Sam Smiths Pubs

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

There’s very interesting article in today’s paper regarding Sam Smiths brewery and pubs. He’s the autocrat who closes pubs on a whim. The two pubs closest to me, two minutes walk away in each case, are Sam Smiths pubs ( The Rifleman’s and The Alpine ) and they are both shuttered up and have been so for years.

What’s the situation in Blackburn ?

Edited December 19, 2024 by Tyrone Shoelaces

[Mattyblue]

Not had one for years, then Blackburn town centre doesn’t have many of any description.

Weird set up all round that brewery. Some superb bottled beers (ales, stouts, lagers, wheat beers you name it) they export in big numbers all around the world. Yet in their pubs they’ll have one cask on and a load of shit keg.

Edited December 19, 2024 by Mattyblue

[Norbert Rassragr]

The one in Whitby is good, but the owner is a prick. 

[Ianrally]

Was the Petre Arms at Langho ( long closed) not a Sam Smiths ?

[Dreyski]

Can't speak much for Blackburn, but Tyrone's experience sounds a lot like here in York.

King's Arms (when above water) and the Burns Inn are still here, but the York Arms, in the literal shadow of the Minster, has been closed for over 10 years. About a month ago, the Wellington Inn closed as well:

https://yorkmix.com/shutting-york-pub-is-like-something-scrooge-would-do-says-councillor/#

Humphrey is the closest equivalent of a Victorian mill owner in the 21st century, though he is known to have a softer side - There are reports of long-term employees paying stupidly low rent on their Humphrey-owned buildings.

It'll be interesting seeing what direction his son takes the company in.

[Mattyblue]

15 hours ago, Ianrally said:

Was the Petre Arms at Langho ( long closed) not a Sam Smiths ?

It was. Can’t think of any more round Blackburn.

Had their bottled organic lager and oatmeal stout over Christmas. Cracking beers as their bottled stuff always is.

Like I said, really weird set up, though I suppose it comes down from the top .

[jodrell]

Greyhound at Altham i wasn't sure if it was a Sam Smiths or not but just looked it up and it was. i used to meet a mate when he came up for Stanley games i cant believe how long its been shut 2019 

This Pub is Closed Long Term

Best value for money pint in Hyndburn. Opened out but still retains separate non-smoking room and public bar. Near to Accrington Stanley FC (Away fans welcome) and Enfield CC.

[Upside Down]

It's been a deliberate movement over the last 20 years by the brewing industry to close down the pubs and get people drinking at home.

If you want to know what caused the closedown of so many pub, look no further than the breweries that ran them. Into the ground. Deliberately.

[Mattyblue]

Sam Smith is a unique case I could say, largely due to the highly eccentric owner.

The industry generally it all goes back to the 1989 Beer Orders brought in by the government. It was intended to break the near monopoly of the big 6 breweries when it came to brewing volumes and their tied pubs. But all it actually did see instead is Pub Cos come on the scene who slowly strangled the life out of them.
 

Add the smoking ban, huge volumes of rates and tax they need to pay, plus changes in society and no wonder the numbers have collapsed.

[Ianrally]

The Olde Blue Bell in Preston serves Sam Smiths Old Brewery Bitter on hand pull.

Mobiles ,Lap Tops or Tablets are banned here.

[GHR]

I unknowingly went into one where the no technology thing is strictly enforced - the Brown Bear in Sheffield. The entire experience was thoroughly drab, including the beer, though I was in company so at least I didn't have to stare blankly into the distance. Thankfully Sheffield is one of the best cities I have been to for pubs, so I have no reason to darken its door again if I am ever passing!

 

Speaking of policies from another time, is Rishton WMC still no females?