Annette Browne, 83, has worked at The Windmill pub in Denton for more than half her life, across two separate stints. She was given the honour of cutting the ribbon as the pub reopened following a six-figure refurbishment.
Annette first worked at the pub in the 1970s for around 14 years, then returned in the mid-1990s, bringing her current run to 31 years of service. Described by staff and regulars as "simply amazing," she now works fewer shifts but has no plans to stop.
A fitting honour for a local hero
General Manager Mark Simms, who took over running the pub 16 months ago, said there wasn't a more fitting person to do the honours. His Facebook post calling for a local hero was inundated with nominations for Annette.
As fellow employees and members of the public gathered to usher in the new era for the pub, they all knew that there's one constant at the heart of it. Annette has seen great change over the last six decades at the venue, but says there are things that never go out of style – one of those is good manners.
Lessons from behind the bar
Reflecting on her favourite time working at the pub, Annette said: "The fondest memory for me was Don and Paul, they were here quite a few years. It was the best time, they were smashing to work for."
When it comes to awkward customers and diffusing difficult situations behind the bar, she has honed her own special way. "I try to understand what is going on with that person. I never blame anyone, people can be like that, and get upset. There's never been anything too bad," she said.
"I'm quiet when I work on the bar anyway, and I try and understand what's going on with the customer and sort it out – I'm never nasty. I think for working behind the bar, if you're calm, they're better. Instead of getting upset over it, sort it out. I never get annoyed or shout back."
Advice for the next generation
Describing Denton as a really lovely place to live with a strong sense of community, Annette offered advice to younger staff joining the pub's ranks: "Remain the same, be yourself and do your job – and manners count. Be pleasant and nice, never be nasty. I'm dead simple. Just try and be happy if you can, no matter what's going on in your life, don't blame anyone."
Mark said her personality and the fact that every single person who comes into the building knows who she is speaks volumes about her tenure. "She is a massive part of our community. 50 years service for one place, half her life, and still working is phenomenal. She comes in, has her own routine, gets a brew made by our team, and gets to working. Everybody really respects her."
The refurbishment included refreshed interiors, an updated Vault area with new pool and darts tables, and a series of new dishes on the menu. Mark explained that the pub had stopped having singers, the Jukebox in The Vault, and the sports became a bit redundant – all of which have been put back in, as well as bringing Corrs back on the bar.
"Mitchells & Butlers, who owns Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery said they were looking at investing in us. And they came up with a plan this February – we were over the moon. Then we closed it September and then went into the refurbishment," he said. "We thought we would be open early October but we had a massive fire upstairs, which then put it back by five days. The last few days have us been really scrambling to get it all ready and all the details boxed off. The community have been great too, they want this place to do well, and they're here on the special occasions."
The Windmill's new menus span small plates, crispy chicken, pub classics, sides, sandwiches, 17-inch handmade pizzas, burgers and a selection of carveries. The pub is located at Hulme Road, Denton, Manchester M34 2WZ.
