A CHEF at The Brown Cow in Dalton said she was in 'shock' when she received a car for three decades of service at the inn. 

Becky Johnson, 60, started working at the historic inn on 26 September 1994. She had to call in sick on the official day of her anniversary, not knowing that they planned to give her the car that day. 

"I couldn't come into work," she said. "They had the car there." 

There was a worry that she would receive the logbook at her address before the car, giving the game away, but luckily she arrived for work on Saturday just in time. 

Becky, known as Bex, received a gift bag with the car keys in them when she started her shift in the kitchen. Her boss had joked about getting her a gold-plated carriage clock for the special day. 

When she saw the car, she said her initial reaction was 'oh my God.' "I thought I was going to faint." She said a few weeks prior she had mentioned that she was looking to get a new car, but thought she was being asked generally.

Her boss had joked about getting her a gold-plated carriage clockHer boss had joked about getting her a gold-plated carriage clock (Image: Brown Cow Inn)

"I was in shock, I didn't expect a car," she said. 

Talking about her 30 years of service, she said: "I just love it all really. It's something I have always done. I've always been in this trade, I love the people." Before starting at the Brown Cow, Becky had worked in various kitchens in the area since she was 14. 

She said that some of the menu had changed in that time but 'basics' had not, such as scampi and pies. The Brown Cow also does weekly specials. 

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Becky said that the owners took on the pub a few years before she started, and that she can 'have a good laugh.' She praised them for never laying her off, despite her seeing 'drastic' changes in the way customers approach eating out. 

"Since Covid a lot of people don't go out - obviously the cost of living. People class going out for a meal as a luxury especially if you have got children," she said. 

The Brown Cow Inn, on Goose Garden, dates back to 1500. According to its website, it is the third oldest building in Dalton behind the church and the castle.