Pub throws celebration for parrot’s forty first as landlord says she demanded ‘beer competition’
A pub is set to host a grand 41st birthday bash for its most famous resident – a parrot who has been welcoming customers her entire life.
Captain, the beloved parrot, has been a fixture at the New Inn, Coleford, Devon, since 1985 and is gearing up to celebrate her latest milestone in style this weekend.
The faithful bird has remained with the pub through various owners and has witnessed ‘a lot of changes’, including nine different Prime Ministers during her four decades behind the bar.
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Mark Smeed, who purchased the freehouse, restaurant, and bed and breakfast accommodation five years ago, revealed that Captain was bought over 40 years ago by the original landlord, Roy.
(Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)
He amusingly shared that Roy had initially left to buy a hamster but returned with a parrot, who has been a constant presence ever since.
The birthday celebrations planned for the weekend include live music, a beer festival, and a hog roast. Mark explained that Captain was ‘very meticulous’ about her expectations for the big day.
He quipped: “I bought the pub five years ago, and Captain came as part of the fixtures and fittings. I thought I had bought a pub with a parrot, but now I know I bought a parrot with a pub.”
(Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)
The landlord described Captain as having a great sense of humour and being very popular with guests. He also mentioned that the parrot quickly grew fond of him after his arrival, saying: “She became attached to me when I got here and doesn’t leave my side.
“She’s got a very good sense of humour and says a lot of ‘pretty boys, hellos and goodbyes’ – she’s not got a potty mouth, but the worse she says is ‘Roy’s a bugger’!”
As the beloved parrot is turning 41, Mark says he had a ‘long chat’ with the birthday girl – who requested a beer festival, live music and a hog roast.
The birthday celebrations begin at lunchtime today Friday, 28 June.
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