The Saxon King pub and Magic Mirrorz in Harold Hill celebrate 25 years

Keilly Eury and Jane Phillips both took over establishments in Petersfield Avenue in August 2000 and are celebrating the silver jubilee of their businesses.

Keilly took ownership of hairdressers Magic Mirrorz on August 11, less than two weeks after Jane was handed the keys to The Saxon King pub in the same street.

It was in Magic Mirrorz that the duo met and found out they were both new business owners.

Keilly (left) and Jane (right) celebrated 25 years of business and friendship this month (Image: Keilly Eury) “I went down to a new hairdressers a few days after getting the pub and we never looked back,” recounted Jane.

“We got on from the first moment and she’s done my hair for 25 years.

“It’s been real good fun over the years and I have no reason to change anything about it.”

Keilly and Jane both told the Recorder that the past quarter-of-a-century had not been a smooth ride but they were always there for each other when needed.

“We’ve both been single women – it’s been hard work but we’ve got a passion for things and we’re part of a community,” said Keilly.

Jane said the past 25 years have been fun (Image: Keilly Eury) “Any problems Jane had, she’d talk to me.

“We would ring each other through Covid because as people and as businesses you struggle when you don’t have contact with clients.

“We’ve built a great friendship and a great bond.”

Jane added: “Keilly has done very well – she’s such a kind, caring woman.

“We know each other’s challenges – the last thing people are going to use when they’re struggling are pubs and hairdressers – they’re luxuries, not necessities.”

Jane described Keilly as a ‘kind, caring woman’ (Image: Keilly Eury) As well as consistently being there for each other, both Jane and Keilly were keen to emphasise the importance of the community in their years of business.

“After 25 years, you’re not just a hairdresser, you’re a counsellor too and the stories you hear can be heartbreaking or really joyful,” said Keilly.

“I’ve had people fall pregnant and tell me before their families – that’s always a major high.

“I’ve seen children be born and now go on to have children of their own.

“People ask me why I don’t go to Brentwood or Harold Hill, upgrade and charge more but I don’t want to – I love the fact that local people get a good service.

Keilly and Jane had a silver jubilee celebration on August 2 (Image: Keilly Eury)“It’s the community that keeps us going – it’s a great area with great people,” added Jane.

The duo hosted a silver jubilee party at The Saxon King on August 2.

Jane said that more than 250 customers, friends and family turned up to the celebration where they were greeted with a glass of prosecco on arrival.

There was a bouncy castle, a rodeo bull and many photos with salon clients and pub regulars used as decoration.

Jane said more than 250 guests attended the party (Image: Keilly Eury) “The party was absolutely rocking – it was fantastic,” Jane said.

Both Jane and Keilly have no plans to leave their establishments any time soon.

Keilly’s daughters, Ella and Kenzie, are now working in Magic Mirrorz alongside her and Jane’s grandson has “grown up” in The Saxon King.

Jane said: “We’ve had chats when one of us maybe wasn’t sure if we’d retain our lease but in the end we’ve kept going.

“We’ve had our ups and downs but in general I’ve absolutely loved it and see no reason why I’d leave it – I can’t see myself ever having to leave.”