How long have you been in the pub trade and how long have you been at The Olde Ship Inn?

I started at the age of 14 as a bottle boy at The Olde Ship and  I’m still here today, 32 years later.

What made you do it in the first place?

Pocket money followed by a love of the trade and the Ship itself.

What is the best thing about your job?

I just love the Ship and all that sails with her.

And the worst?

Sometimes the general public and the red tape which is increasing.

Are you a pint or a halves person?

Halves (we don’t get time for pints).

If you had a pet hamster what would you call it?

Thatcher, after my favourite drink (cider).

Apart from The Olde Ship, what’s your favourite pub/pubs?

The Roundup Saloon and Pele’s in Carvoeiro (Algarve, Portugal).

Who was the last celebrity you served in the pub and what were they like

Over the years we have had many from stage and screen: Brian Johnson, Nick Milne, Brendan Healy, Donald Sindon and the most recent was Chris Gascoyne (Coronation Street). We found all to be down to earth and very friendly.

What words or phrases do you most overuse?

Cheers !!

We all make mistakes

Thank you.

After the last customer has left, do you relax with whisky or cocoa?

I don’t do hot drinks.

The Olde Ship Inn, Seahouses was originally a farm, built around 1745. It obtained its first license in 1812 and has been handed down through the family since Hugh and Eleanor Lawson took it over in 1910. So, this year is a significant one for David Swan and his fiancée Judith Glen. The pub is famous for its seafaring memorabilia, its range of real ales, and a menu that ranges from crab sandwiches to gamekeepers’ casserole and smoked fish chowder. The Olde Ship Inn, tel 01665 720200, www.seahouses.co.uk