IT’S HAPPY HOUR AT THE COACHMAKERS!
Drinkers toast star’s birthday after he picks it as one of 60 UK venues to receive £1k bar tab
Jon
DRINKERS at a popular city centre pub were able to raise a glass to former Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton on his 60th birthday – after he put £1,000 behind the bar.
The Coachmakers Arms was one of 60 across the country the one-time Housemartins frontman selected – and the only one in Staffordshire.
And selecting the Hanley pub was not a random choice as the star has previously enjoyed a trip to the Lichfield Street venue.
Landlord Rob Ledgar said he was delighted to accept Paul’s kind offer.
He said: “Paul had a late night in here once when he played at the Victoria Hall with The Beautiful South.
“The gesture does not surprise me. He is very generous. He was the first artist to announce free NHS gigs for the nurses. He has a record of good charity work.”
Heaton has written and performed some hugely popular tracks during his time with the Housemartins and the Beautiful South.
Singles include Happy Hour, Song For Whoever and A Little Time.
Rob has revealed how the star contacted him directly to make the offer.
He added: “I am delighted to be the only pub in Staffordshire to be chosen. To put £1,000 behind the bars of 60 pubs is an amazing gesture. “He contacted me directly to ask if it was OK to do it. I grabbed the offer with both hands. It is one drink per customer so as many people as possible can raise a glass to Paul and so I can make sure the regulars are looked after as well.” Drinkers did not waste any time taking advantage of Paul’s generous gesture.
Patrick Hansbury, aged 59, of Wolstanton, who works at the nearby Emma Bridgewater factory, said: “I popped in for a pint after work. It was a lovely gesture. “I like his music and enjoyed raising a glass to him on his birthday.” Nicola Sambrook, of Tunstall, said: “I enjoyed a pint on Paul. I love his music. I found out about it on social media. I can’t believe he has done it.” Steve Garner, aged 57, of Biddulph, is a ‘massive fan’ of Paul Heaton and has watched him perform many times. He also has Paul’s autograph tattooed on his arm – with fellow former Beautiful South singer Jacqui Abbott’s on his other.
Steve, who was at the pub with his partner, Bev Stonier, aged 54, added: “I have seen him perform in Hanley and seen him everywhere. It is a wonderful gesture.”