A UNIQUE watering hole, a Leominster pub which has defied fads and fashion, was packed to capacity for "one hell of a party" marking the end of an era.

Pauline Greenwold, 67, who has reigned supreme as the host and the heart of The Grape Vaults for 14 years, has called last orders after decades in the licensed trade which included a spell at the prestigious Rhydspence Inn near Hay.

Pauline retired this week and moved to Ross-on-Wye to be close to her two daughters and four grandchildren.

The Grapes in Broad Street, Leominster, had been closed for a time when Pauline bought it and re-opened it in October 1987.

The pub bucked modern trends and became hugely popular. It evolved a distinctive atmosphere that attracted a loyal following well peppered with 'characters.'

The question now on the lips of certain Leominster real ale enthusiasts and rugged individualists is: Will The Grapes change?

They love its traditional beers, certainly. But they also love the absence of music and machines. They love the small, cosy Victorian interior that escaped the 'tarting up' mania that ruined many other inns. They love the ever-burning open fire and flames reflecting on the polished brass coal scuttle.

And the conversation. The Grapes is for conversation. It's a place where people get talking, waxing lyrical even. Poems have been written and recited. (Pauline's jam-packed leaving party last Friday featured 'odes' for the occasion.)

Banter

Through the years of good-humoured bar banter Pauline, a charmer whose fierce side is legendary, has held court. ("My reign here," she called it).

So, will The Grapes change? Pauline doesn't believe it will. "It's good news for all concerned, " she said, without giving too much away, hours from her departure.

A Bucks-based taverns company has bought the pub. The incoming tenants, former Grapes customers, were planning to slip-in quietly (and for the time being anonymously) earlier this week

Pauline said: "I'll miss The Grapes and its atmosphere, it's like a village pub in the town. I'll miss the fun and the banter, all my lovely friends and customers and my great staff.

"Thanks to them all - and thanks for one hell of a party!"

So many people turned up for the event that not everyone could get into the pub. Regulars presented Pauline with an electric golf trolley, a wheelbarrow and plants.

Cards and flowers were still being brought in as the popular host prepared to call time .