The community of Seaham, County Durham, will gather this February to commemorate the diamond anniversary of the treasured pub, The Mallard.
Management Partners (MPs), Gordon and Elaine Littlewood, have themselves been at the helm of the pub for 17 years. On February 10th they will be celebrating their beloved pub and are inviting the community, former landlords and landladies to join them.
Speaking fondly of The Mallard Elaine said: “The Mallard is a pub that just draws you in. Everyone in the community has fond memories here, whether they’re happy, celebratory or even sad occasions, we’ve all got a connection to it, so it’s only right and deserving that we honour the pub on this momentous occasion.
“I personally poured my first pint here, and I’ll probably pour my last one here too. The Mallard isn’t just a pub, it holds so much history and is a huge part of our community – so the least we can do is celebrate it.”
Elaine speaks fondly of the Mallard due to the deep connection she’s had with the pub since a young age. Her friends’ parents ran the pub, and she would help out on occasions over time developing a fond love for the local.
When the opportunity arose to take on the running of the pub, it was the easiest decision the husband and wife duo had made, and within a short space of time, they were settled in and welcoming the community.
Continuing, Elaine said: “It’s amazing to see how much the pub has changed over the years, in many ways it’s stayed the same – our guests have remained loyal, and it’s always been the go-to place in the community – but seeing it evolve with the times, and conquer all of the challenges associated with the industry, makes us incredibly proud.
“I’ve held onto a newspaper article which was given to me by one of our guests when we first moved in here, it was a snippet of an article from the Sunderland Echo on the first day the pub opened back in 1965; we immediately framed and mounted it, it’s become a talking point of the pub ever since.”
To commemorate the occasion, Gordon and Elaine have planned a weekend of events from Friday 7th February and have invited former landlords and landladies to join them in reminiscing about the fantastic pub.
Whilst stories will be shared and more memories made, Gordon and Elaine will be treating guests to welcome cocktails and a bite to eat, with free entertainment throughout the evening.
“Gordon and I can’t wait to welcome the community, former team members and friends and family who all share the same passion and love for the Mallard that we have.’ Elaine continued. “We’re proud to have survived various challenges over the years, and a huge reason for that is our guests. You don’t have a great pub without great guests, so this is also a way of saying a big thank you to them.”