Last orders for couple as they retire from running historic pub
A COUPLE are set to call last orders for the final time as they retire from their pub after almost a quarter of a century.
Landlord and landlady Peter and Gail Brady have run the 18th century Admiral Rodney in Prestbury village for 23 years and have welcomed scores of famous people through the doors over the years.
TV’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire host Chris Tarrant, actor Timothy Spall and Coronation Street’s Charlie Lawson, Simon Gregson, Beverley Callard and Denise Welch have all enjoyed their favourite tipple at the pub, which opened in 1730.
The couple, who live above the pub, have also rubbed shoulders with a host of sport stars from former England cricket captain Mike Atherton and former boxer Chris Eubank to former Manchester City player Trevor Sinclair.
Even Norman Lamont, former chancellor, signed the illustrious guest book.
Peter, 72, the pub’s second longest serving tenant in 300 years, said: “There are so many names in that book you wouldn’t believe.
“Chris Tarrant is one of the nicest famous people I’ve met.
“He came over to the bar and just talked to the locals for more than an hour.”
He added: “It has been a dream job working here and we’ve made so many friends.
“You get up in the morning and walk downstairs to one of the nicest pubs in one of the nicest villages in the country.
“The pub even has an atmosphere when it’s empty. The people are so nice as well.
“I’m 72 now so am looking forward to finishing in a way but I will be upset too.”
The father-of-three has also seen a lot of changes in the village since they moved to the pub in the early 90s.
He said: “Prestbury was a lot different then, it was the hub.
“Now it’s all about Alderley Edge and Wilmslow. I’d like to see Prestbury like it was back then again.”
The couple’s daughter Chloe Brady, 31, will take over the pub when the couple leave on April 12, but Peter and Gail will still visit.
They will stay firmly on the other side of the bar when they do though.
Margo Cornish, who has visited the pub, her local, for around 12 years, said: “Pete and Gail will be sorely missed.
“They are such a welcoming and friendly couple and have created a lovely atmosphere.”