Local landlady Christine Bintcliffe is celebrating this month as she commemorates her 30-year anniversary running The Carnforth Hotel in the city of Lancaster.
It was 35 years ago when Christine first step foot into the trade, having ran a Pub in Stockport for five years, she then made the move to Carnforth and got behind the bar of the market-town tavern.
Together, alongside her trusted sidekick, and sister-in-law Dot Bintcliffe, the magnificent duo has followed the pub through a-three-decade long transition taking on various changes from the smoking ban to Covid restrictions, all in their stride.
Christine said: “Despite the changes over the last 30 years, the essence of running a good pub remains the same, and in fact, there is a lot less trouble in pubs now compared to when I first started.
“Knowing your customers and being the face of the business is key to its success. My favourite part of the job is having a laugh and a joke with the regulars, and I have no plans to give up the trade I love.”
With that passion for making the locals happy, Christine regularly hosts live music acts and supports calendar events with annual Halloween and Christmas parties for both adults and children to enjoy.
To celebrate her impressive milestone, Punch Pubs & Co. Operations Manager Rebecca Davies presented both Christine and Dot with an honorary plaque and a bottle of brandy. Crediting her ‘wicked’ sense of humour, Rebecca said: “Christine is a well-loved Publican, famous for her humour and it has been my pleasure to present her with a plaque for an incredible 30-year achievement. She truly is the spirit of The Carnforth Hotel.”
As part of the celebration, Christine, who is known to love a party, planned an extravagant 30th anniversary party on Sunday 23rd April, with performances from four live music acts and prosecco on arrival for all guests. She added: “Dot and I are really looking forward to celebrating with all of our loyal customers and look forward to many more years here at The Carnforth.”