Glasgow pub boss marks retirement after incredible career in the city

Anne Dickie, 67, is retiring after nearly half a century working in hospitality across the city including 20 years at East End local The Woodend Bar in Mount Vernon.

At 15 years old Anne started her career in silver service catering and went on to work at Ocean's Eleven in the famous Beresford building on Sauchiehall Street in 1976 when she was 18.

Anne Dickie and Lesley Weaver (Mother and Daughter) with Matt Dyson from Heineken (Image: Mark Gibson)

She went on to manage pubs like The Phoenix on Stepps Road, the International Bar on Aitkenhead Road, the Queen's Park Bar on Dixon Avenue and the Argosy on Paisley Road West.

Anne said: "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.”

In 2001, Anne took the lease of The Woodend Bar "when it was tired and had lost its way".

She said: "I could see its potential and worked every day until midnight for the first year to turn it around.

"Customers used to say I should put my bed in the bar.”

Anne Dickie and Lesley Weaver (Mother and Daughter) (Image: Mark Gibson)

Anne Dickie and Lesley Weaver (Mother and Daughter) (Image: Star Pubs & Bars)

Anne, who is from the East End, put her heart and soul into the pub, turning it into a thriving neighbourhood hub.

She redecorated numerous times over the years adding a dining area and a new function room, and extending the garden.

Multiple generations of Mount Vernon families are regulars and Anne's famous lentil soup and secret recipe steak pie have attracted Glaswegians from around the city.

The Woodend Bar will be staying in the family as Anne now passes the reins to her daughter Lesley Weaver who has already clocked up 22 years at the pub.

Anne said: "I feel very lucky to have done a job I love for so long.

"People come into 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.”

Lesley added that she "can't imagine ever leaving".

Anne Dickie and Lesley Weaver (Mother and Daughter) with Matt Dyson from Heineken (Image: Mark Gibson)

The building's owners, Star Pubs & Bars, presented Anne with a prestigious award to mark her incredible 20 years' of service at The Woodend Bar.

Matt Dyson, Star Pubs & Bars' operations director for Scotland, said: "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.”