Cornish publicans celebrate 45 years running village pubs

Billy Moore first stepped behind the bar at The Fountain Inn in Mevagissey in 1981, the same year Anita George began running The Logan Rock Inn at Treen. <i>(Image: St Austell Brewery)</i>
Billy Moore first stepped behind the bar at The Fountain Inn in Mevagissey in 1981, the same year Anita George began running The Logan Rock Inn at Treen. (Image: St Austell Brewery)
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Two much-loved Cornish publicans are celebrating an extraordinary milestone after each clocking up 45 years at the helm of their village pubs.

Billy Moore first stepped behind the bar at The Fountain Inn in Mevagissey in 1981, the same year Anita George began running The Logan Rock Inn at Treen.

Between them, the pair have now dedicated 90 years to welcoming customers, supporting their communities and preserving two traditional Cornish pubs.

Anita is St Austell Brewery's longest-serving landlady and has become so well known in Treen that regulars, neighbours and visitors simply call her "Mother".

Over the years she has helped raise more than £1 million for local causes, supported grassroots sports clubs and provided a meeting place for community groups free of charge.

Her acts of kindness have also ranged from helping stranded motorists to serving early-morning coffees before opening time.

Anita said: "I always feel good if I've been able to help someone.

"It's important that people who may be stressed, worried or feeling a little down know they can come in for a chat and feel welcome.

"It's about the people. Making sure everyone feels welcome and looked after."

At The Fountain Inn, former fisherman Billy has spent the past 45 years maintaining the character of a pub which has become a firm favourite with locals and visitors.

He said: "I've done a lot of work here with my own hands but without actually altering the pub. It's a great little pub."

For Billy, one of the greatest pleasures has been seeing generations of the same families come through its doors.

"The girls who first worked with me have had their daughters work here and now their grandchildren," he said. "It's been fun."

Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell Brewery, said having two publicans reach the milestone in the same year was "truly exceptional".

He said: "Billy and Anita have devoted their working lives to their communities and have helped make their pubs the beating heart of village life.

"While their stories are different, they share the same commitment to people, hospitality and creating places where everyone feels welcome.

"Anita's compassion and generosity have made her a much-loved figure in Treen, while Billy's dedication to preserving the character and spirit of The Fountain Inn has made him a legend in Mevagissey.

"Everyone at St Austell Brewery is incredibly grateful for everything they have contributed and we are proud to celebrate this remarkable milestone with them both."

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