Ex-pub landlord pouring drinks in care home bar

AN EX-PUBLICAN has been given a walk down memory lane after the care home where he lives opened a bar on the premises.

Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West, Hebburn, opened the “Willowdene Bar” to give residents a place to socialise and have fun.

For one resident and former pub landlord the new saloon is a reminder of a decade of pulling pints.

Bill McDermot, 75, ran the White Horse pub, in Bingley, West Yorkshire, for 10 years before he moved to Willowdene Care Home in January this year.

The opening of the home’s new pub has seen Bill reprise his old role behind the bar, pouring drinks, chatting and entertaining his fellow residents.

Bill moved 100 miles from Bingley to live at Willowdene Care Home as both his daughter, Sarah, and granddaughter, Lauren, work at the home.

His one note of feedback on the home’s new bar was that it needed a bell to call last orders – which has since been purchased and installed.

He said: “I love the new bar. I love the idea of being able to come along for a game of cards and a quiet half.”

Residents are currently using the bar on rotation, so social distancing rules can be maintained. When Bill was asked to swap with a fellow resident, he said: “It’s the first time I’ve left a bar before closing time.”

Michael Beaney, home manager at Willowdene Care Home, said: “With the current restrictions due the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the residents have been unable to get out to a real pub in some time, so we thought we’d bring the pub to them.

“The new Willowdene Bar has been a big hit with the residents. For one resident in particular, Bill McDermot, the bar brings back fond memories as a pub landlord.

“We’re sure residents will continue to make good use of the bar for socialising, playing pub games such as dominoes and cards, and enjoying a tipple on special occasions.”