Mevagissey and Treen publicans mark 45 years behind the bar

Ask for Anita at The Logan Rock Inn and you might get a few puzzled looks. Ask for Mother, and everyone knows exactly who you mean.

She is one of two publicans celebrating an unusual milestone this year. Anita George has now spent 45 years at The Logan Rock Inn in Treen, and Billy Moore has clocked up the same at The Fountain Inn in Mevagissey. Between them, that is nine decades of welcoming customers, backing local causes and looking after two much-loved Cornish pubs.

The landlady known as ‘Mother’

Anita is St Austell Brewery‘s longest-serving landlady. For her, the job has always been about far more than serving food and drink.

Regulars, neighbours and visitors call her ‘Mother’, a nickname earned over decades of caring for customers and looking out for the people around her. She might be pouring an early-morning coffee before opening time, helping stranded motorists, supporting local charities, or giving community groups somewhere to meet free of charge.

“I always feel good if I’ve been able to help someone,” said Anita.

“It’s important that people who may be stressed, worried or feeling a little down know they can come in for a chat and feel welcome.”

More than £1 million for local causes

Her reach goes well beyond the pub’s walls. Over the years, Anita has helped raise more than £1 million for local causes, supported grassroots sports clubs and brought people together through countless celebrations, fundraisers and community events.

“It’s about the people,” she said. “Making sure everyone feels welcome and looked after.”

A former fisherman at The Fountain Inn

Over in Mevagissey, Billy Moore has become something of a local institution in his own right.

The former fisherman took on The Fountain Inn in 1981 and has spent the years since keeping its character, charm and place at the centre of village life intact. He is modest about the milestone, but fiercely proud of the pub he has looked after.

“I’ve done a lot of work here with my own hands but without actually altering the pub,” he said. “It’s a great little pub.”

That care is a big part of why The Fountain remains a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Regulars often find a pint waiting before they reach the bar, and good humour is never in short supply.

Three generations behind the bar

What gives Billy the most satisfaction is watching local families come through the doors, generation after generation.

“The girls who first worked with me have had their daughters work here and now their grandchildren,” he said. “It’s been fun.”

‘Truly exceptional’

Kevin Georgel, CEO of St Austell Brewery, said having one publican give 45 years to a pub was extraordinary, and two reaching the milestone in the same year was “truly exceptional”.

“Billy and Anita have devoted their working lives to their communities and have helped make their pubs the beating heart of village life,” he said. “While their stories are different, they share the same commitment to people, hospitality and creating places where everyone feels welcome.

“Anita’s compassion and generosity have made her a much-loved figure in Treen, while Billy’s dedication to preserving the character and spirit of The Fountain Inn has made him a legend in Mevagissey. The impact they have both had over the past 45 years extends far beyond their pubs.”

The brewery, founded in 1851, is marking its own 175th anniversary this year.