Third generation pub tenant calls time
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
World War One broke out, King George V reigned over the British Empire and Herbert Asquith was Prime Minister. In Ashton-under-Lyne near Manchester, though, 1914 was also the year that saw Albert Lucas become tenant of the Oddfellows Arms and start a family tradition that has lasted almost a century.
The pub later passed to Albert’s son, Thomas, before current licensee John Lucas took over from his father in 1984. Working in close harmony with Stockport-based brewer Frederic Robinson Limited, who acquired the house in 1949, he has built on its reputation as a much-loved friendly local.
Now, though, having turned 60, John has decided to retire and the end of a 94-year era is looming at the “Oddies”.
“It was a very difficult decision and one tinged with great sadness,” said John.“ Robinson’s have been great to work with - I get on famously with everyone at the Brewery.”
While John ruefully admits that some of his earliest memories of the pub - such as cleaning the grate and lighting the coal fire for pocket money - are not too happy, the licensed trade certainly won him over in the years that have followed.
“If you are prepared to take the highs with the lows then running a pub can provide more than a living - it’s a way of life,” he said. “Of course the structure in which you operate makes a difference and with Robinson’s there is the mutual trust and loyalty that has given me the freedom to do things my way.”
Robinson’s philosophy is typical of their fellow members of the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB) which was set up in 1993 to promote the unique heritage of such businesses.
The IFBB is now proof positive of how mutual respect can build successful operations for its combined total of over 4,500 pubs.
“The wonderful story of John Lucas and his family is a prime example of how the IFBB approach can lead to commercial success, a wealth of happy memories and enduring friendships,” said director Oliver Robinson, a member of the sixth generation of his family to be involved in running Robinson’s.
Following his long and happy association with the brewer it is no surprise that John says he will be happy to carry out relief work in the future - including at the Oddfellows Arms.
In the meantime, he is hoping that his eventual successor at the pub will leave in place many of the Lucas family photos that adorn the walls and help create such a friendly atmosphere.
“It’s very important to me that the right kind of person takes over,” he said. “I feel it’s my duty to my staff and customers - and I also want to enjoy coming in here for a drink myself!”