It’s been a tough time for Annaliese Smith, who runs The Prince of Wales pub on the edge of the Northam estate, just five minutes walk from St Mary’s Stadium.
But, despite falling match day trade due to Saints poor results, the club’s new pub and fan zones and away fans moving position within the stadium, Annaliese is determined to honour her father and grandparents and their legacy and keep the pub afloat for her two children.
The pub has been in the family since before Annaliese was born with her grandparents Peter and Liz Smith running it for 30 years from the late 70s.
She took over once her dad Joe, who was at the helm of The Prince of Wales for ten years, became ill. He died four and a half years ago and mourners lined the streets around the pub to pay their respects.
These days, the fourth generation can often be seen inside with ten-year-old Taylor and Joseph, aged 16 months and named after his grandfather, regular visitors.
“They were my grandparents customers, they were my dad’s customers and now they’re my customers.
“They adore my kids and they’re always bringing them little gifts. My little boy took his first steps in the pub, it was so sweet.
“The pub has a great community feel and we never have any problems here.”
The team behind the bar are hoping more home, and away, fans will return to the pub, which has a large beer garden, parking and occasional live music, including on the date of the last game of the season against Arsenal.
