Two Cornish publicans are celebrating a combined 90 years at the helm of their respective pubs, having each spent 45 years serving their local communities.
Anita George of The Logan Rock Inn in Treen and Billy Moore of The Fountain Inn in Mevagissey are marking the milestone in 2026, recognising their longstanding commitment to hospitality, charitable fundraising and preserving the character of two established Cornish pubs.
George, St Austell Brewery’s longest-serving landlady, has become a familiar figure in Treen, where customers, neighbours and visitors affectionately know her as ‘Mother’.
Throughout her 45 years at The Logan Rock Inn, she has supported local residents, provided assistance to people in need and helped organise community activities and charitable initiatives.
Her involvement has included providing early-morning coffees before opening hours, helping stranded motorists and offering community groups free meeting space.
“I always feel good if I’ve been able to help someone,” said George.
“It’s important that people who may be stressed, worried or feeling a little down know they can come in for a chat and feel welcome.”
Over the years, George has helped raise more than £1 million for local causes, supported grassroots sports clubs and organised fundraising events and community celebrations.
Her approach to running the pub has consistently focused on its role as a meeting place and source of support for local residents.
“It’s about the people,” she said. “Making sure everyone feels welcome and looked after.”
Meanwhile, at The Fountain Inn in Mevagissey, Moore is celebrating 45 years since taking over the pub in 1981.
A former fisherman, Moore has spent more than four decades maintaining the traditional character of the pub while welcoming generations of local customers and visitors.
Much of the work undertaken to preserve the building has been completed by Moore himself, with an emphasis on retaining the pub’s original features and atmosphere.
“I’ve done a lot of work here with my own hands but without actually altering the pub,” he said. “It’s a great little pub.”
For Moore, one of the most rewarding aspects of his career has been seeing successive generations of local families become part of the pub’s history.
“The girls who first worked with me have had their daughters work here and now their grandchildren,” he said. “It’s been fun.”
Both publicans have developed longstanding relationships within their communities, demonstrating the role traditional pubs can play beyond serving food and drink.
Kevin Georgel, CEO of St Austell Brewery, said:
“To have one publican dedicate 45 years to a pub is extraordinary. To have two celebrating that milestone in the same year is truly exceptional.
“Billy and Anita have devoted their working lives to their communities and have helped make their pubs the beating heart of village life. While their stories are different, they share the same commitment to people, hospitality and creating places where everyone feels welcome.
“Anita’s compassion and generosity have made her a much-loved figure in Treen, while Billy’s dedication to preserving the character and spirit of The Fountain Inn has made him a legend in Mevagissey. The impact they have both had over the past 45 years extends far beyond their pubs.
“Everyone at St Austell Brewery is incredibly grateful for everything they have contributed and we are proud to celebrate this remarkable milestone with them both.”
The milestone recognises the contribution of two long-serving publicans whose work has helped maintain the role of traditional village pubs as places for social connection, charitable activity and community support.