I'm Wetherspoon's oldest worker at 90 and I've been here for 27 years

by · Mail Online

Kitchen worker Jean Oliver is the oldest Wetherspoons worker in the country aged 90 being employed by the budget boozer for the past 27 years.

She joined her local Spoons - called The Surrey Docks - the day it opened in 1997 as kitchen associate after applying for the role when her husband Ted died.

Jean still does two four hour shifts per week, on Tuesday and Wednesday and helps prepare the meals at the pub in south-east London.

Her colleagues describe her like the 'grandma' of the team who acts like the real 'boss'.

On her birthday, she was presented with a cake in the shape of a '90' to mark her landmark day and a surprise party was thrown for her.

Kitchen worker Jean Oliver is the oldest Wetherspoons worker in the country aged 90 being employed by the budget boozer for the past 27 years
She joined her local Spoons - called The Surrey Docks - the day it opened in 1997 as kitchen associate after applying for the role when her husband Ted died
Pictured: The Surrey Docks Wetherspoons pub where Jean Oliver works

She donned a tiara and was joined by workmates and ex-colleagues while others who couldn't make sent a video message.

She still works in the kitchen with Pauline Curtis who started the same day as her.

Her old pub manager Kylee Garwood said: 'Jean is a well-loved and valuable team member, as well as being very well known in the area and by all regular customers.

'She didn't have a clue about the party. It was a complete surprise. She had a lovely day and didn't stop smiling. All of the staff absolutely love her.

'She is like a grandma to a lot of them, especially the younger members.

'Jean is an absolute legend, a real gem, and it's a pleasure to have her working as part of our diverse team. In fact, she is the real boss.'

Jean is originally from Old Kent Road and moved to Rotherhithe at the age of 11 and has remained ever since.

She previously spent 36 years working for the home help service, in Southwark.

Jean still works in the kitchen with Pauline Curtis who started the same day as her.
Her colleagues at The Surrey Docks (pictured) describe her like the 'grandma' of the team who acts like the real 'boss'.

Kylee added: 'Jean is a real inspiration. To live the life that she still leads, aged 90, including still working with us, is fantastic.

'It's definitely something to shout about and celebrate.'

Jean said: 'Thank you to Kylee, Pauline and everyone for a very special surprise birthday celebration.'

Wetherspoon's founder and chairman, Tim Martin, said: 'Many congratulations to Jean on her 90th birthday.

'We all look forward to many more celebrations with such an inspirational Wetherspoon team member.'