Pub gives grandad free beer for life
LANDLORD PROMISED GREAT-GRANDAD BEER WHEN HE REACHED MILESTONE
A GREAT-grandad who was promised free beer for life after his 100th birthday says he plans to collect his daily pint for years to come.
Arthur Johnson, known as Bunny, visits the Bowling Green every day to enjoy a sup of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord.
The former Army tank driver is a regular fixture at the popular Chorlton pub where he has become a local celebrity.
Landlord Mark Canny says he promised Bunny free beer for life around eight years ago once he reached the grand old age of 100.
So when the centenarian finally reached that milestone he celebrated at the pub with a pint of his favourite tipple. And the former tyre fitter now says he plans to collect a pint a day for some time yet.
He said: “Free beers for life. That’s the deal! I started drinking at the Bowling Green for the beer. I always have a Timothy Taylor’s Landlord. It is usually a pint a day – but then quite often it’s a double!”
The great-grandfather-of-four moved from Wolverhampton to Manchester 16 years ago to be near his daughter, who also lives in Chorlton. He has visited the Bowling Green every day for years and decided to celebrate his special birthday at the pub with friends and family. He said: “I had a wonderful big party. The place was packed – really full.”
Though he says it’s not an exact science, Bunny puts his longevity down to only drinking cask ale and only eating fresh food.
He said: “I don’t know what the key is but all I can say is, I’ve never eaten fast food and I don’t worry.
“What hasn’t happened yet might not happen at all so why worry about it.”
Mark, who has been landlord for 15 years, said Bunny has become a good friend over the years.
He added: “Bunny has become a bit of a local celebrity.
“I made this promise of free beer for life about six or seven years ago not expecting that he would be at the pub every day of the week. My profits have taken a downward spiral!
“He’s not just a customer, he’s a drinking buddy – he was at my wedding last year and he comes to all the staff dos. He’s always impeccably dressed and all the barmaids like him. He’s got an eye for the women!”