A couple from Preston are celebrating today after working at the Nags Head pub for 35 years.
Mike and Marian Rouse, who started at the Nags Head in 1979, explained how they came to run the pub: “This is our third pub, having ran the Brunswick Tavern in Hull and the Push Inn in Beverley. We used to pass through the village on visits to the coast and always saw the potential of the pub. When the opportunity came on 22nd January, 35 years ago we jumped at the chance to run it as our own” said Mike.
“After our first three weeks in the pub we were snowed-in for four days and started to doubt our decision but we received a lot of support from the local community and 35 years later we are still here no matter the weather!”
Situated on Sproatley Road, on the outskirts of Preston, the Nags Head is known for its selection of cask ales, sports teams and more importantly its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and charity fundraising.
“When we came into the pub, we had limited facilities and considering its drive-to location we had to give people a reason to travel to us. We have had a lot of good times at the pub and have seen many changes. We have always looked to move with the times and we put in a playground and updated the garden area in our first five years to make the pub more family friendly.
“It is important for pubs to adapt and cater for their customers. We added a lounge and conservatory in the 1980’s and started doing food. Similarly, when the smoking ban was introduced we had a refurbishment and installed a patio with jumbrellas and smoking areas.
“Our cask ale selection has extended and we have become Cask Marque accredited. Likewise, as our food menu has grown so has our reputation, with many travelling from the surrounding areas to try our speciality mixed grills and steaks” Mike added.
“We have seen three generations visit the pub, those who initially came in as children are now coming in with their grandchildren and we have photos inside of our customers who have been like a family to us,” Marian continued.
“The pub means so much to us, it is a way of life and the customers have become our best friends and family. It is a challenging job, working a seven day week, but we get to meet some lovely people and be at the heart of the community with all of our charity work.
“So far we have raised over £70,000 through our quizzes and a further £80,000 for local causes, making an estimated grand total of £150,000 overall. We are often approached to help fundraise for local families who can’t get funding and organise unique charity events, like a fairy-tale and hoedown day.
“We have no plans to stop anytime soon and we are always thinking what to do next. We are currently fundraising for the local teenage cancer unit and planning a celebration to commemorate 100 years after World War One.”
Andy King, Punch Taverns Partnership Development Manager presented Mike and Marian with a certificate and a bouquet of flowers.
In a testament to the couple, Andy said: “Mike and Marian are fantastic operators; nobody knows the pub better than they do. They have put their heart and soul into the pub and after all of these years, and the customers love Mike and Marian as much as they love them.
“35 years is a considerably long time and they have become synonymous with the pub. Their hard work and get go attitude has ensured their success so far and even won the Bass award for their exceptional charity work in 2002, where they attended a garden party at Buckingham palace.
“I want to congratulate them for what they have achieved and there is no evidence of this slowing down anytime soon. I look forward to working in partnership with Mike and Marian for years to come,” Andy added.