Pensioner Bernard Bland loves his local so much that he’s had a drink there every day since it opened in 1954.
The only time the 92-year-old missed out was during Covid.
Bernard was one of the first people through the doors of the Nunsthorpe Tavern in Grimsby.
He’s celebrated birthdays and anniversaries with his wife Margaret, known as Betty, and had laughs with his friends over countless pints....possibly more than 20,000.
One of the main changes though has been the cost of a pint, which he says is one reason fewer people are using their local.
However making the switch to meals on wheels to cut costs, Bernard plans to have many more drinks for as long as he can afford to.
He explained: “People can’t afford to come to the pub like they used to anymore.
“The place used to be full to the brim with people, but with balancing the cost of electric and gas nowadays too, going to the pub isn’t something everyone has the money to do.
“I live on my own so thankfully my gas and electric are alright, but I have started getting meals on wheels from a very kind friend to help me get through.”
On his 92nd birthday last week, Bernard also reminisced about how he spent a lot of time at the Nunsthorpe Tavern with his wife of nearly 70 years, who now lives in residential care.
He said: “I met Betty whilst we were both on a paper round when we were kids. I would always get mine finished early so I could help her with hers.
“We came here for our 60th wedding anniversary and she often sends me a note so I can have a rum when I’m here too.
“She’s certainly the boss, I just say yes and nod in the right places, she’s my whole life.”
However, Bernard said there is no massive secret to their happy life together, just making sure not to fall out over the little things.
He added: “We always end up in here, it’s like her wheelchair has a Sat Nav that takes us here, but it’s great because everyone is so friendly and I’m supporting my local pub at the same time.”
Bernard was overwhelmed when he found out that his friends at the pub had organised a surprise birthday party.
He said: “I was so happy when they did this for me and I’ll still be coming while I can, I’ve got no plans to stop yet. I have been a bit depressed recently if I’m honest and the party has really cheered me up I have to say. It’s been great to be with my friends to celebrate my 92nd birthday.”
In 1954 the average price of a pint was around seven pence today it is around £3:95...56 times more expensive.
