Pub regulars and friends gather to wish John Gordon a fond farewell
Ye Olde King’s Head marked the end of an era last week with the retirement of John Gordon, who after 46 years of service has become as much of an institution in Santa Monica as the famed hostelry itself.
Hailing originally from Shipley in Yorkshire, John moved to these shores almost 50 years ago and started at the pub as a bartender before being promoted to night manager, He has been a fixture there ever since.
John met his wife Gillian at the Kings Head and the pair, who have been married for 41 years, made a home in Santa Clarita. They have three grown children and one grandchild.
Gillian, who hails from Liverpool, told the BW this week: “John may sometimes come across as grumpy but he’s a very good hearted and honest person. He’s a good judge of character and he definitely does NOT do PC!”
For others, John is simply as much a part of the King’s Head as the furniture and fittings: “John Gordon IS the King’s Head,” said one of regulars attending his goodbye party last week.
The pub hosted a gathering of regulars and staff, past and present, to wish John and Gillian well in the next chapter of their lives…and they even sent him off with a cake. Among the many in attendance were longtime Kings Head regulars Steve Mills, John Hiscock, Linda Hall and the BW’s very own Annie Shaw.
John and Gillian are moving to Prescott Arizona to enjoy their well-deserved retirement. We wish them the very best for their future.
