A MAN whose christening party was held in Gainford’s Cross Keys pub has become its new landlord.
Louis Jerrom re-opened the pub on Friday, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
The philosophy graduate from Sterling University has been working part time at the pub since about the age of 14, working initially as a glass collector and began pulling pints at age 16.
The 22-year-old said: “I have always wanted to own a pub, that was always my end goal, but I was going to get there through academia and become a professor, and once I became a professor to use the money I was earning to qualify for a loan, buy myself a pub and teach in the day and serve in the night.
“But now it is the other way around, and now I am using this pub to put me through uni.”
He graduated this year and plans to continue his masters and PhD at Durham University next year.
Ahead of the re-opening the entire building was redecorated, including new furniture and light fittings.
The pub has nine taps offering real ale, pale ale, smooth ale, stout, lagers and ciders.
Explaining his desire to run a bar, Mr Jerrom said: “I like the idea that alcohol, beer specifically because I am a beer fanatic, is suitable for every mood.
“If you are sad you drink, if you are excited you drink, if you are celebrating or grieving – no matter what you are feeling the pub is the answer and I can provide that for you.
“It is also quite humble, I find. I like being on the ground with the people I know and love and I can give them a place to be a hub.”
The re-opening has also been welcomed by people in the village.
The landlord said: “It has been amazing, even when it was just a rumour, there has been an absolute buzz and hype all over – there has been nothing but support.”
