Annie McDonnell has celebrated 25 years as landlady of the Oddfellows Arms in North Allington, Bridport, making her the longest serving single licensee of a Palmers’ pub.

Described by Annie as a ‘poser-free zone’ the pub is an outpost of traditional values. No food is served, but there is usually a choice of crisps.

‘I branched out recently and added a card of pork scratchings,’ said Annie.

The Oddfellows Arms has a loyal local following.

‘We have the most wonderful customers and I’d like to thank them all for their custom and friendship over the last 25 years,’ said Annie.

‘We are a community, like a little family really. They are so good at helping each other out. All my customers are good honest people and they have this lovely sense of humour.’

To mark her 25 years behind the bar, Annie was taken to lunch at The Marquis of Lorne in Nettlecombe by Palmers Brewery chairman John Palmer and Tenanted Trade Director Tim Woodrow. They presented Annie with a certificate, some travel vouchers for a forthcoming visit to Prague and a bouquet of flowers.

‘Annie’s one of our longest serving landladies and she’s a great asset to the brewery. Long may she continue,’ said Mr Palmer.

Annie plans to continue at the pub. ‘It’s my home and all the time I’m able to run the pub, this is where I want to be.’