose one of the quiches on offer, before selecting three items to accompany it. Everything in there seemed pretty healthy, and looked delicious. Quiche options were cheddar and spring onion, Stilton and cherry tomato, feta and peppers, Mexican cheese, spinach and sweet chilli, or Brie and cranberry. I went for the Brie – there’s something just a little bit special about the combo of creamy Brie and tangy cranberry for me. Alongside it, I went for a mixed leaf salad, Coronation quinoa and potatoes in mint yoghurt. The lovely staff member who served me asked if I’d like cucumber, peppers and tomato and balsamic vinegar on top of the mixed leaf salad, and she kindly put it on for me. The food came within minutes and it looked absolutely delicious. My plate was packed full, and I couldn’t help thinking that £12 was very reasonable when taking the portion sizes into account. Each aspect of the dish was lovely – with the sweet and moreish flavour of the quinoa and freshness of the salad going together perfectly with the indulgent richness of the quiche. Yum (Image: Grimsby Live) I loved this dish and wish more places locally offered something like this, where you can “build” your own healthy plate of food. It just served as evidence to me that there’s loads of options when it comes to tasty, healthy and meat-free dishes. I think a lot of places could do better in this regard and provide more on the menu than just a veggie burger or Mac & Cheese, but The Ropewalk did not disappoint with their meat-free options at all. The dishes on the specials board behind the counter also sounded amazing, and I think I’ll try something from this menu in future (yes, I’ll definitely be going again). Examples when I visited were wild mushroom stroganoff, sweet potato curry pie and tomato and pepper risotto. Yum. It’s also worth noting that the cake options at The Ropewalk are basically endless, too. With lemon cake, chocolate cake, Victoria sponge, malteser slices and Rocky Road, to name just a few, it was a bit of a tough decision. I’ve had worse choices in my life, don’t get me wrong. There’s also plenty of sweet treats to choose from (Image: Grimsby Live) In the end I went for a slice of the coffee and walnut cake, and when I say slice, it would be more accurate to say slab – not that I’m complaining! The cake was perfectly moist and rounded off a lovely meal. In my opinion, The Ropewalk is just the perfect lunch spot, and I’ll definitely be back at some point.

The man behind the Euro 2024 final outdoor screening in Grimsby said he is living on four hours’ sleep each night as he works to organise the “biggest screening of the final on the East coast” in a matter of just days. Craig, who lives locally, organised the successful screening of the England v Italy Euro 2020 in the large field behind Morrisons supermarket on Hilmore Road, and vowed that he would do the same again if England reached the next final. “Last time was so good, and we always said after, if we ever make the final again which we probably never will, we’ll do it again, so we just had no choice,” he told Grimsby Live. READ MORE: “England won on Wednesday so we’ve had three days to get everything planned and into place, there was a bit of pre-planning with the anticipation that we might win, but we’ve literally had three days to put it all together.” The screening will be held in the same place as last time, in the field at Hilmore Road, with gates due to open at 5pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off. At £13 per person, with no cost for children aged 10 and under, excited England fans can make the most of the two 46 square-metre screens showing the all-important final. Gates will open to the field on Hilmore Road at 5pm on Sunday (Image: Submitted) Craig continued: “In 2021 we charged £10 per person, and this time we’ve tripled security, quadrupled the amount of toilets, tripled the fencing for safety reasons, and the screens are slightly bigger. We learned a lot last time and we’ve put a lot more into it this time, and the world has changed, everything has gone up, so it’s been a £1 increase per year, which we think is reasonable. “It’s costing £40,000 to host, so we’ll probably break even or make a small loss – but it’s all about the atmosphere. The first time we did it, we can’t put into words what the atmosphere was like, and we want to create that again. This time round we’ve got some fairground rides and food stalls, so it’s like last time but better. “It’s been stressful to organise. I’m surviving on four hours sleep and my phone constantly has to be on charge. We’ve got someone totally office-based responding to people, and we’re working closely with Humberside Police who have been great. “This is the largest screening of the Euro final on the East coast of England, and you can get in for the price of a pack of cigarettes and you can bring your own alcohol. It’s a win-win.” The gates to the field will open at 5pm. Tickets will cost £13 per person and need to be purchased with cash on the gate. Under 10’s go free. No dogs allowed. People are asked to bring their alcohol in glass-free containers.

The main swimming pool at Butlin’s Skegness, which has been closed since a major leak last year, is set to reopen later this month. The Splash Waterworld venue had parts of its facility rendered unusable due to a burst pipe in November 2023. During the repair period, the waterpark’s flumes, rides and children’s pool remained operational while the main pool, wave pool and lazy river were shut. The team at Butlin’s Skegness, recognising the main pool as a significant attraction for families particularly during the warmer months, have been diligently working to rectify the issue ahead of the 2024 summer holidays. Read more: It has now been confirmed that the main pool will be back open from July 29, reports Lincolnshire Live. An update on the Butlin’s website reads: “We know many of you have been waiting for news on Splash Waterworld at our Skegness resort. We’re pleased to let you know that all our slides and flumes, the rapids, tots pool and outdoor splash park will be open as usual. “We know it’s disappointing (after all, the pool is a big part of the Butlin’s experience), but the good news is, you’ll get to enjoy the Big Top Circus and a Roller Rink, available exclusively at Skegness, free of charge. “Our team are working hard behind the scenes to fix the issue and our main pool will be back open from July 29. Please continue to keep an eye on our website for all the latest updates.” Continuing their statement, the resort management expressed: “We want to apologise again. We really do appreciate your understanding and patience whilst our team continue working hard on getting the pool back up and running as normal.” Join the FREE Grimsby Live WhatsApp Community Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp – all you need to do is click the link. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Pictures have emerged showing what the inside of some of Pleasure Island’s most popular attractions looks like now, eight years on from the theme park’s closure. Posted to the Pleasure Island Archive Facebook page, the photographs give a fascinating glimpse inside the structures which housed the former Tinkaboo Factory ride and the carousel ride. The building which once housed the bustling food court also appears to have fallen into a state of disrepair, with boarded-up windows and litter scattered across the floor. Much of the bright and colourful Tinkaboo Factory set appears to still be intact, with the moat running through the centre of it having long been removed. The popular Cleethorpes attraction closed to the public for the final time in 2016 after welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors since it first opened in 1991. Take a look at the pictures in the gallery below.