A LANDLORD has celebrated 25 years of pulling pints in a Wanstead pub with a whole host of Christmas activities for his customers.

Noel McMahon, 69, comes from a background of working in pubs and took over the running of The Nightingale pub in 1987 – making him one of the longest serving publicans in the area.

Mr McMahon was born in north-west London, but was evacuated to Ireland during the Second World War when he was only a baby.

He returned to London when he was 16 and took up work as a postman before getting into the pub trade.

He has run pubs across Forest Gate, Manor Park and even running the British Queen in New Wanstead for ten years before taking over The Nightingale in Nightingale Lane 25 years ago.

The Jubilee year has been one of a double celebration for the father-of-six as he triumphed for the second time in the Redbridge in Bloom competition after taking part for the past 25 years.

He said: “It is quite a big milestone to reach.

“The Nightingale is a great traditional pub with a great cross-section of customers from city workers to young mums.

“I have never been bored working here. It’s been a struggle at times, but I’ve enjoyed every second.”

Highlights of Mr McMahon’s over the years include hosting the wedding reception of comedienne and actress Jackie Clune and her husband Richard four years ago and raising £4,000 for Haven House Children’s Hospice and the Our Lady of Lourdes church restoration fund during celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

The pub held quizzes, an Irish-themed night, carol singing and a hog roast in a week long celebration to mark Mr McMahon’s 25 years as landlord.

He added: “Hopefully I’ll still be here celebrating my 30th in five years time.”

The money raised during the celebrations was donated to Help for Heroes and the MS Society.