THE OWNERS of a Poole pub celebrating nearly two centuries of serving the community say it has been an honour to become part of its legacy.
The Bricklayers pub situated in 41 Parr Street, Poole, was established in 1833.
The pub is celebrating their 193 years of what the owners describe “good drinks, great company, and unforgettable memories.”
Originally built for bricklayers working on a nearby church, The Bricklayers now caters for the modern pub dweller and boasts an outdoor bar.
Owners Janice Crumb and Andrew Watts bought the pub six years ago and say they are grateful to customers who have helped make it the heart of the community for generations.
Janice, 46, said she fell in love with the pub the moment she first visited it while it was up for sale.
She said: “When it was up for sale, I went experienced that area and it was a real hot summer's day.
"I was sat out in the garden with the previous owner, who was lovely, but unfortunately, she's passed away now.
"But I just felt the energy and I just fell in love with it the minute I walked in the door."
The pub under went major refurbishment to make the front of the building look like it did back in the day.
Janice said: “So, we did try to bring back some of the characteristics, although obviously internally it doesn't look necessarily like an old traditional pub.
“We try to retain a lot of the features; it is a very beautiful building.”
She said the area still has a strong community spirit which can be hard to find today, adding that loyal customers have helped keep the pub’s doors open for nearly two centuries.
She added: “It's just nice to have that real community vibe that struggles nowadays.
“But in our area, we have still got a good, strong community. I've been around the area for a long time and it's nice to see the generations going through the pub.
“Some of our customers have been coming here for 30 years and they come every single day, and they've done that for the last 30 years.”
Janice is grateful for the loyal customers who she said has “pulled up a chair, raised a glass, and made this pub what it is.”
Janice said: “So, we have still got that really strong community feel which sadly I do feel is dwindling now because lifestyles have changed.
“This place has stood the test of time.”
To keep the community spirit alive, the pub hosts a variety of events including live music and monthly creative clubs.
Janice added: "There's always something for people to get together and have a good time. Just a nice friendly environment."
