"The people make a pub" Manager celebrates almost a DECADE serving customers

A manager of one of Reading's oldest venues is just about to celebrate almost a full decade of working at the beloved pub.

Carl Mellors, 59, will bring in his ninth year serving customers at The Ale House on Broad Street this September, and is currently planning a proper shindig to commemorate the occasion.

"I haven't finalised a date yet for the actual celebration so cannot give too much away at this point in time," Mr Mellors said.

"It will be at the end of September or the beginning of October. I took over in 2015 so have been here for quite some time. It's been really great."

Mr Mellors said he has loads of happy memories over the years of being manager at The Ale House.

"There are too many to itemise, but the best memories are probably the people," he said. "It's always the people that make a pub.

"If you've got good customers and good staff, then it becomes enjoyable."

The pub celebrates Mr Mellors taking over managerial duties every year, and has big plans for this time round.

He said that they will have an 80s and 90s vinyl disco in the bar and will invite loads of regular guests.

"Anyone who wants to come in can join, but we do usually get really busy around this time," he continued.

Mr Mellors said that The Ale House, which previously had a complete ban on phones, has relaxed the rules a little in this modern day and age.

The pub now proudly displays a sign that states all phones must be on silent.

"The issue is when people are watching videos or listening to music out of their phones," he said. "We have music on in here and that is the kind of music we want to listen to.

"We also don't like people shouting down the phone trying to have a conversation. It just makes the atmosphere unenjoyable. It's that sort of inconsiderate behaviour we would rather not have."

Mr Mellors went on to say that the ban only applies in the bar area and if anyone wants to make a phone call they can do so outside.

He said that one previous manager would snatch phones out of people's hands and dunk them in their pints if they refused to abide by the house rules.

A customer then interjected and said "I saw him throw one person's phone against the wall back in those days."