Find local news in Kent

Home   Medway   News   Article

Landlord of Queen Charlotte, Rochester, delivers baby at pub for second time

13:00, 07 August 2019

Pub boss Richard Pye deserves to pour himself a double after delivering his own baby - for the second time.

Richard stepped in when wife Amy’s waters suddenly broke early in the morning and brought little Annabelle Elizabeth into the world minutes before paramedics and the midwife arrived.

Then, while mum and daughter were checked over, Richard dutifully went down stairs to carry out his daily shift at the Queen Charlotte in Rochester High Street.

From left: Lewis Pye, six, Esme Pye, three, with Richard Pye, wife Amy, baby Annabelle, Kiera Gardner, 11, and Oliver Looker, five Picture: Barry Goodwin (14855016)
From left: Lewis Pye, six, Esme Pye, three, with Richard Pye, wife Amy, baby Annabelle, Kiera Gardner, 11, and Oliver Looker, five Picture: Barry Goodwin (14855016)

Manager Richard, 34, is a dab hand when it comes to maternity matters.

He said: “It’s the second time for me. I just happen to be in the right place at the right time.”

Three years ago, he helped out when his ex-partner went in labour with their daughter, Esme.

Landlord Richard Pye delivers wife Amy’s baby, Annabelle Picture: Barry Goodwin (14900939)
Landlord Richard Pye delivers wife Amy’s baby, Annabelle Picture: Barry Goodwin (14900939)

It’s Amy’s third child and little Annabelle made a speedy arrival in just 10 minutes on Friday, July 26 weighing exactly 6lbs.

Amy, 37, who is also mum to Kiera, 11, and Oliver, five, said Annabelle was not due until Sunday, August 11 and her appearance caught her by surprise.

Richard recalled the drama when Amy woke him up at about 5.20am to say she thought the baby was on her way.

Cartoonist Royston Robertson's view on the baby being born at the pub
Cartoonist Royston Robertson's view on the baby being born at the pub

He said: “I was getting ready in the bathroom to take her to Medway hospital when Kiera rushed in and said ‘mummy’s having the baby’.

Richard dialled 999 for an ambulance but, as he was speaking to the switchboard operator, spotted the baby’s head.

Suddenly, it all came back to Richard and he delivered the baby, cleaned her up and popped her in mum’s arms for a cuddle.

That evening Amy joined him in the bar and the family were the toast of regulars.

The Queen Charlotte in the High Street, Rochester
The Queen Charlotte in the High Street, Rochester

Richard said: “It was a long day and after a few pints I went to bed exhausted.”

Amy joked: “You wouldn’t believe it was me who had just given birth.”

The couple took over the pub, which is being refurbished both inside and out, in May.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More