[Archived] Real Ale

[PAFELL]

It won't make the slightest difference..... in fact imo it's a very naive move cos the breweries will grab that 1p quicker that you can say Jack Robinson.

Your right. Though the cancelation of the beer tax escalator is a good thing. But the 1p off was just a pathetic gimmick.

I know a lot of pubs put their spirits and wines up straight after the budget. Pub owners would insist on it. One good thing about drinking in a club - is we can put the price up more or less when we want. Our club will put it up in April.

[LeChuck]

Good to know the beer tax escalator has been scrapped, which CAMRA have been campaigning about. But sadly too late for many pubs. 1p off a beer won't make much difference - but better than nowt I suppose.

The cynic in me thinks that is only to keep the under/working classes in pubs and keep their minds off more important matters.

Trying to win back votes lost over the pasty tax probably.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

It'll need more than a penny off a pint to get working class drinkers back into the average pub I'm afraid. They either drink at home or go to Weatherspoons in the area where I live. I picked up a beer mat the other day, it said that Governments of both hues had put up the tax on beer by 40% in the last 4 years !

[PAFELL]

It'll need more than a penny off a pint to get working class drinkers back into the average pub I'm afraid. They either drink at home or go to Weatherspoons in the area where I live. I picked up a beer mat the other day, it said that Governments of both hues had put up the tax on beer by 40% in the last 4 years !

Somebody put up a little poster in our club the other day to show how daft the 1p off a pint was. Beer in the club costs £2.60 a pint (excellent price for the south coast) The poster said, "Buy 259 pints and you can get the 260th for free".

A trend I am noticing, is a lot of folks are going to clubs, rather than pubs. When I say clubs, I mean the conservative, RAFA, working men's type clubs etc - not the disco, live music types.

Reasons I have heard, is cost of a pint, better social atmosphere, also an attitude of, "this is our club" and folk volunteer to do various things just to keep the club going. In the club I work at, we have not had to pay for an electrician, plumber, decorator for years. Because a member will always come forward, who is qualified to do these things and do it for us. Members also know there is no second chance - mess up once and your out.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

There's a working mans club facing my house about 100 yards away across the common. A few years back they were in the " News Of The World " for selling the cheapest pint in England ! I've lived here 20 years and I've never been in the place. It's only recently they allowed women in and I'm not sure but I think they don't allow women downstairs and they don't allow them at the bar ! Not my style, they're still living in the past. When I walk past and look through the windows the place is full of notices signed by " The Committee ".

[thenodrog]

A trend I am noticing, is a lot of folks are going to clubs, rather than pubs. When I say clubs, I mean the conservative, RAFA, working men's type clubs etc - not the disco, live music types.

Reasons I have heard, is cost of a pint, better social atmosphere, also an attitude of, "this is our club" and folk volunteer to do various things just to keep the club going. In the club I work at, we have not had to pay for an electrician, plumber, decorator for years. Because a member will always come forward, who is qualified to do these things and do it for us. Members also know there is no second chance - mess up once and your out.

There thats much more like.

[thenodrog]

There's a working mans club facing my house about 100 yards away across the common. A few years back they were in the " News Of The World " for selling the cheapest pint in England ! I've lived here 20 years and I've never been in the place. It's only recently they allowed women in and I'm not sure but I think they don't allow women downstairs and they don't allow them at the bar ! Not my style, they're still living in the past. When I walk past and look through the windows the place is full of notices signed by " The Committee ".

I believe cos of Harriet Harman they'll have to let wimmim in now whether they like it or not.

I'm not certain about this but I'd guess the easiest way around this is to be equally dogmatic and to only use pint glasses and not to stock mixers and wine.

[PAFELL]

There thats much more like.

Thanks Thenodrog - I can talk about the club I am a part of. Not all clubs adopt with the times. But the bits you crossed out are done, because we listen to our members. IMO that is the right way of doing things - seems to have worked. The club was going bust about 2 years ago. yet now has over 600 members.

Reality is, folk joined because of the beer, and the price of a pint. They have then got caught up in the 'other' things of the club, because of the beer, the price of a pint and like where they are drinking. The old saying of build it and they will come, does, I have found from experience works.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I believe cos of Harriet Harman they'll have to let wimmim in now whether they like it or not.

I'm not certain about this but I'd guess the easiest way around this is to be equally dogmatic and to only use pint glasses and not to stock mixers and wine.

It wouldn't stop Mrs. Shoelaces, she likes a pint. On a more serious note, I can't patronise a place that would treat my mum,wife or daughter if I had one as a second class citizen.

[PAFELL]

There's a working mans club facing my house about 100 yards away across the common. A few years back they were in the " News Of The World " for selling the cheapest pint in England ! I've lived here 20 years and I've never been in the place. It's only recently they allowed women in and I'm not sure but I think they don't allow women downstairs and they don't allow them at the bar ! Not my style, they're still living in the past. When I walk past and look through the windows the place is full of notices signed by " The Committee ".

At onetime our club was restricted to just RAF members and ex-members and their family. About two years ago, my friend who was the number two steward, became the number one. Like me he loves his real ale. So, with permission of the 'committee' put in two pumps - got rid of Harvey's as a regular beer, due to their costs. Decided not to have a club beer and instead get different beers from all over the country. Around that time I joined the club, because of the beer. My friend wanted me involved - for a year I said no, as I was just happy to be a customer. I just watched and observed customers, listened to their comments. Then I got involved.

Although at times, it can be frustrating, as old folk / members do not react to change very well - there were some sensible heads on the committee - who gave us 'free licence' to run the club for them. We now have 4 pumps, are in the camra good beer guide, memberships have increased. From not wanting to get involved, I am now working behind the bar and helping with the cellar.

Basically I suggest do not be put off by a club that is run by a committee - most clubs are run like that. Instead go in, look around, try their beer etc. Get to know folk. You may have ideas yourself, suggest them and take things from there.

During the day, we have many old folk coming into the club, ex-raf, para's etc - It is possible, that without them, we would suffer a little bit. The 'grey pound' as it commonly known, is very valuable. These folk have a lot more time on there hands - who like a good drink. There are times, when a firkin of beer (72 pints) does not last 24 hours in our club.

It took time and a lot of head banging - but more than worth it. Though I was knackered last night as I was on the bar from 11am to midnight due to a function on.

I suggest you pop into that club and give it ago.

It wouldn't stop Mrs. Shoelaces, she likes a pint. On a more serious note, I can't patronise a place that would treat my mum,wife or daughter if I had one as a second class citizen.

Totally agree.

[Hanks]

My Local club is struggling as are many others. We have volunteer Bar staff, no paid employees other than a cleaner, We put in real ale and have sky and espn on TV. but apart from pool and snooker nights very few people use it. We can't compete with the four pubs in the village and are down to opening three or four nights a week (depending on whether snooker is home or away) as it cost more to heat the place than what we took in takings. Most of the clubs in the snooker league are in a similar situation.

[thenodrog]

On a more serious note, I can't patronise a place that would treat my mum,wife or daughter if I had one as a second class citizen.

I suppose a trip to the mosque's out of the question then Tyrone.

[Al]

Thanks Thenodrog - I can talk about the club I am a part of. Not all clubs adopt with the times. But the bits you crossed out are done, because we listen to our members. IMO that is the right way of doing things - seems to have worked. The club was going bust about 2 years ago. yet now has over 600 members.

Reality is, folk joined because of the beer, and the price of a pint. They have then got caught up in the 'other' things of the club, because of the beer, the price of a pint and like where they are drinking. The old saying of build it and they will come, does, I have found from experience works.

If you listen to Gordon you will believe anything. I doubt he has been in a club for years and has no idea what goes on. Baxenden Con has been mixed for generations and will serve whatever the members want. Within reason.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I suppose a trip to the mosque's out of the question then Tyrone.

Of course, I've no time for fundamentalists of any persuasion.

[thenodrog]

If you listen to Gordon you will believe anything. I doubt he has been in a club for years and has no idea what goes on. Baxenden Con has been mixed for generations and will serve whatever the members want. Within reason.

Topically and for the first time in my life I attended a party in St Marks Con Club at Witton just a week or so ago. Not allowed Forbidden to stand in the members area by a surly Steward who obviously hates the extra work involving functions and made no attempt to hide his feelings I kept glancing across the bar throughout the night where a number of members were alternating their time between talking about their allotments and listening to the clock ticking I decided that if I ever ended up like that I'd stick my head in the gas oven.

Still each to his own eh Al? btw Hows your leeks doing?

[PAFELL]

Topically and for the first time in my life I attended a party in St Marks Con Club at Witton just a week or so ago. Not allowed Forbidden to stand in the members area by a surly Steward who obviously hates the extra work involving functions and made no attempt to hide his feelings I kept glancing across the bar throughout the night where a number of members were alternating their time between talking about their allotments and listening to the clock ticking I decided that if I ever ended up like that I'd stick my head in the gas oven.

Still each to his own eh Al? btw Hows your leeks doing?

Sadly there are some clubs like that - but thankfully not all. Ironically I have been asked today if I want to take over as head steward in my local conservative club. I went to see what they had to offer out of curiosity. Sadly they wanted to keep things 'just the way they are'. Did not want to try different ales, wanted to stick to Harvey's Bitter, did not want any beer festivals ( club I am at have had one a year for the past 2 years - now going to have two a year). Obviously not keen on functions. I declined the post - strangely it is the second time they have asked me.

I do wonder why some folk in clubs / pubs dislike functions - I love em. I loathe sitting on a stool waiting for folk to come in. So I look for reasons to have a function. Last one was St Patrick's day - yet we do not have single Irish person in the club. Who cares? good excuse to get some Irish stew on and serve loads of beer. Got a 3 day beer festival next month, St Georges day coming up and in June Sussex day (did not know one existed till yesterday).

I believe it is not just the stewards that make a club. but its members as well. I suppose I am lucky with regards to the clubs location - about 100 yards from the beach, so that helps.

[old darwen blue]

Sadly there are some clubs like that - but thankfully not all. Ironically I have been asked today if I want to take over as head steward in my local conservative club. I went to see what they had to offer out of curiosity. Sadly they wanted to keep things 'just the way they are'. Did not want to try different ales, wanted to stick to Harvey's Bitter, did not want any beer festivals ( club I am at have had one a year for the past 2 years - now going to have two a year). Obviously not keen on functions. I declined the post - strangely it is the second time they have asked me.

I do wonder why some folk in clubs / pubs dislike functions - I love em. I loathe sitting on a stool waiting for folk to come in. So I look for reasons to have a function. Last one was St Patrick's day - yet we do not have single Irish person in the club. Who cares? good excuse to get some Irish stew on and serve loads of beer. Got a 3 day beer festival next month, St Georges day coming up and in June Sussex day (did not know one existed till yesterday).

I believe it is not just the stewards that make a club. but its members as well. I suppose I am lucky with regards to the clubs location - about 100 yards from the beach, so that helps.

That sounds a nice club down there pal, pity I'm so far away otherwise I would pay a visit!

[Sparky Marky]

Sadly there are some clubs like that - but thankfully not all. Ironically I have been asked today if I want to take over as head steward in my local conservative club. I went to see what they had to offer out of curiosity. Sadly they wanted to keep things 'just the way they are'. Did not want to try different ales, wanted to stick to Harvey's Bitter, did not want any beer festivals ( club I am at have had one a year for the past 2 years - now going to have two a year). Obviously not keen on functions. I declined the post - strangely it is the second time they have asked me.

Have you been scouted by another club? How does that work? What qualities do they see in you mate?

[Al]

Topically and for the first time in my life I attended a party in St Marks Con Club at Witton just a week or so ago. Not allowed Forbidden to stand in the members area by a surly Steward who obviously hates the extra work involving functions and made no attempt to hide his feelings I kept glancing across the bar throughout the night where a number of members were alternating their time between talking about their allotments and listening to the clock ticking I decided that if I ever ended up like that I'd stick my head in the gas oven.

Still each to his own eh Al? btw Hows your leeks doing?

What the @#/? have leeks to do with it? You really are a pillock at times Gordon.

[thenodrog]

What the @#/? have leeks to do with it? You really are a pillock at times Gordon.

If I need to explain it probably wasn't funny..... Chrysants float your boat perhaps?

btw I like your sig ...... even though you appear to be hell bent on getting there asap.

[PAFELL]

Have you been scouted by another club? How does that work? What qualities do they see in you mate?

I don't know why you asked, but:

1/ They came into the club I work in for a beer and a meal - done so a few times. Plus our beer festival.

2/ Heard from others the clubs history, how it nearly died

3/ Qualities - no idea, But liked what they saw going on in the club. Hoped I could do something similar for them. Sadly for them they were too static and did not want to change much.

I hope to do my National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders level 2 BllAB , sometime this year - I haven't needed one up to now, as the club committee is licenced (both clubs, I work for two). Just think it could be handy for me to do it.

[Al]

If I need to explain it probably wasn't funny..... Chrysants float your boat perhaps?

btw I like your sig ...... even though you appear to be hell bent on getting there asap.

No need to explain but the comment was out of place and unneccessarily insulting even for a pillock like you. Are you incapable of a discussion without the insertion of juvenile, what you perceive to be, smart arse remarks.

[Hanks]

I don't know why you asked, but:

1/ They came into the club I work in for a beer and a meal - done so a few times. Plus our beer festival.

2/ Heard from others the clubs history, how it nearly died

3/ Qualities - no idea, But liked what they saw going on in the club. Hoped I could do something similar for them. Sadly for them they were too static and did not want to change much.

I hope to do my National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders level 2 BllAB , sometime this year - I haven't needed one up to now, as the club committee is licenced (both clubs, I work for two). Just think it could be handy for me to do it.

I did the course last November at two days notice as our previous Premises Licence Holder jacked it in. The Lady who facilitated the course was very good though and it consisted of four hours of facts and information being given to you followed by a forty question multi-choice exam. Very high pass rate by all accounts. It cost the club about £200 in the end, course fee. Disclosure certificate and change of PLH included in that figure.

[PAFELL]

I did the course last November at two days notice as our previous Premises Licence Holder jacked it in. The Lady who facilitated the course was very good though and it consisted of four hours of facts and information being given to you followed by a forty question multi-choice exam. Very high pass rate by all accounts. It cost the club about £200 in the end, course fee. Disclosure certificate and change of PLH included in that figure.

Cheers. Something always gets in the way every time I plan on doing the course. Hopefully nothing will this time.

[Sparky Marky]

I don't know why you asked, but:

1/ They came into the club I work in for a beer and a meal - done so a few times. Plus our beer festival.

2/ Heard from others the clubs history, how it nearly died

3/ Qualities - no idea, But liked what they saw going on in the club. Hoped I could do something similar for them. Sadly for them they were too static and did not want to change much.

I hope to do my National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders level 2 BllAB , sometime this year - I haven't needed one up to now, as the club committee is licenced (both clubs, I work for two). Just think it could be handy for me to do it.

Number 3 sounds a bit contradictory, you should tell them to bugger off. Sounds like Phoenix nights down there Pafell.....