Landlord finally stepping out from behind the bar

A LANDLORD who had spent nearly every year of his life behind the bar was looking forward to retirement in December 1983.

- By STEPHEN SINFIELD

Landlord John Smith was bidding farewell to the Cottage Inn at Regent Street, Church Gresley, along with his wife Eunice.

With the exception of four years in the navy, Mr Smith had spent every year of his life living under a Marston’s roof.

He was born at the Marquis of Hastings in Albert Village and went on to keep the Cottage Inn for 24 years.