A hotel landlord has 'mixed feelings' about handing over the keys of the Telford business which has been in his family for 60 years.in Muxton, since his parents Jim and Moira Swindley took over at the Wellington Road business in 1963 when he was just three years old.
James has employed many people, seen little babies grow up to themselves get to 18 and become customers at the bar, as well as seeing the inevitable marriages and post-funeral wakes. He knows all the customers, many of whom have said they will miss him. "I care about the staff, they have all become like members of the family. Many of them have been with us for years so we know we are doing something right.Staff members include James's son Alex, who is the bar manager, and his daughter Hannah Talbot has also worked at the hotel. Trish's son Scott Bailey is also a part of the business.
"I would like to thank all the customers for their support over the years, as we still live close by I am sure I will be around now and again," said James, whose restaurant had 60 covers. The new owners have plans to more than double that, he said.