'Closing Time' for legendary Warwick landlord, Tom Douglas

Originally born in Belfast, Tom Douglas was known as the landlord of many pubs in the area over the last 40 years.

He and his wife Gill ran their first few pubs in Luton and Bletchley, before taking on The Granville Arms in Barford from 1984 until 1998. The pair also ran The Castle Inn at Edgehill near Banbury for five years, before Tom returned to Warwick with a vision to open a real ale bar in an empty shop on West Street.

Alongside his daughter Gemma he founded The Old Post Office. Tom fitted the bar out himself with reclaimed materials, furniture and curios, showcasing his flare for quirky and eccentric interior design. The pub quickly became a favourite among beer enthusiasts making it into the CAMRA Good Beer Guide each year and winning Pub of the Year Awards on multiple occasions.

As well as a popularity with beer enthusiasts the pub also quickly became a community hub. Local West Street resident and Old Post Office regular Sally-Jane Downes commented “he connected us personally to the community of West Street and through him we have met so many wonderful people”.

During his time at The Old Post Office Tom also saw the potential of another tiny empty property in Warwick and opened Rigsby’s Cellar Bar, now The Eagle.

Tom’s unique character gained him a legendary status across the Warwickshire pub world and beyond, with his friendly manner and interesting tales serving as a catalyst for many friendships to be formed over the years across the pubs he ran.

Tom will be greatly missed by his wife Gill, daughter Gemma, son Daniel, and wider family as well as his countless friends and customers.

Tom’s funeral will be held on Monday February 23 at St Mary’s Immaculate Church, West Street, Warwick at 11am.