Chew Moor pub brings community together for Queen's funeral

The Duke of Wellington in Chew Moor opened its doors up to allow people to raise a glass to the late monarch, who died aged 96 on Thursday, September 9, and held a buffet for its customers.

Landlord of the St John's Road boozer, Adam Griffiths, had been concerned older people in the area would be alone on the day, so decided to put the event on.

Read more: The Duke of Wellington to lay on free buffet for Queen's funeral day

The pub opened at 10am, serving drinks to its customers, as well as bringing out food including jam and cream scones, sandwiches, cake and sausage rolls.

Adam Griffiths, landlord at the Duke of Wellington (Image: The Bolton News)

Adam said: “A few people said they were interested. People don’t want to be on their own to watch it.

“At 12 o’clock the food will be coming out.

“When I took over this pub on May 23, I was trying to make it the community pub that it should be.

"A lot of the locals feel like they’ve got the village pub back.

“We’ve got families coming together. That’s what we are aiming for, families and the community.”

The tasty spread put on by the staff, with help from the community (Image: Nigel Stokes)

He added: “On a sad day it’s brought people together. Our plan was to make sure people weren’t watching it alone.

“We had one lady in on the day the Queen passed, and she was in floods of tears, it was really sad.”

Pub manager, Amanada Blinkhorn, said: “They all said it’s nice to be able to come in and come together.

“Even kids, the kids are enjoying it. It doesn’t feel sad.

Customers of the pub watching the funeral on television (Image: The Bolton News)

“A lady called Janice has done scones especially for us. Grandma Jill has done the cakes, she’s Adam’s son’s girlfriend’s grandma, so part of the family.

“And I made the sandwiches.

“We didn’t expect as many to be fair, every table is full so it’s really good, especially this early.”

Katie and Andrea Walker, aged 36 and 60 respectively, have been going into the pub for around 20 years.

Katie said: “It’s bringing the community together, so that people are not home on their own.

“I live alone, so it’s nice to get out.”

Andrea said: “This is our local, we’ve been coming in here for 20 years, there’s always something going on during special occasions.

“People all come together, it’s a nice feeling.

The Duke of Wellington in Chew Moor (Image: The Bolton News)

“We have everything here, funerals, weddings, parties.

“He’s (Adam) a new landlord and has absolutely turned it around. They make everyone feel welcome.”

Both Katie and Andrea added that it had been a nice atmosphere on the day and complimented the food.

Nigel Stokes, one of the regulars at the pub, said: “I thought it was fitting for the occasion.

“Adam has done a great job and deserves support.

“It’s very much a village place, catering for the people of the village.”

John Murphy-Griffiths, Adam’s son, said: “It’s quite nice to celebrate, surrounded by family, it’s what it’s all about.

“It’s quite sombre, but it’s what you expect.

“I didn’t think it would affect me as much as it did, she’s been a constant hasn’t she. I didn’t think I’d be upset at all.”