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| LANDLORDS in Swindon have banned Alistair Darling from their pubs as part of a national campaign. |
LANDLORDS in Swindon have banned Alistair Darling from their pubs as part of a national campaign.
The action is in protest against the 4p rise in tax on beer announced in the budget earlier this month.
The Beehive in Old Town is leading the effort in Swindon.
Landlord Andy Marcer said: "Basically it seems that every budget drinkers get hit, this year even more so."
Mr Marcer claims the problems are made worse by a significant drop in sales resulting from the smoking ban.
He said: "It is killing the traditional pub.
"I will never let Darling darken my doors again."
Robert Feal-Martinez, licensee of the Carpenters Arms in South Marston, has followed suit with the ban.
The landlord, who is planning to stand for UKIP at this year's council elections, said: "I feel it is necessary because in spite of all the lobbying in the industry that we really needed a freeze in duty, the increase of 4p is the highest I have seen in 20 years."
Mr Feal-Martinez said the increase amounted to about 20p on a pint after other duties.
He agreed the hike was a particular blow as the industry was reeling from the impact of the smoking ban.
He said: "We are not seeing anything from this Government that would suggest they are in favour of public houses."
Jonathan Mail, a spokesman for the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), said Mr Darling should actually be spending more time in the pub.
Mr Mail said: "Camra would like Mr Darling to see the hard work that is put in by licensees so he can appreciate the community reality of pubs.
"It is the education of the Chancellor which is needed rather than banning him."
Robert Buckland, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for South Swindon, supported the ban.
He said: "I am not surprised. His very crude attempts to curb binge drinking are hurting people who like a quiet drink or two.
"If he had really meant what he said about tackling binge drinking, a far more targeted approach would be more effective."
South Swindon Labour MP Anne Snelgrove did find an upside for the Government.
She said: "The last thing we would want is an inebriated Chancellor, so I am quite glad that Swindon's pubs are keeping him on the straight and narrow."
The move by Swindon's pubs comes on the back of a national campaign to ban the Chancellor from every bar in the country.
Utopia, in Edinburgh, was the first pub to make the move.
A Facebook group for the campaign already has more than 1,000 members.
A spokesman for HM Treasury declined to comment.
11:52am Friday 28th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Ian13, Swindon on 12:30pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I hope they bar Tony Blair too, for breaking his promise over an exemption for non-food pubs from the smoking ban.
I hope they bar Tony Blair too, for breaking his promise over an exemption for non-food pubs from the smoking ban.
Posted by: nutts, swindon on 12:35pm Fri 28 Mar 08
And what does that do then, like he really gives a flying fig.................
....
And what does that do then, like he really gives a flying fig.................
....
Posted by: Grumpy old man, Swindon on 12:55pm Fri 28 Mar 08
How petty and pathetic. Mr Darling is only doing his job (i.e the one we are paying him to do). If we don't like the job he or his government are doing, simply vote against them in the next elections, which is how democracy works!
How petty and pathetic. Mr Darling is only doing his job (i.e the one we are paying him to do). If we don't like the job he or his government are doing, simply vote against them in the next elections, which is how democracy works!
Posted by: Voice of Sanity, Swindon on 12:57pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Oh look! Yet ANOTHER mention for the UKIP!
This is better than 'Where's Wally?'
Although having said that, it is harder to find Wally than it is to a reference to UKIP in the Advertiser!
Oh look! Yet ANOTHER mention for the UKIP!
This is better than 'Where's Wally?'
Although having said that, it is harder to find Wally than it is to a reference to UKIP in the Advertiser!
Posted by: Big Mac on 12:57pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]South Swindon Labour MP Anne Snelgrove did find an upside for the Government.
She said: "The last thing we would want is an inebriated Chancellor"
[/quote]
That's a fair point - he's quite clearly unable to do his job whilst (presumablty) sober, so Lord knows how much more of a mess he'd make of it if drunk.
Has it really taken the public house industry this long to figure out that tapping into the public hatred of all things Labour is a quick and easy marketing winner?
South Swindon Labour MP Anne Snelgrove did find an upside for the Government.
She said: "The last thing we would want is an inebriated Chancellor"
That's a fair point - he's quite clearly unable to do his job whilst (presumablty) sober, so Lord knows how much more of a mess he'd make of it if drunk.
Has it really taken the public house industry this long to figure out that tapping into the public hatred of all things Labour is a quick and easy marketing winner?
Posted by: m0bcg, south marston on 12:58pm Fri 28 Mar 08
i dont use pubs , the drink is too expensive for what its made from in the first place .
it should be about 45 pence for a pint of beer , after all you only rent it for an hour or so anyway and then thames water gets the rest .
i dont use pubs , the drink is too expensive for what its made from in the first place .
it should be about 45 pence for a pint of beer , after all you only rent it for an hour or so anyway and then thames water gets the rest .
Posted by: malkym on 1:22pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]m0bcg[/bold] wrote:
i dont use pubs , the drink is too expensive for what its made from in the first place . it should be about 45 pence for a pint of beer , after all you only rent it for an hour or so anyway and then thames water gets the rest . [/quote] [bold]it should be about 45 pence for a pint of beer , after all you only rent it for an hour or so anyway and then thames water gets the rest .[/bold] [italic]italic[/italic]
Love it!
m0bcg wrote:
i dont use pubs , the drink is too expensive for what its made from in the first place . it should be about 45 pence for a pint of beer , after all you only rent it for an hour or so anyway and then thames water gets the rest .
it should be about 45 pence for a pint of beer , after all you only rent it for an hour or so anyway and then thames water gets the rest .
Love it!
Posted by: yeti, swindon on 1:33pm Fri 28 Mar 08
pub prices are a joke.i paid £3.05 for a pint of fosters recently.
considerring you can get 12 cans for £6 is why people are avoiding pubs.shop booze is as cheap as its ever been where as pubs are the dearest.smoking isn't the issue at all.
pub prices are a joke.i paid £3.05 for a pint of fosters recently.
considerring you can get 12 cans for £6 is why people are avoiding pubs.shop booze is as cheap as its ever been where as pubs are the dearest.smoking isn't the issue at all.
Posted by: Dick-Turpin, Swindon on 1:35pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Good idea but I'm sure that our Darling Chancellor will probably get his tipple as a 'disclose erm gift' or buy it from a supermarket and drink at home as he can't afford pub prices.
Good idea but I'm sure that our Darling Chancellor will probably get his tipple as a 'disclose erm gift' or buy it from a supermarket and drink at home as he can't afford pub prices.
Posted by: Peeved, Swindon on 1:46pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Well done Anne Snelgrove..!! A serious issue such as pub closures that results in job losses and a decline in focal point for a lot of small villages and towns and you at least can see the humorous side. Let's hope you're still smiling after the next general election!
Well done Anne Snelgrove..!! A serious issue such as pub closures that results in job losses and a decline in focal point for a lot of small villages and towns and you at least can see the humorous side. Let's hope you're still smiling after the next general election!
Posted by: BWB, SWINDON on 1:54pm Fri 28 Mar 08
If EVERY ONE was to
BOYCOTT public houses for just a couple of weeks,the brewing industry would grind to a standstill.
And perhaps force prices down. But alas
I remember people saying thats what they would do If beer got to £2,00 a pint.
But they still dig a bit deeper into their pockets to find the extra cash.
And the breweries,and Government know this and will continue to raise alcohol prices.
If EVERY ONE was to
BOYCOTT public houses for just a couple of weeks,the brewing industry would grind to a standstill.
And perhaps force prices down. But alas
I remember people saying thats what they would do If beer got to £2,00 a pint.
But they still dig a bit deeper into their pockets to find the extra cash.
And the breweries,and Government know this and will continue to raise alcohol prices.
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 1:56pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Adam, is there any need to post an insult. I was contacted and asked my view. Perhaps if you didn't post anonymously someone would ask you what you thought, having said given you post perhaps they wouldn't. I see our Annie despite vote against the suspension of the post office closures has asked 3 more questions about what HMG are going to do about it. Quite bizarre.
Adam, is there any need to post an insult. I was contacted and asked my view. Perhaps if you didn't post anonymously someone would ask you what you thought, having said given you post perhaps they wouldn't. I see our Annie despite vote against the suspension of the post office closures has asked 3 more questions about what HMG are going to do about it. Quite bizarre.
Posted by: Dick-Turpin, Swindon on 2:17pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Must agree with RFM - no need for insults on this site
Must agree with RFM - no need for insults on this site
Posted by: Voice of Reason, The Parks on 2:25pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Adam you are well out of order there is no need to get personal.
On a lighter note at the moment frrom Sunday to Friday all day everyday Yates are running a special promotion they have a Bottle of Becks, pint of Fosters of John Smiths, Smirnoff Ice or a small glass of white or red wine for only £1.29 now that is a bargain..?
Adam you are well out of order there is no need to get personal.
On a lighter note at the moment frrom Sunday to Friday all day everyday Yates are running a special promotion they have a Bottle of Becks, pint of Fosters of John Smiths, Smirnoff Ice or a small glass of white or red wine for only £1.29 now that is a bargain..?
Posted by: emmylou83, Stratton on 2:29pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Adam is probably jealous he hasn't been in the Adver yet,
VoR - I was wondering when you were going to bring that up
Adam is probably jealous he hasn't been in the Adver yet,
VoR - I was wondering when you were going to bring that up
Posted by: adam, Swindon on 2:36pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]grow up adam.you are making yourself look a right fool.i dont agree with robert all the time, but he doesn't deserve the stick you are giving him[/quote] [quote]Adam you are well out of order there is no need to get personal.[/quote] [quote]Adam is probably jealous he hasn't been in the Adver yet,[/quote] Get a sense of humour people!
If you’re a member of UKIP and plaster yourself all over the local rag then you fair game for ridicule!
grow up adam.you are making yourself look a right fool.i dont agree with robert all the time, but he doesn't deserve the stick you are giving him
Adam you are well out of order there is no need to get personal.
Adam is probably jealous he hasn't been in the Adver yet,
Get a sense of humour people!
If you’re a member of UKIP and plaster yourself all over the local rag then you fair game for ridicule!
Posted by: emmylou83, Stratton on 2:45pm Fri 28 Mar 08
adam I have a sense of humour I just don't think its right to pick on someone because they happen to have an opinion or appear in the adver more than once. I am however glad that its not being picked on for a change :o)
adam I have a sense of humour I just don't think its right to pick on someone because they happen to have an opinion or appear in the adver more than once. I am however glad that its not being picked on for a change :o)
Posted by: Voice of Reason, The Parks on 2:47pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Adam sorry mate I disagree with you on that one..
Adam sorry mate I disagree with you on that one..
Posted by: Big Mac on 2:52pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Voice of Reason wrote:[/bold]
Yates are running a special promotion they have a Bottle of Becks, pint of Fosters of John Smiths, Smirnoff Ice or a small glass of white or red wine for only £1.29 now that is a bargain..?
[/quote]
It's certainly a lot cheaper than most pubs/bars... but it does, of course, mean having to set foot inside Yates.
I believe Weatherspoon pubs also offer cheap booze, but I wouldn't go in their establishments either.
Voice of Reason wrote:
Yates are running a special promotion they have a Bottle of Becks, pint of Fosters of John Smiths, Smirnoff Ice or a small glass of white or red wine for only £1.29 now that is a bargain..?
It's certainly a lot cheaper than most pubs/bars... but it does, of course, mean having to set foot inside Yates.
I believe Weatherspoon pubs also offer cheap booze, but I wouldn't go in their establishments either.
Posted by: adam, Swindon on 2:55pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Well obviously I’ve ruffled a few feathers on this one. I’m big enough to admit my mistakes and getting personal is a step too far.
Apologies Mr Feal-Martinez.
But I still adhere to my views on UKIP.
Well obviously I’ve ruffled a few feathers on this one. I’m big enough to admit my mistakes and getting personal is a step too far.
Apologies Mr Feal-Martinez.
But I still adhere to my views on UKIP.
Posted by: Big Mac on 3:00pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Well done Adam.
Posted by: Voice of Reason, The Parks on 3:03pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Adam well done mate takes a bigger person to admit to being wrong, I dont expect you to change your political views though.
Adam well done mate takes a bigger person to admit to being wrong, I dont expect you to change your political views though.
Posted by: Dick-Turpin, Swindon on 3:05pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I'm pleased for you well done Adam
I'm pleased for you well done Adam
Posted by: adam, Swindon on 3:06pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Just don't tell anyone.
(",)
Just don't tell anyone.
(",)
Posted by: emmylou83, Stratton on 3:07pm Fri 28 Mar 08
yay for adam :o)
Posted by: steve-o, Swindon on 3:20pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Anyway back too story,getting barred from town pubs easy.
Getting banned from ukip, no chance they need everyone, and thier dogs
Anyway back too story,getting barred from town pubs easy.
Getting banned from ukip, no chance they need everyone, and thier dogs
Posted by: adam, Swindon on 3:28pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Although I agree with everyone (sorry most people) about the shameful rise in tax this budget, I do have a certain level of sympathy for Mr Darling
The poor old fella could not have become the new chancellor at a worst time.
1)He was appointed during the fall of Northern Rock
2)He was appointed during a rescission scare
3)He was appointed just before the American and Japanese market wobble
4)He was appointed following the most successful chancellor in British history (I’m sure I’ll be told otherwise)
5)House prices are now falling for the first time since 1996
6)We’re in record debt
7)Interest rates high
8)[bold]UKIP[/bold] are now a force to be reckoned with (“,)
I’d loved to have seen his face when Mr Brown gave him the job. “Cheers Mate!”
At least he can masquerade future tax rises with environmental blackmail.
Although I agree with everyone (sorry most people) about the shameful rise in tax this budget, I do have a certain level of sympathy for Mr Darling
The poor old fella could not have become the new chancellor at a worst time.
1)He was appointed during the fall of Northern Rock
2)He was appointed during a rescission scare
3)He was appointed just before the American and Japanese market wobble
4)He was appointed following the most successful chancellor in British history (I’m sure I’ll be told otherwise)
5)House prices are now falling for the first time since 1996
6)We’re in record debt
7)Interest rates high
8)
UKIP are now a force to be reckoned with (“,)
I’d loved to have seen his face when Mr Brown gave him the job. “Cheers Mate!”
At least he can masquerade future tax rises with environmental blackmail.
Posted by: steve-o, Swindon on 3:31pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Not all doom and gloom, Yates and Wetherspoons doing cheap beer Adam.
Big Mac nothing wrong with Wetherspoons, dont tell me your into Beehive etc
Not all doom and gloom, Yates and Wetherspoons doing cheap beer Adam.
Big Mac nothing wrong with Wetherspoons, dont tell me your into Beehive etc
Posted by: Big Mac on 3:37pm Fri 28 Mar 08
The Beehive? Not my kind of place.
I'm not keen on 'traditional' pubs (unless it's for Sunday lunch) and I don't like places that offer cheap booze as they tend to attract a certain type of person that I'd rather not spend my money or time around.
I have had the misfortune of going to places like The Savoy (when dragged their on people's birthdays) and the it just reminded me of where most of the tax money I pay actually gets spent.
I went to Yates in Swindon [italic]once[/italic] and it just seemed like a Weatherspoons but with a slightly younger, more meat-market type crowd.
I also cannot stand the cheesy RnB and 'urban' music they seem to play constantly in those types of places. This is Swindon, after all, not downtown Brixton.
The Beehive? Not my kind of place.
I'm not keen on 'traditional' pubs (unless it's for Sunday lunch) and I don't like places that offer cheap booze as they tend to attract a certain type of person that I'd rather not spend my money or time around.
I have had the misfortune of going to places like The Savoy (when dragged their on people's birthdays) and the it just reminded me of where most of the tax money I pay actually gets spent.
I went to Yates in Swindon
once and it just seemed like a Weatherspoons but with a slightly younger, more meat-market type crowd.
I also cannot stand the cheesy RnB and 'urban' music they seem to play constantly in those types of places. This is Swindon, after all, not downtown Brixton.
Posted by: steve-o, Swindon on 3:42pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Ok mate but you never stated what is your kind of place, come over Wroughton some time
Ok mate but you never stated what is your kind of place, come over Wroughton some time
Posted by: Cllr David Sammels, Swindon on 4:24pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]yeti[/bold] wrote:
pub prices are a joke.i paid £3.05 for a pint of fosters recently.
considerring you can get 12 cans for £6 is why people are avoiding pubs.shop booze is as cheap as its ever been where as pubs are the dearest.smoking isn't the issue at all.[/quote] Not quite sure that I agree with you that that follows. The problem is that supermarkets can afford to sell alcohol without any profit margin or even as a loss leader - and simply recoup the money through the rest of your shopping. Pubs only really have pub food as a second revenue stream.
yeti wrote:
pub prices are a joke.i paid £3.05 for a pint of fosters recently.
considerring you can get 12 cans for £6 is why people are avoiding pubs.shop booze is as cheap as its ever been where as pubs are the dearest.smoking isn't the issue at all.
Not quite sure that I agree with you that that follows. The problem is that supermarkets can afford to sell alcohol without any profit margin or even as a loss leader - and simply recoup the money through the rest of your shopping. Pubs only really have pub food as a second revenue stream.
Posted by: Voice of Reason, The Parks on 4:25pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Hey Big Mac is the Pink Rooms more your type of place lol
Hey Big Mac is the Pink Rooms more your type of place lol
Posted by: emmylou83, Stratton on 4:30pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Voice of Reason[/bold] wrote:
Hey Big Mac is the Pink Rooms more your type of place lol[/quote] I still haven't been there VoR WE MUST GO!!!
Voice of Reason wrote:
Hey Big Mac is the Pink Rooms more your type of place lol
I still haven't been there VoR WE MUST GO!!!
Posted by: Voice of Reason, The Parks on 4:33pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Not really my kind of place sweetie do I look like I would drink in there..?
Not really my kind of place sweetie do I look like I would drink in there..?
Posted by: emmylou83, Stratton on 4:35pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Voice of Reason[/bold] wrote:
Not really my kind of place sweetie do I look like I would drink in there..?[/quote] well I didn't want to say anything but I'm sure I saw you mincing on Friday hehehehe
Voice of Reason wrote:
Not really my kind of place sweetie do I look like I would drink in there..?
well I didn't want to say anything but I'm sure I saw you mincing on Friday hehehehe
Posted by: Voice of Reason, The Parks on 4:37pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Emmylou you cheeky git wait till I next see you, a good spanking is in order I think. I am all man.
Emmylou you cheeky git wait till I next see you, a good spanking is in order I think. I am all man.
Posted by: emmylou83, Stratton on 4:44pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Haha I love the way u see that as a threat do u not know me at all!!!
Anyways can I just ask what is banning Darling meant to achieve exactly??
Haha I love the way u see that as a threat do u not know me at all!!!
Anyways can I just ask what is banning Darling meant to achieve exactly??
Posted by: doug@homefarm, SN1 on 4:44pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Shouldn't have thought even Alistair could aford the Beehive. Great pub but dear. Andy is the only landlord that I know of to host the legend 'If you can find a dearer pint in a three mile radius, I'll match it' on his website.
Shouldn't have thought even Alistair could aford the Beehive. Great pub but dear. Andy is the only landlord that I know of to host the legend 'If you can find a dearer pint in a three mile radius, I'll match it' on his website.
Posted by: Voice of Reason, The Parks on 4:58pm Fri 28 Mar 08
You almost made me blush then Emz...x
You almost made me blush then Emz...x
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 5:54pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Adam apology accepted. By the way it looks as though Yate's is having a closing down sale. Is it to be one of Laurels closures?
Adam apology accepted. By the way it looks as though Yate's is having a closing down sale. Is it to be one of Laurels closures?
Posted by: Big Mac on 7:24pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Voice of Reason[/bold] wrote:
Hey Big Mac is the Pink Rooms more your type of place lol[/quote] No, that's a cheap and chavvy little ****hole as well, from what I've been told from those who've been.
They also said, despite the intention of the place, that 75% of people in there are straight.
Voice of Reason wrote:
Hey Big Mac is the Pink Rooms more your type of place lol
No, that's a cheap and chavvy little ****hole as well, from what I've been told from those who've been.
They also said, despite the intention of the place, that 75% of people in there are straight.
Posted by: Mumstheword, Walcot on 11:02pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Ohh! I went in Yates today! I took my other half and the dangerous one (Alfie 4) He loves Yates! He calls it "the white pub with the music tele!"
Anyway, I decided to treat him and Mr Wolf to a spot of lunch. When I went in, I noticed that it was very quiet. The barman spotted us walking in and barked at us across the bar, in front of everybody "Are you eating??" Well I barked back "yes of course we are!" I was very indignant. He was insuating that we were taking a four year old child in there and planning on drinking! hmmm! Here's me thinking Yates was fine for a family meal during the day.
Anyway, we ordered our lunch immediately (felt like we had to prove ourselves!)
I noticed that the pub had become rather shabby and the sofas had huge rips in them. Alfie and Mr Wolf did not seem to mind though.
The food came really quickly and was of excellent quality! I had Chicken Balti and Mr Wolf had the vedgie sausages and mash. He is not vedgie, but Yates leek and caerphilly vedgie sausages are simply divine, better than the meat version. Alfie had the kid's chicken curry. The only complaint on the food was the fact that my balti came with nan bread, poppadom and rice, whilst Alfie's child's curry only came with rice. I shared my poppadom and nan with Alfie( the kids should come with these too!)
The meal was gorgeous. Of a supberb quality and ample portions.
Verdict. Yates in Swindon needs to work on being family friendly but the food is fantastic. Surroundings seriously need decorating and updating.
Ohh! I went in Yates today! I took my other half and the dangerous one (Alfie 4) He loves Yates! He calls it "the white pub with the music tele!"
Anyway, I decided to treat him and Mr Wolf to a spot of lunch. When I went in, I noticed that it was very quiet. The barman spotted us walking in and barked at us across the bar, in front of everybody "Are you eating??" Well I barked back "yes of course we are!" I was very indignant. He was insuating that we were taking a four year old child in there and planning on drinking! hmmm! Here's me thinking Yates was fine for a family meal during the day.
Anyway, we ordered our lunch immediately (felt like we had to prove ourselves!)
I noticed that the pub had become rather shabby and the sofas had huge rips in them. Alfie and Mr Wolf did not seem to mind though.
The food came really quickly and was of excellent quality! I had Chicken Balti and Mr Wolf had the vedgie sausages and mash. He is not vedgie, but Yates leek and caerphilly vedgie sausages are simply divine, better than the meat version. Alfie had the kid's chicken curry. The only complaint on the food was the fact that my balti came with nan bread, poppadom and rice, whilst Alfie's child's curry only came with rice. I shared my poppadom and nan with Alfie( the kids should come with these too!)
The meal was gorgeous. Of a supberb quality and ample portions.
Verdict. Yates in Swindon needs to work on being family friendly but the food is fantastic. Surroundings seriously need decorating and updating.
Posted by: Grumpy, Swindon on 7:26am Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Big Mac[/bold] wrote:
The Beehive? Not my kind of place.
I'm not keen on 'traditional' pubs (unless it's for Sunday lunch) and I don't like places that offer cheap booze as they tend to attract a certain type of person that I'd rather not spend my money or time around.
I have had the misfortune of going to places like The Savoy (when dragged their on people's birthdays) and the it just reminded me of where most of the tax money I pay actually gets spent.
I went to Yates in Swindon [italic]once[/italic] and it just seemed like a Weatherspoons but with a slightly younger, more meat-market type crowd.
I also cannot stand the cheesy RnB and 'urban' music they seem to play constantly in those types of places. This is Swindon, after all, not downtown Brixton.[/quote] My god Big Mac, what a pompous git you are!
Big Mac wrote:
The Beehive? Not my kind of place.
I'm not keen on 'traditional' pubs (unless it's for Sunday lunch) and I don't like places that offer cheap booze as they tend to attract a certain type of person that I'd rather not spend my money or time around.
I have had the misfortune of going to places like The Savoy (when dragged their on people's birthdays) and the it just reminded me of where most of the tax money I pay actually gets spent.
I went to Yates in Swindon once and it just seemed like a Weatherspoons but with a slightly younger, more meat-market type crowd.
I also cannot stand the cheesy RnB and 'urban' music they seem to play constantly in those types of places. This is Swindon, after all, not downtown Brixton.
My god Big Mac, what a pompous git you are!
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 8:42am Sat 29 Mar 08
Grumpy, Big Mac clearly doesn't get out much. Doesn't like traditional pubs or VRE's. Guess Big Mac is a overpriced poncey food, Restaurant person.
Grumpy, Big Mac clearly doesn't get out much. Doesn't like traditional pubs or VRE's. Guess Big Mac is a overpriced poncey food, Restaurant person.
Posted by: Chowmai, swindon on 8:51am Sat 29 Mar 08
OK, here's an add to the dabate on pubs. I remember when landlords were 'big' men/women (in charecter if not stature) and what they said went. AND..they didnt allow people to get 'angry' drunk in their premises.
Could some of the demise of the pub industry be because pubs are no longer the 'hub' of a community but a 'branch' of a multinational corporation who are happy to employ those still in or just out of student years as they demand less per hourly rate and, ergo, don't give too much of a **** about who does what and when on or off the premises?
OK, here's an add to the dabate on pubs. I remember when landlords were 'big' men/women (in charecter if not stature) and what they said went. AND..they didnt allow people to get 'angry' drunk in their premises.
Could some of the demise of the pub industry be because pubs are no longer the 'hub' of a community but a 'branch' of a multinational corporation who are happy to employ those still in or just out of student years as they demand less per hourly rate and, ergo, don't give too much of a **** about who does what and when on or off the premises?
Posted by: dalekdave, Swindon on 9:04am Sat 29 Mar 08
It is true theat the traditional pub is becoming a rarer thing. My local's landlord says he cant match the prices in town and that the brewery's dont give a sh*t about helping them stay in business.
I have to say that the availability of cheap beer in supermarkets, overtaxation of alcohol by the government and possibly the smoking ban seem to be contributing to the effect.
I see a future of home brew clubs meeting surreptitiously in people's sheds to drink non-taxed beer.
It is true theat the traditional pub is becoming a rarer thing. My local's landlord says he cant match the prices in town and that the brewery's dont give a sh*t about helping them stay in business.
I have to say that the availability of cheap beer in supermarkets, overtaxation of alcohol by the government and possibly the smoking ban seem to be contributing to the effect.
I see a future of home brew clubs meeting surreptitiously in people's sheds to drink non-taxed beer.
Posted by: Big Mac on 9:29am Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Grumpy wrote:[/bold]
My god Big Mac, what a pompous git you are![/quote]
To be honest, given the state of this town/country, I'll take that as a compliment.
[quote][bold]RFM wrote:[/bold]
Grumpy, Big Mac clearly doesn't get out much. Doesn't like traditional pubs or VRE's. Guess Big Mac is a overpriced poncey food, Restaurant person.
[/quote]
I thought better of you Robert.
Just because I don't like real ale, decor from the 1970s and people fawning over plates of poor quality sausage and mash for £7.95 does not mean I 'don't get out much'.
Do I like quality restaurants? Yes. Do I like quality bars that are priced at a point that keeps the chavs and scum out? Yes.
If that bothers you, may I suggest it's your problem rather than mine.
Grumpy wrote:
My god Big Mac, what a pompous git you are!
To be honest, given the state of this town/country, I'll take that as a compliment.
RFM wrote:
Grumpy, Big Mac clearly doesn't get out much. Doesn't like traditional pubs or VRE's. Guess Big Mac is a overpriced poncey food, Restaurant person.
I thought better of you Robert.
Just because I don't like real ale, decor from the 1970s and people fawning over plates of poor quality sausage and mash for £7.95 does not mean I 'don't get out much'.
Do I like quality restaurants? Yes. Do I like quality bars that are priced at a point that keeps the chavs and scum out? Yes.
If that bothers you, may I suggest it's your problem rather than mine.
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 9:56am Sat 29 Mar 08
Big Mac, don't be so sensitive, it was just the wording of your post. I have no problem with people having choices. That's democracy. As for pricing there are very few Traditional Pubs who can actually afford to sell at town centre prices hence their customer base tends not to include the 'chavs'. I think Chomai and DD have made some valid points, but I think there is a need to make a distinction between Brewers and Pubco's. Also between National and Regional brewers and local family brewers like Arkells, Shepherd and Neame, Wadworths etc. The big Pubco's who own about 40,000 of the 58,000 pubs are property companies who could less about their lessee/licensee's and even less about the end user, the customer. High rents, high beer prices and all ancillary items are at a premium for these type of outlets and many struggle to survive with little help. Much the same with the Large Regiona Brewers who operate in a similar fashion to the Pubco's now. Then we have the managed estates. Wetherspoons and co. Then the Freeholder, and finally the family brewer. I have experience of both leasehold and tenanted (Arkells) they are as different as chalk and cheese. I have had nothing but support from Arkells, that cannot be said of the Pubco Unique, now Enterprise Inns. I believe most small family brewers will offer support where they can, whether it be rent concessions of loans to tide a pub over difficult periods. However when HMG do as they have done this month it is the small operators like Arkells who are hit equally as hard as their tenants. The buying power of a 100 or so pub operator is far, far less than Punch or Enterprise with 18000 pubs between them. As for the use of student labour sometimes needs must. We have always had youngsters from the surrounding villages who have always worked hard. In the main my bar staff have always been a little, and in some cases a lot older, which seems to work. I think customers need to understand that once pubs are closed and sold to property developers that's the end of the story. Villages have lost shops, post offices and if they lose the pub all sense of identity is lost, which is when a village becomes part of a town. Use it or lose it is a very apt expression.
Big Mac, don't be so sensitive, it was just the wording of your post. I have no problem with people having choices. That's democracy. As for pricing there are very few Traditional Pubs who can actually afford to sell at town centre prices hence their customer base tends not to include the 'chavs'. I think Chomai and DD have made some valid points, but I think there is a need to make a distinction between Brewers and Pubco's. Also between National and Regional brewers and local family brewers like Arkells, Shepherd and Neame, Wadworths etc. The big Pubco's who own about 40,000 of the 58,000 pubs are property companies who could less about their lessee/licensee's and even less about the end user, the customer. High rents, high beer prices and all ancillary items are at a premium for these type of outlets and many struggle to survive with little help. Much the same with the Large Regiona Brewers who operate in a similar fashion to the Pubco's now. Then we have the managed estates. Wetherspoons and co. Then the Freeholder, and finally the family brewer. I have experience of both leasehold and tenanted (Arkells) they are as different as chalk and cheese. I have had nothing but support from Arkells, that cannot be said of the Pubco Unique, now Enterprise Inns. I believe most small family brewers will offer support where they can, whether it be rent concessions of loans to tide a pub over difficult periods. However when HMG do as they have done this month it is the small operators like Arkells who are hit equally as hard as their tenants. The buying power of a 100 or so pub operator is far, far less than Punch or Enterprise with 18000 pubs between them. As for the use of student labour sometimes needs must. We have always had youngsters from the surrounding villages who have always worked hard. In the main my bar staff have always been a little, and in some cases a lot older, which seems to work. I think customers need to understand that once pubs are closed and sold to property developers that's the end of the story. Villages have lost shops, post offices and if they lose the pub all sense of identity is lost, which is when a village becomes part of a town. Use it or lose it is a very apt expression.
Posted by: Mumstheword, Walcot on 10:25am Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote]I think customers need to understand that once pubs are closed and sold to property developers that's the end of the story. Villages have lost shops, post offices and if they lose the pub all sense of identity is lost, which is when a village becomes part of a town. Use it or lose it is a very apt expression.[/quote]
I completely agree with you there Robert. It seems that in the future the only community our children will know is the "online one" I wonder what damage this will do? It's of great concern to me.
I think customers need to understand that once pubs are closed and sold to property developers that's the end of the story. Villages have lost shops, post offices and if they lose the pub all sense of identity is lost, which is when a village becomes part of a town. Use it or lose it is a very apt expression.
I completely agree with you there Robert. It seems that in the future the only community our children will know is the "online one" I wonder what damage this will do? It's of great concern to me.
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 10:58am Sat 29 Mar 08
Mum, it's such a shame we hear politicians at all levels, talking, community spirit, social cohesion, a sense of ownership etc etc, and yet at a Local, National and European level, policies seem to actual create the opposite. It also has to be said that the apathy of communities to help themselves never fails to maze me. It is easy in Politics to claim the public doesn't care. Take Public meetings, how often are there just a few dozen from say a 3000 ward that attend. Flooding is very much on the minds of many as there doesn't appear to be much going on to prevent a repeat of the 3 floods between July and now and yet when the public are asked to help, very little response. I too fear for the future generations.
Mum, it's such a shame we hear politicians at all levels, talking, community spirit, social cohesion, a sense of ownership etc etc, and yet at a Local, National and European level, policies seem to actual create the opposite. It also has to be said that the apathy of communities to help themselves never fails to maze me. It is easy in Politics to claim the public doesn't care. Take Public meetings, how often are there just a few dozen from say a 3000 ward that attend. Flooding is very much on the minds of many as there doesn't appear to be much going on to prevent a repeat of the 3 floods between July and now and yet when the public are asked to help, very little response. I too fear for the future generations.
Posted by: Big Mac on 11:05am Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]RFM wrote:[/bold]
it's such a shame we hear politicians at all levels, talking, community spirit, social cohesion, a sense of ownership etc etc, and yet at a Local, National and European level, policies seem to actual create the opposite.[/quote]
I agree with you Robert. Unfortunately, it's now par for the course. We've had ten years of talk and promises - none of which has proved remotely true.
[italic]'Education, education, education'[/italic]
The UK now has the highest numbers of children leaving school without basic qualifications in maths and English.
[italic]'24 hours to save the NHS'[/italic]
The UK now has the highest numbers of NHS patients dying from MRSA, incompetence and other hospital related illnesses in recorded history.
Spending on the NHS has tripled under Labour... while the end service has got worse.
[italic]'Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime'[/italic]
Not even worth commenting on what must be the biggest single lie ever spoken by a politician.
I also read yesterday that the overall divorce rate in the UK is now 50%. It's almost unbelievable that 1 in 2 marriages will end in divorce, but it's absolutely the case.
As usual, most experts and researches are blaming Labour's divisive policies regarding families.
And all this while we're forced to pay more taxes than at any point in history.
RFM wrote:
it's such a shame we hear politicians at all levels, talking, community spirit, social cohesion, a sense of ownership etc etc, and yet at a Local, National and European level, policies seem to actual create the opposite.
I agree with you Robert. Unfortunately, it's now par for the course. We've had ten years of talk and promises - none of which has proved remotely true.
'Education, education, education'
The UK now has the highest numbers of children leaving school without basic qualifications in maths and English.
'24 hours to save the NHS'
The UK now has the highest numbers of NHS patients dying from MRSA, incompetence and other hospital related illnesses in recorded history.
Spending on the NHS has tripled under Labour... while the end service has got worse.
'Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime'
Not even worth commenting on what must be the biggest single lie ever spoken by a politician.
I also read yesterday that the overall divorce rate in the UK is now 50%. It's almost unbelievable that 1 in 2 marriages will end in divorce, but it's absolutely the case.
As usual, most experts and researches are blaming Labour's divisive policies regarding families.
And all this while we're forced to pay more taxes than at any point in history.
Posted by: Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon on 11:21am Sat 29 Mar 08
What is even more frustrating is what you have to drag out of them under the freedom of information act, and then it's like pulling teeth, they will only answer one question at a time. Most people will be staggered and I'm sure very angry to learn that the smoking ban cost more than ONE BILLION POUNDS to enact. But only 100 million over budget. So the Government has spent and will spend on going more than the NHS does on smoking related illness (1.7bill). Interestingly official figures from Scotland show that less people are now giving up than prior to the ban. Politicians talk about honesty and openness in Politics and we can't even get local politicians to tell the truth over local issues.
What is even more frustrating is what you have to drag out of them under the freedom of information act, and then it's like pulling teeth, they will only answer one question at a time. Most people will be staggered and I'm sure very angry to learn that the smoking ban cost more than ONE BILLION POUNDS to enact. But only 100 million over budget. So the Government has spent and will spend on going more than the NHS does on smoking related illness (1.7bill). Interestingly official figures from Scotland show that less people are now giving up than prior to the ban. Politicians talk about honesty and openness in Politics and we can't even get local politicians to tell the truth over local issues.
Posted by: Big Mac on 11:56am Sat 29 Mar 08
You're right Robert. Only yesterday Jack Straw had to be forced to tell the truth about the convicted terrorists he's been releasing from prison early.
Even then he tried to cover up the full extent of the problem.
Utterly disgraceful... and he's our minister for 'justice'!
You're right Robert. Only yesterday Jack Straw had to be forced to tell the truth about the convicted terrorists he's been releasing from prison early.
Even then he tried to cover up the full extent of the problem.
Utterly disgraceful... and he's our minister for 'justice'!
Posted by: steve-o, Swindon on 12:58pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Pink rooms is ok, im one of sraight %.Good management, staff and got poles
Pink rooms is ok, im one of sraight %.Good management, staff and got poles
Posted by: Ankh, Morpork on 2:00pm Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Mumstheword[/bold] wrote:
Ohh! I went in Yates today! I took my other half and the dangerous one (Alfie 4) He loves Yates! He calls it "the white pub with the music tele!" Anyway, I decided to treat him and Mr Wolf to a spot of lunch. When I went in, I noticed that it was very quiet. The barman spotted us walking in and barked at us across the bar, in front of everybody "Are you eating??" Well I barked back "yes of course we are!" I was very indignant. He was insuating that we were taking a four year old child in there and planning on drinking! hmmm! Here's me thinking Yates was fine for a family meal during the day. Anyway, we ordered our lunch immediately (felt like we had to prove ourselves!) I noticed that the pub had become rather shabby and the sofas had huge rips in them. Alfie and Mr Wolf did not seem to mind though. The food came really quickly and was of excellent quality! I had Chicken Balti and Mr Wolf had the vedgie sausages and mash. He is not vedgie, but Yates leek and caerphilly vedgie sausages are simply divine, better than the meat version. Alfie had the kid's chicken curry. The only complaint on the food was the fact that my balti came with nan bread, poppadom and rice, whilst Alfie's child's curry only came with rice. I shared my poppadom and nan with Alfie( the kids should come with these too!) The meal was gorgeous. Of a supberb quality and ample portions. Verdict. Yates in Swindon needs to work on being family friendly but the food is fantastic. Surroundings seriously need decorating and updating. [/quote] Yawn!!
Mumstheword wrote:
Ohh! I went in Yates today! I took my other half and the dangerous one (Alfie 4) He loves Yates! He calls it "the white pub with the music tele!" Anyway, I decided to treat him and Mr Wolf to a spot of lunch. When I went in, I noticed that it was very quiet. The barman spotted us walking in and barked at us across the bar, in front of everybody "Are you eating??" Well I barked back "yes of course we are!" I was very indignant. He was insuating that we were taking a four year old child in there and planning on drinking! hmmm! Here's me thinking Yates was fine for a family meal during the day. Anyway, we ordered our lunch immediately (felt like we had to prove ourselves!) I noticed that the pub had become rather shabby and the sofas had huge rips in them. Alfie and Mr Wolf did not seem to mind though. The food came really quickly and was of excellent quality! I had Chicken Balti and Mr Wolf had the vedgie sausages and mash. He is not vedgie, but Yates leek and caerphilly vedgie sausages are simply divine, better than the meat version. Alfie had the kid's chicken curry. The only complaint on the food was the fact that my balti came with nan bread, poppadom and rice, whilst Alfie's child's curry only came with rice. I shared my poppadom and nan with Alfie( the kids should come with these too!) The meal was gorgeous. Of a supberb quality and ample portions. Verdict. Yates in Swindon needs to work on being family friendly but the food is fantastic. Surroundings seriously need decorating and updating.
Yawn!!
Posted by: Casual Observer, Swindon on 2:25pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Ankh, clearly reading my mind, wrote: [quote]Yawn!![/quote]
What exactly was the point of this drivel? This isn't a restaurant guide.
Give it a rest Mums - try eating in the Beehive then you'd have something to write about.
Ankh, clearly reading my mind, wrote:
Yawn!!
What exactly was the point of this drivel? This isn't a restaurant guide.
Give it a rest Mums - try eating in the Beehive then you'd have something to write about.
Posted by: Casual Observer, Swindon on 2:29pm Sat 29 Mar 08
£3.20 for a pint of bitter in the Beehive - you need a whiskey chaser to get over that!
£3.20 for a pint of bitter in the Beehive - you need a whiskey chaser to get over that!
Posted by: ScentCybil, Swindon on 4:45pm Sat 29 Mar 08
If McBroons sidekick turned up in my pub I think we would all leg it. As for Snelgrove she will only toe the party line, she represents Nu Labour, not the people of Swindon. Look at her voting record!
If McBroons sidekick turned up in my pub I think we would all leg it. As for Snelgrove she will only toe the party line, she represents Nu Labour, not the people of Swindon. Look at her voting record!
Posted by: ScentCybil, Swindon on 4:58pm Sat 29 Mar 08
...and another thing. I like a bloke with a sense of humour.
...and another thing. I like a bloke with a sense of humour.
Posted by: Ankh, Morpork on 5:58pm Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]steve-o[/bold] wrote:
Pink rooms is ok, im one of sraight %.Good management, staff and got poles[/quote] Bloody immigrants, even taking our gay bar jobs.......hehe.
steve-o wrote:
Pink rooms is ok, im one of sraight %.Good management, staff and got poles
Bloody immigrants, even taking our gay bar jobs.......hehe.
Posted by: Mick out West, West Swindon on 1:11pm Sun 30 Mar 08
"UKIP are still a force to be reconed with"
No they are NOT
"UKIP are still a force to be reconed with"
No they are NOT
Posted by: Mumstheword, Walcot on 4:29pm Sun 30 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Casual Observer[/bold] wrote:
Ankh, clearly reading my mind, wrote: [quote]Yawn!![/quote] What exactly was the point of this drivel? This isn't a restaurant guide. Give it a rest Mums - try eating in the Beehive then you'd have something to write about.[/quote] hmmm... What was the point lol! I just had a sudden urge to write and chose to right about service in a big pub chain. Now lets here about locals! Anybody been in the Bulldog lately? Actually it's not bad :) Where abouts in Old Town is the Beehive? Do they sell food?
Casual Observer wrote:
Ankh, clearly reading my mind, wrote: Yawn!!
What exactly was the point of this drivel? This isn't a restaurant guide. Give it a rest Mums - try eating in the Beehive then you'd have something to write about.
hmmm... What was the point lol! I just had a sudden urge to write and chose to right about service in a big pub chain. Now lets here about locals! Anybody been in the Bulldog lately? Actually it's not bad :) Where abouts in Old Town is the Beehive? Do they sell food?
Posted by: Mumstheword, Walcot on 7:27pm Sun 30 Mar 08
oh dear that was a grammatical nightmare post! I blame the kids they have totally frazzled my brain this weekend!
oh dear that was a grammatical nightmare post! I blame the kids they have totally frazzled my brain this weekend!
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