'I love what I do': Landlady's 30-year milestone at Greetland pub

A landlady is celebrating her 30 years at the helm of a Greetland pub.
Pint-pouring chief Carol Vickers, 73Pint-pouring chief Carol Vickers, 73
Pint-pouring chief Carol Vickers, 73

Pint-pouring chief Carol Vickers, 73, has been the landlady of the Star Inn, on Lindwell Avenue since 1990.

However, there has been many ups and downs throughout the years for the pub proprietress, who reached her Pearl Anniversary milestone during the coronavirus lockdown.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “While so much has changed over the years, I’ve tried to keep the pub traditional to British culture.

The Star Inn, on Lindwell AvenueThe Star Inn, on Lindwell Avenue
The Star Inn, on Lindwell Avenue

“It’s a great pub. It’s stone built and has an old-fashioned feel to it, and it’s great in the summer as it’s south-facing.

“It’s always been the sort of place where you can sit, relax and get to know the local electrian or plumber.”

Ms Vickers gave her views on the modern pub industry and how it has changed since the early 1990s.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There used to be a pub crawl in Greetland, but that’s gone now as so many pubs have shut and have been coverted into flats,” said Ms Vickers.

“I would say we’re the last traditional pub left in the area which represents that British bygone era.”

Ms Vickers said the coronavirus lockdown has been the most challenging time of her 30-year reign at the pub, which has been serving pints to the public since 1904.

She said: “I’ve had many owners, but I have to say working with Admiral Taverns has been great during lockdown, they’ve been very helpful.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“During the pandemic I’ve been getting my hands mudding at my allotment in Greetland, which has admittedly given me a taste of retirement. I’ve been able to spend more time with my partner, son Brian and my five grandchildren.

“But I’m not going anywhere yet as just before lockdown I extended the lease until 2023 - plus I love what I do.”

Going forward, the Greetland landlady is looking forward to holding a celebratory ‘end-of-coronavirus parties’.

“At the pub, we’ve held many birthday bashes, funerals, weddings, and even open-mic nights. I’ve been told that I should hold a party for my 30 years in charge, but I think when we’re out of the woods with the pandemic I’ll hold a big party.”