Frank Collins, the landlord of the Dog & Partridge Inn in Sowood, West Yorkshire, has celebrated his 97th birthday with a pint or 10 and believes he is the oldest barkeeper in the country. He took on the family business at age 68, when many people have already retired, but he shows no signs of slowing down.
“I’ll carry on behind the bar as long as I’m enjoying it. I’m quite happy – at least I’ve always got company,” Collins said.
Family History at the Dog & Partridge
Collins’ father, Jack, a prominent local landlord, bought the Dog & Partridge in 1955. However, in February 1956, a month before the pub was due to open, Jack died from cancer. Collins’ mother, Mabel, stepped in to run the establishment, continuing a long line of landladies that included Mary Lumb before the Collins family. Frank helped around the bar with cellar work in the evenings.
When Mabel moved into a care home in 1997, the police came calling. Collins recalled: “Inspector Smith said I’d have to find someone to take charge. I said he could do it, since being a police inspector was a part-time job. But he wasn’t having that, so I got the licence. That was in 1998. As far as I know I am the oldest [landlord] in the country. Someone said I might be the oldest in the world.”
Career Before the Pub
Before taking over the pub, Collins worked as a designer in the textile industry at Pat Martin’s mill in Lindley, Huddersfield, and later as a one-man band making travel rugs and mohair throws. He does not regret the career switch. “I am quite happy with it. Pub life is all I have known. I used to help my dad when I was about nine. When I was 16 just at the end of the war my parents went to Bridlington for a break and left me in charge,” he said.
Awards and Celebrations
Two years ago, the Halifax and Calderdale branch of CAMRA gave Collins an award for outstanding service. Last Sunday, he celebrated his 97th birthday with a small gathering and a large thirst, saying in anticipation: “First pint is on me – and then the next 10 are on them.”
