A POPULAR landlord in Gourock is calling last orders after 15 years behind the bar.

Brett Clough, is giving up the lease at the Cardwell Bar after turning 70 this year.

He has decided that now is the right time to retire and let someone else take charge.

Brett says the pub industry has changed a great deal over the years and he has noticed a big change in customers and their habits.

Brett said: "My wife Victoria and I both turned 70 during lockdown, so we thought it was a good time to retire.

"The demographics have changed over the years, people's drinking habits have changed.

"When I first ran the pub, there used to be 30 people round the bar at 5pm.

"No-one is doing hard physical work, hammering hot rivets, sweating buckets, like they used to."

Mr Clough says he has enjoyed his time at the pub and has got to know his customers very well.

Brett said: "I have mixed feelings about retiring - I will miss the banter.

"A lot of my regulars have become friends.

"It's been a happy time in my life and there is a nice atmosphere in the pub.

"We've had people celebrating birthdays, other special occasions and we've been a big part of that.

"I want to thank all our customers for their support over the years."

Brett admits the last 18 months has been tough due to the pandemic and lockdowns.

He said: "Lockdown has been hard.

"The food side of the business with people coming in for meals has recovered better than customers coming in for a drink.

"We are in a fortunate position - we are the first pub from the west end of Greenock, which is a dry area apart from private members clubs, right down to Gourock."

The pub recently had a makeover inside and out and Brett is leaving on a high

The publican has had a varied career - he was previously a motor mechanic and ran petrol stations for several years before taking on the Cardwell.

He and Victoria live in Greenock and have a grown up family and four grandchildren.

Brett is now looking forward to the latest chapter in his life and turning his hand to jobs at home.

He said: "I've got a garden which has got out of hand!"