Luton pub landlord celebrates 40 years of beers and cheers
A pub landlord in Luton thanked his punters as he celebrated 40 years of pulling pints.
Allen Gallagher, 66, started running pubs in 1986 when he took over the Enterprise pub in Elizabeth Street at just 26 years old.
The idea came to him after the owner of another pub denied him an after-hours tipple, annoying him so much that he bought a pub for himself.
Allen said: “He told me to do one… so I did. I went and got my own pub.”
After the end of his marriage, Allen opened and renamed the Fountain, in Wellington Street, turning it into ‘Alfie’s Bar’ after his nickname.
He explained: “It’s not a job, it’s a way of life. After six days on holiday, I can’t wait to get back to work.”
He was joined by friends and family for a special party marking his four decades in the business.
Allen said: “My partner put a banner up celebrating ‘40 years of beers and cheers’. There’s always a good bunch of people in here, they’re all nice and friendly.”
“I don’t call them customers or punters. I say that I’ve got friends who choose to come and drink in my pub.”
His brother Des and wife, Denise, said: “With so many pubs coming and going and closing down, Allen has remained steadfast in running Alfie’s bar for decades along side his partner Fiona where he and Fiona continue to provide a fun and welcoming community based environment where people get together and enjoy themselves on a weekly basis!”