THE landlady of a popular town centre pub has celebrated a successful twelve months since moving to St Helens.

Earlier this year, the Star reported on how Michele Cooney has helped the Market Tavern to thrive and buck the January blues.

Although Michele admitted she was apprehensive about the move to St Helens as she had never left her Ellesmere Port hometown for any prolonged period of time, she said that taking over the Bridge Street pub is "one of the best things that [she] has ever done."

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St Helens Star: Amber Taverns recognised Michele's efforts with an award in MarchAmber Taverns recognised Michele's efforts with an award in March (Image: Amber Taverns)
Michele said that one of her main aims since taking over the pub was to "let people have fun" and the pub often entertains customers with live singers, DJs , karaoke, and live sports.

Extra effort is also put on for special occasions and Michele was recognised with an award from brewery Amber Taverns for her successful time at the helm.

There has been a great response to the Star's articles about the Market Tavern and Michele put out a post to celebrate her year as landlady after staff threw her a surprise party last month.

St Helens Star: Staff threw Michele a surprise party last monthStaff threw Michele a surprise party last month (Image: Michele Cooney)
Michele said: "So this weekend marks my one year anniversary at The Market Tavern and I honestly have had the best year of my life! Challenging but so much fun.

"I have the absolute best team I could wish for. I can't thank my staff enough for arranging a surprise party for me, I love you all

"Thank you to my amazing customers (friends) for chipping in and helping Tegan and Alfie

"Thank you for my beautiful flowers, vouchers, drinks and most of all, the life sized Gary Barlow card board cut out, we had fun."

"Here's to many more years here at The Market Tavern."