Publican honoured for nearly half a century of service in Glasgow pubs

A Glasgow publican has received a prestigious award to mark her retirement after more than 20 years’ service at the helm of a much-loved, family-friendly East End local!

Article Source: Star Pubs & Bars
Last Updated: 16 August 2023 14:11

Image Credit: Mark Gibson © Star Pubs & Bars and Heineken. Pictured Publicans Anne Dickie and Lesley Weaver (Mother and Daughter) with Matt Dyson from Heineken.

East End born-and-bred Anne Dickie of The Woodend Bar on Hamilton Road in Mount Vernon was presented with the award by the building’s owners, Star Pubs & Bars. The Woodend Bar is staying in the family, with Anne passing the reins to her daughter Lesley Weaver, who has already clocked up 22 years at the pub and says she “can’t ever imagine leaving”.

Having been in silver service catering since the age of 15, Anne began working in pubs in 1976, starting out at Ocean’s Eleven on Sauchiehall Street before going on to manage pubs like The Phoenix on Stepps Road, the International Bar on Aikenhead Road, the Queen’s Park Bar on Dixon Avenue and the Argosy on Paisley Road West. Recalls Anne: “Pubs were very different back then. A pint was 56p, food was typically packet soup or a bridie and beans, and a lot of pubs were only for adults.”

Anne took the lease of The Woodend Bar in 2001 when it was tired and had lost its way. Says Anne: “I could see its potential and worked every day until midnight for the first year to turn it round. Customers used to say I should put my bed in the bar!”

Over the years Anne has toiled tirelessly to maintain The Woodend Bar as a thriving pub for the neighbourhood, redecorating numerous times, adding a dining area and a new function room, and extending the garden. The pub is a meeting place for the local community, hosting a weekly quiz, sports screenings and entertainment nights to bring them together, and multiple generations of some Mount Vernon families are regulars. It also attracts Glaswegians from the wider area seeking out excellent pub food – Anne’s famous lentil soup and steak pie made to secret recipes are favourites – or attending celebrations ranging from christenings to weddings in the function room. Customers’ four-legged friends are not forgotten either, and have a choice of dog treats or sliced cooked chicken served with bowls of water.

Says Anne: “I feel very lucky to have done a job I love for so long. People come in to the pub as strangers and leave as friends, whilst our regulars are like family. There has been constant fun and laughter along the way, as well as a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Pubs have been through some tough times but, thanks to a loyal team of staff and fantastic regulars, we’ve got through. It’s a dream come true to be passing the pub onto Lesley – she’s passionate about The Woodend, and it’ll be in safe hands.”

Comments Matt Dyson, Star Pubs & Bars’ operations director for Scotland: “It’s a great honour to present this award. Anne has put her heart and soul into The Woodend Bar, and it’s a fantastic local with the warmest of welcomes. Numerous trends and bars have come and gone over the past two decades, but The Woodend and its exceptional hospitality have stood the test of time. Lesley has learned from the best and always goes above and beyond for customers. It’s great news for the community that The Woodend is staying in the family.”

Lesley is not resting on her laurels. Upcoming plans include fundraisers for local good causes, including a defibrillator outside the pub that is easily accessible to local residents. Adds Lesley: “I get a buzz from running The Woodend Bar every day; I can’t think of any other job that would give me so much satisfaction.”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Nintendo themed pottery night comes to Glasgow arcade

Level up your midweek plans: The Craft Pottery is hosting a Nintendo-themed pottery night at Glasgow arcade bar, Game Over on Wednesday 23 July from 7–9pm.

Ride your way to a free BBQ feast!

For one day only on Thursday 24th July, Maggie's Rock n Rodeo is calling on Glasgow's bravest diners to saddle up and ride their way to a free BBQ feast.

Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month

The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!

New opening: The Delphine is set to launch in Princes Square

The Delphine, an all-day bistro, cafè and bar is due to open this August, in Glasgow's iconic Princes Square.

Outlander actor to star as Hercule Poirot in Death on the Nile at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Mark Hadfield will star as Agatha Christie's famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, in Lucy Bailey's new production of Death on the Nile coming to the Theatre Royal in February!

Glasgow and Lanarkshire charities to receive funding to help put a stop to child poverty in Scotland

Three Glasgow and Lanarkshire based children's charities have been named among 11 Scottish organisations as partners of STV Children's Appeal's newly launched Ignite Fund.

First look: SiSi teases scene stealing mural and striking skyline views with opening on the horizon

SíSí Rooftop, a new restaurant and bar, has unveiled a first look inside its stunning eighth-floor space ahead of its opening in Glasgow's Merchant City on Friday, 1 August.

Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.

Glastonbury Stars heading for Milngavie Street Party

Iconic drum and base duo Fabio and Grooverider, actor and DJ Craig Charles and Mercury Music Prize nominees Corto Alto will all be performing at the biggest Milngavie Street Party yet!

Bringing American southern soul to the Southside of Glasgow... Birds launches Brunch

'Brunch at Birds' will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am–3pm, bringing a dose of laid-back, American-style indulgence to the Southside.

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!

Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life

Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Can you fling a piece oot a 20 storey flat... this Glasgow business wants to find out

To mark its 150th anniversary, Dunns Food and Drinks is launching The Great Dunns Piece Fling, a search for a high-rise flat to test the lyric 'ye cannae fling pieces oot a twenty-storey flat'!

Summer offers from the Kings and Theatre Royal Glasgow

ATG Entertainment launches their Summer Saver campaign with discounted tickets to over 100 shows including several at the King's Theatre and Theatre Royal in Glasgow!

Matthew Algie and Tinderbox launch limited edition menu in support of Beatson Cancer Charity

Tinderbox and Glasgow roaster Matthew Algie have teamed up with Beatson Cancer Charity for the second year running – and this time, the menu’s three times bigger.

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

Elements announces the return of its signature 444 lunch and cocktail experience to celebrate its first birthday

Elements, the celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Bearsden, has announced the highly anticipated return of its signature 4/4/4 cocktail lunch offer, now featuring a brand-new selection of cocktails.

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne joins the cast of The Battle at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Horne will play the music industry executive who kicked off the race to No 1. between the two bands.

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

King Pins opens its doors in Glasgow

The state-of-the-art bowling and activity venue brings ten-pin & duck pin bowling, tech darts, ice-free curling, arcades and more to Glasgow's Silverburn!

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

Glasgow retailer House Party relaunches with pop up at Pride Hub

Beloved Glasgow indie House Party is back with a new model and a Pride pop-up at The Social Hub from 14–20 July!

Citizens Theatre announces first productions for 2026

With doors set to reopen this August, the Citizens Theatre has announced its programme from January - June 2026 as part of its reopening year of productions.

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

CUPP launches brand new Boba Cafe Kiosk at Silverburn

CUPP, the cult-favourite boba tea brand known for its viral drinks and dedicated following, is opening an all-new Boba Café Kiosk in Silverburn.

Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement

Scotland’s multi-venue festival for music discovery, is back for 2025 with a first wave of 30+ unmissable artists including Manchester’s Pale Waves.

Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The limited-time experience is the first-of-its-kind at Topgolf Glasgow in collaboration with Marvel Studios!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

Publican honoured for nearly half a century of service in Glasgow pubs

A Glasgow publican has received a prestigious award to mark her retirement after more than 20 years’ service at the helm of a much-loved, family-friendly East End local!

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings