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Still ale and hearty
One of Blackpool's oldest and almost certainly its smallest pub has notched up 107 years in business.
"There was a celebration when it was 100 but somehow time got the better of everyone and it's taken seven years to hold another party," said the West Street pub's chef Neil Measures, who incorporated the celebrations into his "other job" – as a mature student taking a BA Hons in English Communication at Work.
Neil, who has been working days at the pub for the three years admits he'd been too busy to launch the new lunchtime menu he'd planned – but cooked up a traditional Lancashire tea bread instead.
"We'll be having a party every year from now on," said Neil, who was helped with the planning by Mitre regular Yvonne Gregitis who at a sprightly 89 was there to celebrate the pub's 100th.
"I come in a couple of times a week – just for a cup of tea, a bite to eat and a friendly chat," says the Civic Trust member and Friend of the Grand.
Earliest deeds show the building was used as a dwelling house and a shop, owned in turn by Blackpool grocer and confectioner John Braithwaite, Carleton yeoman John Poole and Marton farmer John Hargreaves.
In 1902 it was sold for 8,000 and renamed The Mitre Inn.
"Its different to any other pub in town," said Neil. "We have a regular daytime trade. Then there's the evening trade who enjoy a traditional friendly and cosy pub."
Town Crier Barry McQueen gave the birthday celebrations his blessings by performing the Ancient Ale Ceremony dating back to an Act of Parliament from 1552.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
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Wind direction: South
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