I didn't think it was an awful episode, but I just don't think it was a good episode for the 65th anniversary, because it was largely based around the new family who own/run the pub, and as has been said, no-one cares about them. And up to now, they are mostly unlikeable. I was wondering what the fluff was going on when the screen went to 4:3 and this random young couple in their 30s come up with 2 young lads. (And yes, it was 1990s, probably early 1990s I think...)
Quite honestly, I think it would have been better if they'd had an explosive scene where Todd kills Theo, or where Carla kills Undead Becky. At least the characters have been in there quite some time, and we care about them - some of them, like Todd and Carla, and to be fair Lisa isn't awful, but I am a bit indifferent to her. Undead Becky can be Dead Again Becky though, and Todd can be Unalived as well. (Sorry.) 
The opening scene (I think it was) with Glenda humming and singing 'on the sunny side of the street' was a bit odd too IMO.
There were a couple of references to old Corrie, and a Ken-Rita scene, but overall not much IMO. Very few old/older cast members now. I think the ones who have been there 35+ years are quite few. Sally has done 40 years next month. Kevin has done roughly the same ... I think he came in before Sally.
Not many more that go back more than 35 years...
Watching Classic Corrie, I realise how much I miss Gail. I hated how they turned her into a doddery, ditsy older woman though. They're doing this to Sarah. She was a feisty, shouty, young woman, who had a lot of passion for things, and now she's a wet lettuce, boring, can't be without a man, and often dresses like she's going to a wedding. (ie; always over-dressed.)