By Mal Butler
A West Wight pub landlady celebrated 30 years at the helm with a ‘60s and rock stars fancy dress party on Saturday.
Sue White has owned the Highdown Inn, Totland, since 1993 and said: “It was a brilliant night; I put on food and the first drink was free and we had a great crowd with a great atmosphere.
“There were around 70 people there and it was also my brother-in-law, Robert Lyon’s 60th birthday, which made the night even more special.”
Looking back over the years, she added: “There have been times where we have struggled, for instance during Covid, but we put up a gazebo outside to get the locals back. The foot and mouth crisis also affected us, as we’re out in the country. But there have been lots of good memories with our annual beer festival and the bikers’ weekend which were all great fun.
“I haven’t really changed the pub much because people like it as it is and will cross the Island to visit us; it’s a real old-fashioned country pub, rather than an updated plastic-type pub.
“It wouldn’t be the same without our great staff and wonderful locals, with Tony Calloway playing the music on the night. People were asking me if I would still be around in another 30 years! Of course!”
Isle of Wight Observer