Latest news with #TheHalfMoon
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Most pubgoers say landlord is a 'real pal' - and some spill secrets they wouldn't share with family
A survey from Heineken and a new podcast called Three Landlords Walk into a Bar, hosted by celebrity landlords Jodie Kidd and Merlin Griffiths, found that 75 per cent of Brits believe their landlord is a genuine pal They pour perfect pints, lend a sympathetic ear and occasionally act as secret matchmakers. So it's no surprise that 75% of Brits consider their local landlord to be a genuine mate, with a quarter sharing secrets they wouldn't tell their own family. And at a time when so much social interaction takes place online, the pub is still a national treasure with 98% viewing it as the cornerstone of their community, according to new research. The survey, by HEINEKEN SmartDispense, reveals 26% of people met their partner in a pub, 35% have gone to one on a first date and 48% have used their favourite for a celebration - from birthdays to new jobs. But while Brits clearly love their locals, 59% admit they've no clue what it actually takes to run one. To lift the lid on life behind the bar, celebrity landlords Jodie Kidd and Merlin Griffiths have teamed up with HEINEKEN SmartDispense for a new podcast Three Landlords Walk into a Bar. Joined by some of the UK's top publicans, the duo will dig into the graft, grit, and untold stories that make Britain's boozers tick. Jodie, who runs The Half Moon in Kirdford, Sussex says, 'People are always surprised when they find out I run a pub. It's one of the toughest yet most rewarding jobs. 'There's a whole world behind the bar that most punters never get to see – the highs, the graft, the sheer heart landlords pour in. 'That's exactly what we wanted to showcase with Three Landlords Walk into a Bar - real people, real stories, and why these places matter so much to our communities.' Merlin, the landlord of the Dog & Gun in Leicestershire adds, ''Being a landlord isn't just about pulling pints and hosting quizzes - it's late nights, leaky pipes, and learning to adapt fast.' Their first guest is Beccy Webster, landlord of The Gedling Inn, whose promise to give away free drinks every time Nottingham Forest scored turned into a 300-pint giveaway after a 7–0 win. Other guests include the landlord behind The White Lion in Stockport, one of the UK's oldest and most haunted pubs, and the man who gives Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club its sound. Jodie and Merlin will also chat to the entrepreneur who runs The Prince of Peckham, one of London's most inclusive, community-first pubs. The series will also spotlight the innovative ways landlords are fighting back, turning pubs into social hubs to make friends, celebrate milestones, and even find love for years to come.
Scotsman
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
and some spill secrets they wouldn't share with family
They pour perfect pints, lend a sympathetic ear and occasionally act as secret matchmakers. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... So it's no surprise that 75% of Brits consider their local landlord to be a genuine mate, with a quarter sharing secrets they wouldn't tell their own family. And at a time when so much social interaction takes place online, the pub is still a national treasure with 98% viewing it as the cornerstone of their community, according to new research. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The survey, by HEINEKEN SmartDispense , reveals 26% of people met their partner in a pub, 35% have gone to one on a first date and 48% have used their favourite for a celebration - from birthdays to new jobs. But while Brits clearly love their locals, 59% admit they've no clue what it actually takes to run one. Celebrity landlords Merlin Griffiths and Jodie Kidd have teamed up with HEINEKEN SmartDispense for a new podcast Three Landlords Walk into a Bar | Cover Images To lift the lid on life behind the bar, celebrity landlords Jodie Kidd and Merlin Griffiths have teamed up with HEINEKEN SmartDispense for a new podcast Three Landlords Walk into a Bar. Joined by some of the UK's top publicans, the duo will dig into the graft, grit, and untold stories that make Britain's boozers tick. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jodie, who runs The Half Moon in Kirdford, Sussex says, 'People are always surprised when they find out I run a pub. It's one of the toughest yet most rewarding jobs. 'There's a whole world behind the bar that most punters never get to see – the highs, the graft, the sheer heart landlords pour in. 'That's exactly what we wanted to showcase with Three Landlords Walk into a Bar - real people, real stories, and why these places matter so much to our communities.' Merlin, the landlord of the Dog & Gun in Leicestershire adds, ''Being a landlord isn't just about pulling pints and hosting quizzes - it's late nights, leaky pipes, and learning to adapt fast.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Their first guest is Beccy Webster, landlord of The Gedling Inn, whose promise to give away free drinks every time Nottingham Forest scored turned into a 300-pint giveaway after a 7–0 win. Other guests include the landlord behind The White Lion in Stockport, one of the UK's oldest and most haunted pubs, and the man who gives Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club its sound. Jodie and Merlin will also chat to the entrepreneur who runs The Prince of Peckham, one of London's most inclusive, community-first pubs. The series will also spotlight the innovative ways landlords are fighting back, turning pubs into social hubs to make friends, celebrate milestones, and even find love for years to come.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tributes pour in after Are You Being Served? Star Mike Berry dies aged 82
Tributes have started pouring in after the death of Are You Being Served? Star Mike Berry at the age of 82. The sad news was revealed by his manager and friend Peter Stockton on Facebook. He told fans: "It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform everyone that the legendary Mike Berry died peacefully this morning, his family members by his bedside. "As we all know, Mike was an amazing, highly talented performer whose career spanned 64 years - his first Hit being the haunting Tribute to Buddy Holly in 1961. "His last show on February 23rd at The Half Moon was a sell out, and was testimony to his superb talent. "He was also a gifted actor, highlighted by his performances in the iconic comedy Are You Being Served. "A tragic loss to our world of music, and I hope that he is now having a laugh with many of his old pals up in Heaven." Many took to social media to share tributes to the man, with one user writing: "Very sorry to hear that Mike Berry has died this morning. Mr. Spooner in Are you being served, and in the charts with sunshine of your smile." Former Coronation Street star dies aged 72 as family pay tribute Rare update on Coronation Street icon Eileen Derbyshire shared decade after exit Another said: "Truly sorry to read that Mike Berry, pop star and the last surviving regular cast member of Are You Being Served? has passed away." According to The Sun, Berry was originally best known for his 1963 hit song Don't You Think It's Time before becoming an actor. Previously, he said he had no intention of getting into acting before finding success in TV adverts and with his role as Worzel Gummidge in 1979. Just two years later, he joined the cast of Are You Being Served? And remained on the show until 1985. Earlier this year, the star performed at a sold-out show at the Half Moon live music pub in London.
Telegraph
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Are You Being Served? star Mike Berry dies aged 82
TV's Are You Being Served? star Mike Berry has died aged 82. The actor and singer, known for hits including Tribute to Buddy Holly and The Sunshine of Your Smile, performed his last show in February. Berry's manager and friend Peter Stockton shared the news of his death on Friday, saying in a Facebook post that 'the legendary Mike Berry died peacefully this morning, his family members by his bedside'. He paid tribute to the 'highly talented performer whose career spanned 64 years'. Berry found fame as Mr Spooner in Are You Being Served? and had his first hit as a singer in 1961. He also featured in the children's TV series Worzel Gummidge in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Stockton revealed that Berry's final show was held at The Half Moon pub and venue in London in late February, saying: 'It was a sell out, and was testimony to his superb talent.' Stockton added that Berry 'was also a gifted actor, highlighted by his performances in the iconic comedy Are You Being Served? 'A tragic loss to our world of music, and I hope that he is now having a laugh with many of his old pals up in Heaven.' Berry was originally best known for his hits as a musician before becoming an actor. He never planned to have an acting career until he was cast in Worzel Gummidge in 1979. Two years later, he joined the cast of Are You Being Served? and remained on the show until it wrapped up in 1985. Berry, who was known as 'The British Buddy Holly', also toured in the 60s with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. More recently, in 2016, he auditioned for the fifth series of The Voice but was not successful. The following year, and again in 2019, he went on tour with The Solid Gold Rock'n'Roll Show alongside the Wildcats. His final show in London, on February 23, was sold-out and the performer was said to have been 'on terrific form'.
