THE landlady at a quayside pub has poured her last pint after 20 years.

Anna Doyle bought The Lord Nelson in Poole in 2004 and over two decades has turned it into a popular live music venue and community pub.

She said: “When I first bought the pub on a Wednesday, it was a bit empty and rundown.

“We spent all night cleaning it and opened the following day and have been open ever since.”

The pub was so popular, customers told Anna she would need more staff and within a couple of weeks The Lord Nelson was fully manned by pub customers.

Anna said: “We are commonly known as the Nelson family; we are just a huge community of absolutely incredible people.

“From musicians to customers and staff, it’s been an absolutely tremendous ride for the last 20 years.

“I will miss everything.”

A farewell celebration is being held for Anna throughout her last weekend at The Lord Nelson.

On Friday, October 25, the first band to ever perform at the pub is returning for one night only. On Saturday, October 26 there will be a vampire masquerade ball.

An all-day farewell party will be held on Sunday, October 27, with a full line up of music including Anna’s pub band in which she is the lead singer.

(Image: Submitted)

For the last seven years, The Lord Nelson has raised more than £62,000 for Forest Holme Hospice, excluding any funds raised over Anna’s last weekend at the pub.

The pub will be taken over by Adam Morris who bought the pub with Anna back in 2004.

Anna said: “The pub will be in safe hands with Adam.

“He will continue with the traditions and everyone knows him. I think he is planning for a refurb in January.”

Anna and the landlady of the Poole Arms, Michelle Smith, are the remarkable duo that saved Poole events from being cancelled after BCP Council cuts.

Despite retiring as pub landlady Anna will continue to work with Michelle and Poole businesses to keep the event schedule fully packed.

Anna’s customers have said she will be “dearly missed”.

One regular customer, Bryan Archer, said: “She is such a lovely lady, she knows everything about everybody.

“She’s sociable, loved and respected.”