The Hallworth family are the longest-serving family in Robinsons’ 300-strong pub estate, a publican family dynasty that has spanned over five generations.
The family pulled their first pint of Robinsons bitter at The Davenport Arms in Woodford in February 1932 and have never looked back since.
“I have so many early memories of the pub” said Yvonne Hallworth, who now runs the Davenport Arms and is celebrating 25 years at the helm.
“I was only three when I moved here, at the time my Dad was the licensee. A lot of the memories are of my sister and me playing outside, I even vaguely remember being on my three-wheel scooter and a goose biting me.
“My whole life has revolved around the pub so it’s great to be celebrating such a fabulous anniversary with my regulars and family.”
The Robinson family acquired The Davenport Arms, Woodford, in 1922 but this historic hostelry – once part of the famed Capesthorne Estate – dates back to the 18th Century in which the Davenport family were the game wardens to the King’s hunting preserves.
Legend
Legend has it that the tree which stands outside of the pub was used to hang wrongdoers, hence its nickname – ‘The Thief’s Neck’.
The Davenport Arms is a former holder of a Greater Manchester Pub of the Year award and, as of 2015, has celebrated 29 consecutive years in CAMRA’s National Good Pub Guide.
Yvonne added: “The pub has been around for hundreds of years so by comparison my time as licensee has been short but even during that period there have been so many changes to the pub trade.
“The rising costs of running a pub and three recessions have certainly been low points but the opportunity to have worked so close with my family and to have my regulars is something I wouldn’t have changed at all.”
The Davenport Arms will be hosting an event during the day of Saturday, February 27, with plenty of family activities and a visit from Robinsons Brewery’s award-winning Shire horses, Wizard and Hopnik.
In the evening, the pub will be closed for an exclusive party for regulars and family members.
Yvonne said: “It’s going to be a great day for the whole family. So we would like to extend an invite to customers, new and old, to come to The Davenport Arms and help us celebrate our wonderful pub.”
William Robinson, Managing Director (Pubs Division) of Robinsons Brewery, said: “We are extremely proud of our long and successful working relationship with the Hallworth family.
“The pub’s continued success is a testament to the hard work of Yvonne and her family and from everyone at Robinsons we want to congratulate Yvonne on her silver anniversary at The Davenport Arms.”
The Davenport Arms invite you to celebrate with them during the day of Saturday, February 27. For more information, visit their website or call 0161 439 2435.
