Cheers to 30 Years!

This month, Tony and Kathryn Marshall are celebrating 30 years behind the bar of their much-loved pub, The Wheatsheaf Inn and they are loving it as much today as the day they put their names above the door.

On the 4th December 1989, Tony and Kathryn first took over the tenancy at The Wheatsheaf Inn, Thurcaston, North Leicestershire. They thought they would only be there for a few years but 30 years on they still love owning a pub business and have created a great pub that has become the heart of the local community.

This milestone is a rare achievement these days - one couple, one pub and still trading well.

“I admit it’s hard work,” says Kathryn. “But we still do it because we still love it. We love the pub and we love our customers. It’s not just a job to us - it really is a way of life.” Says Kathryn. “Running a pub becomes part of you. I think the day you wake up and it feels like a drag - that’s the day you need to pack it all in.” Thankfully, they both say, that’s not happened yet. “To tell you the truth,” says Tony, "I can’t imagine a time when it ever will.”

Tony and Kathryn make a great team. Tony heads up front of house and has built a great reputation for quality cask ales and Kathryn prides herself on serving delicious home cooked meals and hosting the many events and occasions that take place at the pub. Their three children Andrew, William and Katie have also helped in the business over the years.

“We would like to say a big thank you to all our regulars and staff, for their support over the years. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful community and to have met so many great and interesting people who’ve been there for us through the good and bad times. It is ultimately down to our customers and community that we have enjoyed our time here at The Wheatsheaf Inn - we can’t thank them enough.” says Kathryn.

Steeped in history, The Wheatsheaf Inn was built in the 1600's and was formerly a coaching inn. An old tale says that the pub once caught fire and that the fire was extinguished using the beer! The pub was thatched until 1929 and the Wright family from Thurcaston held the tenancy for 105 years. But after 30 years behind the bar of this characterful and traditional pub, Tony and Kathryn have their own tales to tell and have made some great memories of their own!

Congratulations on this landmark occasion and wishing you many more happy days behind the bar at The Wheatsheaf Inn. Cheers!

You can find out more about The Wheatsheaf Inn on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WheatsheafThurcaston