Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: frank on January 31, 2024, 10:40:44 AM
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The manageress has just informed me that the Barton's Arms is closing with immediate effect
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What a shame, I've often wondered if match day revenue made up for all the times I've been in the week and been pretty much the only one there.
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I'm doing the lottery tonight and if I win, I'm buying it.
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Oh no!
Our port of call before matchdays.
Very sorry to hear this.
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WTAF??
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FFS, any actual good news to be had anywhere?
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I've been meaning to pop into the Barton's for some time, but never tend to get around to it as I drive to most games. It's a shame to hear this as it's such an iconic pub.
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I get that it's not in the nicest part of Brum, but what's it like in there on a non-match day? The food always seems amazing so I thought that would have been enough of a draw?
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Has management changed recently? the food reviews over the last year aren't great and plenty of complaints that there is a lack of beer choice.
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Crap news.
Hope you win the lottery, your Grace!
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I was only in there last night before the game, real bad news if true.
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Can we have 2023 back please. This is bad news.
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FB page says Temporarily Closed. 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, BA will be closed until further notice'
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Hopefully this is temporary! Terrible news if we lose it completely. Matchdays ruined!
Was packed last night pre-match - nothing seemed amiss.
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
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This is what Kim, the manageress, wrote:
"As of today we are closing the pub/restaurant. Despite a slight up turn in business and our numbers on match days, it's not viable any more so the powers that be have made the decision to close".
She was employed by the Red Pub company, who took on the lease of the Barton's after the Thai owners departed. I don't know whether Oakham still own the building. It's Grade II listed, so it won't be knocked down. We can only hope that new owners/landlords will be found
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Sad , hopefully it will continue as a pub and not be turned into something else
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
This would make a lot of sense. I might even consider going to a game, because I never go the football to actually watch the football - that way insanity lies
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Bad news.
Hope it gets saved.
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It's Grade II listed, so it won't be knocked down.
You'd guess energy costs for it would be massive.
It needs a state of the art sprinkler system before the totally unforeseen, completely accidental and unavoidable fire occurs.
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
That could be a good idea.
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can't we just have a normal traditional pub
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can't we just have a normal traditional pub
Well they tried that and it seems the match-day income wasn't enough to keep it afloat.
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can't we just have a normal traditional pub
Well they tried that and it seems the match-day income wasn't enough to keep it afloat.
true, suppose it's not in the best of locations for regulars
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What a shame. I have taken a couple of away mates in there and they love it. A beautiful building, stands out like a sore thumb in the immediate area.
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
That's the only sustainable option I can see due to its location. I hope that's what the Archbishop has in mind.
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What a shame. I have taken a couple of away mates in there and they love it. A beautiful building, stands out like a sore thumb in the immediate area.
More of a Diamond in the rough I think.
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can't we just have a normal traditional pub
“We tried it thirteen or fourteen times before but, you know, I think this time it might just work…”
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
That's the only sustainable option I can see due to its location. I hope that's what the Archbishop has in mind.
It's perfect for a Desi pub but I doubt the Bish would be ordering up grilled spicy meat anytime soon.
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I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. The overheads must have been enormous and apart from matchdays it was virtually empty.
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
That's the only sustainable option I can see due to its location. I hope that's what the Archbishop has in mind.
If he wins the lottery, the only question is whether he resigns or puts Lamb Bhuna on the menu first.
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is Desi pub a pub that also is a curry house ? You'd still be relying on people commuting there ? the area is a real issue
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Parking's not great round there, which you need for a successful restaurant.
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Since the closure of the Holte Suite this has become a key part of my matchday routine (always visit post game, usually go pre as well).
Gutted
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Since the closure of the Holte Suite this has become a key part of my matchday routine (always visit post game, usually go pre as well).
Gutted
Our pre-match routine for years. Last night, ironically we were cursing how busy it was to get served and actually didn't stay :'(
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Back in the 70s and 80s I'd travel out from town on the bus just to have a drink here, on non-match days. And then I can remember the embarrassment of taking a few non-Villa friends there back in the late '90s, before a game, telling them how great it was, only to find it very closed. It was shut for a fair few years prior to its acquisition by Oakham, only can now only hope that someone is able to take it on as a viable concern.
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A pub I've never been in, a fact I mention every time we drive past on the way home from games. Hope it stays open for all those who frequent it.
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I had my 40th birthday there even though we live in Kent. Brought friends from all over the country. My missus (not a native Brummie) was so sceptical she nearly vetoed it. We still talk about that night now as being one of the best parties we've had. Love that place.
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Laurel & Hardy once stayed there
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Dont think I have ever been in there tbh.
Beautiful building though...
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Does anyone have any recommendations as to where I'm going before the Chelsea game now?
I must have been going to The Bartons pre match for pretty much 10 years.
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Does anyone have any recommendations as to where I'm going before the Chelsea game now?
I must have been going to The Bartons pre match for pretty much 10 years.
Villa Tavern worth a shout and you can park nearby
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Wasn’t the King Edward listed too? Fat lot of good that was, they flattened that the bastards.
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
They're basically Anglo-Indian owned pubs which also do indian food, usually in the form of grills. Some of them are very, very good. Most, in fact, I'd say.
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
i've had a look , it's basically a curry house masquerading as a pub. Not like there aren't enough curry houses in Brum already. They're ok, there's a couple by us , but if i wanted a curry i'd rather go to a proper restaurant
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They're getting more popular and are often quite sports-oriented. Usually well known for their mixed grills. But I suspect the location would still struggle even with a decent Desi and surely on a match day they wouldn't be able to cope with the numbers?
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
i've had a look , it's basically a curry house masquerading as a pub. Not like there aren't enough curry houses in Brum already. They're ok, there's a couple by us , but if i wanted a curry i'd rather go to a proper restaurant
But if you wanted a curry or some spicy flavoured protein with a choice of draught real ales or lagers?
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I'm doing the lottery tonight and if I win, I'm buying it.
It's coming home.
(https://i.ibb.co/j4Yxx9M/Screenshot-20240131-155608.png) (https://ibb.co/j4Yxx9M)
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
i've had a look , it's basically a curry house masquerading as a pub. Not like there aren't enough curry houses in Brum already. They're ok, there's a couple by us , but if i wanted a curry i'd rather go to a proper restaurant
But if you wanted a curry or some spicy flavoured protein with a choice of draught real ales or lagers?
what's wrong with a 660ml bottle of Cobra
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Much as I like The Bartons, certainly from an aesthetical point of view, the news is hardly surprising. Like almost every other pub in the area there is virtually no other market beyond match day and I'm surprised it's lasted this long. We use it mostly midweek when driving is the only option, not sure what to do next Weds. The ground is hardly enticing, the likes of the Social and the Heart just too busy and the previously suggested VT the wrong side of the ground.
If I could get back into Town relatively easily I'd leave my car at work.
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Witton Arms ?
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A spokesperson for the Red Pub Company, the current leaseholder of the venue, said: "A rise in running costs has sadly made the Barton Arms unviable and it is with a heavy heart that we have made this decision.
"The costs of heating, lighting and power combined with the higher costs of employing people and general food cost increases have meant that the business is no longer viable; so with immediate effect we've shut the doors.
"Hopefully there will be some better news for you to report soon however that is currently beyond my control."
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
i've had a look , it's basically a curry house masquerading as a pub. Not like there aren't enough curry houses in Brum already. They're ok, there's a couple by us , but if i wanted a curry i'd rather go to a proper restaurant
But if you wanted a curry or some spicy flavoured protein with a choice of draught real ales or lagers?
what's wrong with a 660ml bottle of Cobra
What’s wrong with your brain
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Such a shame.....i've never set foot in the Bartons and it was on my to do list. I've always used pubs on the Aston Church Road side of the ground, Villa Tavern etc, mainly because of my Villa upbringing walking from Saltley Gate.....what a sorry state we have with pubs. Im suprised the Albion Vaults is still open
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They're getting more popular and are often quite sports-oriented. Usually well known for their mixed grills. But I suspect the location would still struggle even with a decent Desi and surely on a match day they wouldn't be able to cope with the numbers?
A lot of them are in some very unpromising places, I guess as the rent or purchase price is commensurate. The Vine by WBA was one of the first ones and does very well on matchday with a limited menu I think.
I think what would really put people off opening a desi there is whats closed it this time, the utility costs. Why open there when you could do it elsewhere with far lower running cost? Plus, in a GII listed building, you may very well struggle to get planning to make the alterations to the kitchen needed.
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What a shame, I've often wondered if match day revenue made up for all the times I've been in the week and been pretty much the only one there.
I’ve never been before a match but whenever I’ve been for food either midweek or a weekend I’ve been surprised how busy it is for its location. I think I’m right in saying that it sits just inside the clean air zone, so you now have to pay to drive to it as well.
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No that starts a little bit further down the road, where Birchfield Rd crosses Newtown Row, or is it Middleway.
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https://www.birminghamworld.uk/news/the-barton-arms-in-birmingham-4500143?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2024-01-31-Listed-Birmingh
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There is a desi pub up near Hockley Circus/Soho Road area that seems to be doing ok.....for the life of me i can't remember it's name or former name when it was a pub.
Could be a good option for a drink when if we ever play the bitters again..........
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Soho Tavern
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The Hen and Chickens is good too.
The upkeep of the Bartons must be a nightmare though. There must also be a lot of dead space in the upper floors.
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Didn't The Wellington reinvent as a desi? Never been mind, but handy for the number 11.
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There is a desi pub up near Hockley Circus/Soho Road area that seems to be doing ok.....for the life of me i can't remember it's name or former name when it was a pub.
Could be a good option for a drink when if we ever play the bitters again..........
Hockey Social Club?
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No that starts a little bit further down the road, where Birchfield Rd crosses Newtown Row, or is it Middleway.
You’re right, looks like anything on the left towards town if you’re heading down from the Matalan island.
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
i've had a look , it's basically a curry house masquerading as a pub. Not like there aren't enough curry houses in Brum already. They're ok, there's a couple by us , but if i wanted a curry i'd rather go to a proper restaurant
That's a dreadful description of a Desi pub. Go to Hen & Chicken as it may help you to expand your knowledge.
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It's going to be very difficult, probably impossible, to recreate the atmosphere of the Barton's, with all the regulars we got to know so well, anywhere else.
If Oakham decide not to persevere with the Barton's and sell it on, will it ever be the same? Of course, what others have said is absolutely right: the cost of the upkeep and the location mean that the survival of the old pub as we know it would be a mammoth undertaking.
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Didn't The Wellington reinvent as a desi? Never been mind, but handy for the number 11.
Do you mean the Grove in Handsworth? The Wellington is Up Town.
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There is another Desi up there on Wellington Rd, cant remember what its called, it was the one on the left before you used to get to the Crown & Cushion.
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The Hen and Chickens is good too.
The upkeep of the Bartons must be a nightmare though. There must also be a lot of dead space in the upper floors.
Hen and Chickens has the advantage of being on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter, and within walking distance of town, so will have a lot more trade.
The more obvious problem The Bartons has, is that it's in a fairly concentrated muslim area - so there's not going to be a lot of local custom to keep them ticking over during the week.
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There is another Desi up there on Wellington Rd, cant remember what its called, it was the one on the left before you used to get to the Crown & Cushion.
The Grove ?
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There is another Desi up there on Wellington Rd, cant remember what its called, it was the one on the left before you used to get to the Crown & Cushion.
The Grove ?
The Calthorpe.
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There is another Desi up there on Wellington Rd, cant remember what its called, it was the one on the left before you used to get to the Crown & Cushion.
The Grove ?
The Calthorpe.
That's the one
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Didn't The Wellington reinvent as a desi? Never been mind, but handy for the number 11.
we went there pre xmas - Indian Cafe Racer at the back of The Wellington. It's quite nice because there's 2 distinct parts to the building - Pub at the front / Indian at the back.
So you can go for a pint without feeling like you're in a curry house and vice versa. My old favourite vinyl shop was next door now sadly closed down. (The Diskery)
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Ah yes I've heard good things about that place although we are at cross purposes between Wellington Rd, The Wellington and The Wellington Hotel.
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Ah yes I've heard good things about that place although we are at cross purposes between Wellington Rd, The Wellington and The Wellington Hotel.
ah right I'm on about the one on The Bristol Road (opposite The Dome / Susie Q's of old)
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i've had a look , it's basically a curry house masquerading as a pub. Not like there aren't enough curry houses in Brum already. They're ok, there's a couple by us , but if i wanted a curry i'd rather go to a proper restaurant
That's a dreadful description of a Desi pub. Go to Hen & Chicken as it may help you to expand your knowledge.
"Wait a minute, you mean a hen is a female chicken. So why is it is called the 'Hen and Chickens? What a rubbish name!" and then he'd storm off to the Taj Mahal restaurant.
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Thanks Frank. Really gutting news but better to know!
We popped in last night post game but only to use the loos on the way to the bus stop in truth. Week night games are just so hard to fit around work these days and I need to be home to me bed.
We've so much history in there I have to hope something will happen with it, but can't say I'm hopeful.
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The Wolf is a great pub pre and post match.
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Some will have to drink in, gulp, Town.
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Some will have to drink in, gulp, Town.
Are we allowed?
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Didn't The Wellington reinvent as a desi? Never been mind, but handy for the number 11.
we went there pre xmas - Indian Cafe Racer at the back of The Wellington. It's quite nice because there's 2 distinct parts to the building - Pub at the front / Indian at the back.
So you can go for a pint without feeling like you're in a curry house and vice versa. My old favourite vinyl shop was next door now sadly closed down. (The Diskery)
The Diskery moved to just along Bristol street. The lads working there rate the food highly in Cafe Racer.
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I'm too frightened to drink in town with all those fierce zulus about seeking us out .Thank goodness they haven't found out about The Windsor.
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Or The Shakespeare, or The Old Royal or The Wellington or any other pub not on Sherlock Street (which we have only visited on special occasions).
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Some will have to drink in, gulp, Town.
Don’t be ridiculous. Even if you manage to avoid the mass ranks of Zulus, you’ll fall foul of the B postcode test on the doors of city centre boozers.
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Didn't The Wellington reinvent as a desi? Never been mind, but handy for the number 11.
we went there pre xmas - Indian Cafe Racer at the back of The Wellington. It's quite nice because there's 2 distinct parts to the building - Pub at the front / Indian at the back.
So you can go for a pint without feeling like you're in a curry house and vice versa. My old favourite vinyl shop was next door now sadly closed down. (The Diskery)
The Diskery moved to just along Bristol street. The lads working there rate the food highly in Cafe Racer.
i'll have to check that out next time i'm in Brum , cracking little record shop that
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There is another Desi up there on Wellington Rd, cant remember what its called, it was the one on the left before you used to get to the Crown & Cushion.
The Grove ?
The Calthorpe.
The Calthorpe is a community centre now according to the signage outside when I drove past the other day. Both The Grove and The Garden Gate are probably classed as desi pubs…have eaten at both a few times and it’s always a good shout if you fancy an Indian takeaway. Will have to check out this Hen and Chicken place that has been mentioned a few times.
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Hen and Chickens is very popular, don’t be surprised if you need to book a table
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Hen and Chickens is very popular, don’t be surprised if you need to book a table
Its a great spot. Nice beer, good food. What more do you want
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I'm doing the lottery tonight and if I win, I'm buying it.
It's coming home.
(https://i.ibb.co/j4Yxx9M/Screenshot-20240131-155608.png) (https://ibb.co/j4Yxx9M)
Was that a lucky dip? 4 5 19 57 being the date we last won the FA Cup, and 7 the number of times we've won it. Not sure the significance of 18 though.
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I'm doing the lottery tonight and if I win, I'm buying it.
It's coming home.
(https://i.ibb.co/j4Yxx9M/Screenshot-20240131-155608.png) (https://ibb.co/j4Yxx9M)
Was that a lucky dip? 4 5 19 57 being the date we last won the FA Cup, and 7 the number of times we've won it. Not sure the significance of 18 though.
1874, 1957, 5 for God.
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
i've had a look , it's basically a curry house masquerading as a pub. Not like there aren't enough curry houses in Brum already. They're ok, there's a couple by us , but if i wanted a curry i'd rather go to a proper restaurant
Tim, you seem to be confusing what you personally prefer, with what would be best for the business/other people might like.
I get that you’re quite the important person, but tastes may differ from person to person.
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It's a shame, seems to be happening all over the place.
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It's a shame, seems to be happening all over the place.
It's no surprise when the country has been run into the ground by a bunch of callous imbeciles.
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
i've had a look , it's basically a curry house masquerading as a pub. Not like there aren't enough curry houses in Brum already. They're ok, there's a couple by us , but if i wanted a curry i'd rather go to a proper restaurant
Tim, you seem to be confusing what you personally prefer, with what would be best for the business/other people might like.
I get that you’re quite the important person, but tastes may differ from person to person.
It's a tricky one for the BA's as the location means trying to tempt people from afar on non matchdays to survive as a business is going to be difficult unless you provide something for the very local community but then it's another pub lost, which may be the case anyway unless someone like the National Trust (or similar) could buy it
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If it were to be closed down by current owners, surely it would be prime for a takeover and conversion into a Desi Pub
What is a Desi Pub?
Edit - I know the Geographical area Desi refers to, just wondering how it applies to a pub?
i've had a look , it's basically a curry house masquerading as a pub. Not like there aren't enough curry houses in Brum already. They're ok, there's a couple by us , but if i wanted a curry i'd rather go to a proper restaurant
That's a dreadful description of a Desi pub. Go to Hen & Chicken as it may help you to expand your knowledge.
What Olaf said!
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It's a shame, seems to be happening all over the place.
It's no surprise when the country has been run into the ground by a bunch of callous imbeciles.
Perfectly put.
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Pubs that are only busy on one day a week, for 9 months of the year are always going to struggle to have a long term future.
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I'm doing the lottery tonight and if I win, I'm buying it.
It's coming home.
(https://i.ibb.co/j4Yxx9M/Screenshot-20240131-155608.png) (https://ibb.co/j4Yxx9M)
Was that a lucky dip? 4 5 19 57 being the date we last won the FA Cup, and 7 the number of times we've won it. Not sure the significance of 18 though.
1874, 1957, 5 for God.
57? I thought it only went up to 49? Shows how long it is since I played.
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I don't know how smaller hospitality outlets are staying in business at the moment.
Wage increases
Inflation on food
Energy prices
Lack of staff
Dry January
Must be a nightmare - particularly if have an old building to maintain too
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Yup, and that a pub offering something different, excellent Thai food at reasonable prices, in a fantastic building, cant make it work then its a pretty bleak outlook for everyone else.
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In Brum you can add pathetic public transport and congestion charge to the list too - big barrier if you're not city centre based.
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if everyone who loves the pub and had always meant to go in there but hasn't quite got round to it, had actually gone in there, perhaps it would have been more viable.
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Kick off times being all over the place hasn’t helped them. Even I haven’t been there as much this season so even their biggest source of trade has dropped off.
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I expect Dry January and no Villa home games for a month really didn't help.
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Pubs that are only busy on one day a week, for 9 months of the year are always going to struggle to have a long term future.
yep. You don't need to go to Harvard Business School to see the problem here . Turning it into a "Desi" pub isn't going to solve much i doubt
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I expect Dry January and no Villa home games for a month really didn't help.
Need to start a wet January campaign
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I expect Dry January and no Villa home games for a month really didn't help.
Need to start a wet January campaign
My mate owns three pubs/restaurants in Northampton, and he hates January with an absolute passion.
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I seem to remember reading that December was (by expected standards) terrible for the hospitality industry as well and that's caused quite a lot of places who were relying on a good December to provide a cushion for lower trade in the early part of 2024 to give it up.
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I expect Dry January and no Villa home games for a month really didn't help.
Need to start a wet January campaign
My mate owns three pubs/restaurants in Northampton, and he hates January with an absolute passion.
To be fair to some of the regulars in my local, they still go in most days but just drink the 0% beers. It's shit when people abandon the pub then still fully expect it to be there waiting for them when today lands.
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The Barton's advantage for us is where it is, it's disadvantage to become a thriving hospitality is where it is. Compare it with The Queen's Arms in Newhall Street, a pub of similar vintage but located in a commercial/residential area part of town that people will make an effort to visit. Someone has seen it as a viable enough venue to refurbish.
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The Barton's advantage for us is where it is, it's disadvantage to become a thriving hospitality is where it is. Compare it with The Queen's Arms in Newhall Street, a pub of similar vintage but located in a commercial/residential area part of town that people will make an effort to visit. Someone has seen it as a viable enough venue to refurbish.
Looks like The Queen's Arms is going to reopen as a veggie/vegan restaurant.
EDIT: Ignore. Nottybite from the Queens is moving to Somewhere in the JQ.
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The Wolf is a great pub pre and post match.
Is that where Wolfie drinks?
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The Barton's Arms is a beautiful building and I have taken family and friends to eat nd drink there on many occasions It is a place where I have met some lovely people who post on here and others who don't post any more. The last time I was in was with Risso and his son, and we bumped into, as usual, Frank and Ken, and ColinMac, and TimVilla (NOT VillaTimCoopersInjurySilhillTTOD) plus other various reprobates
If you have never been inside, I hope it will reopen again for you MUST see it. It is a truly magnificent building.
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Pubs that are only busy on one day a week, for 9 months of the year are always going to struggle to have a long term future.
yep. You don't need to go to Harvard Business School to see the problem here . Turning it into a "Desi" pub isn't going to solve much i doubt
Wasn’t your idea to just have it as a pub?
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wetherspoons has also killed a lot of independents off
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Eamonn raises a good point. Does anyone on here know what has happened to Werewolf? He was a fixture at away games for many years but I can't remember when I last saw him.
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Eamonn raises a good point. Does anyone on here know what has happened to Werewolf? He was a fixture at away games for many years but I can't remember when I last saw him.
We do this one quite regularly, I saw him at the Walsall friendly, think it was before last season, and on the cross city line the season before.
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The Barton's Arms is a beautiful building and I have taken family and friends to eat nd drink there on many occasions It is a place where I have met some lovely people who post on here and others who don't post any more. The last time I was in was with Risso and his son, and we bumped into, as usual, Frank and Ken, and ColinMac, and TimVilla (NOT VillaTimCoopersInjurySilhillTTOD) opus other various reprobates
If you have never been inside, I hope it will reopen again for you MUST see it. It is a truly magnificent building.
I saw you in there one lunchtime.
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It's location is the big problem. It's a good pub, but there's nothing else around that would make you want to walk out there to visit. If you're in the city centre, you can go to a lots of places, same if you're in the JQ or Harborne etc. If it was more central it would do brilliantly.
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The Barton's Arms is a beautiful building and I have taken family and friends to eat nd drink there on many occasions It is a place where I have met some lovely people who post on here and others who don't post any more. The last time I was in was with Risso and his son, and we bumped into, as usual, Frank and Ken, and ColinMac, and TimVilla (NOT VillaTimCoopersInjurySilhillTTOD) opus other various reprobates
If you have never been inside, I hope it will reopen again for you MUST see it. It is a truly magnificent building.
The plumbing bills after those visits were just too much. (Especially if the Bish visited for the same game.)
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My guts were wrecked that day. A few pints of Citra in the Barton's, followed by a massive lunch with wine, and then a curry to soak it all up when we got home. It was like a mooring rope being coiled off an oil tanker in the Suez Canal.
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It's location is the big problem. It's a good pub, but there's nothing else around that would make you want to walk out there to visit. If you're in the city centre, you can go to a lots of places, same if you're in the JQ or Harborne etc. If it was more central it would do brilliantly.
It doesn't help being in Birmingham, which for all the recent improvements still isn't a real ale and good pubs city.
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It's a hell of a walk from there to VP if you're an overweight 54 year old with edemas...
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My great gran used to play the piano in the Bartons most weekends for years. She was born and brought up in Park Lane (the original one, not what got built instead when it was demolished). My dad, in his mid 80s now, was telling me of how in the 70s, they randomly went there once with my gt gran and got mortally pissed whilst she played the piano again. I remember my grandad, when i was a kid, every single time you drove past it, he'd point and say what a beautiful pub it was, and how Laurel and Hardy stayed there etc etc.
I am in my mid 50s, have been to god knows how many games relatively close by over the years, have been in its near vicinity even more times, and am aware of the importance of it in the past (in both the city and my own family, all from that area) but am not sure I've even ever been in there.
I think that's an illustration of the problem they have. There's the fact that the old 'constituency' of the surrounding area has changed entirely (as per lots of pubs), but also there is nowhere near enough passing trade or repeat business to make it work these days, despite having huge amounts of cultural resonance.
Add to that the fact that, let's be honest, it is in a rough as nails area, and the basic question of why would anyone go there if not going to a match, and it's a surprise it has lasted this long.
If it were in the city centre, or even the Jewellery Quarter, it would do brilliantly. It's not, though, it's in a terrible location.
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It's location is the big problem. It's a good pub, but there's nothing else around that would make you want to walk out there to visit. If you're in the city centre, you can go to a lots of places, same if you're in the JQ or Harborne etc. If it was more central it would do brilliantly.
It doesn't help being in Birmingham, which for all the recent improvements still isn't a real ale and good pubs city.
The Barton's always seemed to me to be Brum's version of Manchester's Peveril of the Peak (which I'm sure you've been in). The big difference being that the PotP is 5 minutes walk from two major train stations, and close to other similar establishments like the Briton's Protection.
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It's location is the big problem. It's a good pub, but there's nothing else around that would make you want to walk out there to visit. If you're in the city centre, you can go to a lots of places, same if you're in the JQ or Harborne etc. If it was more central it would do brilliantly.
It doesn't help being in Birmingham, which for all the recent improvements still isn't a real ale and good pubs city.
The Barton's always seemed to me to be Brum's version of Manchester's Peveril of the Peak (which I'm sure you've been in). The big difference being that the PotP is 5 minutes walk from two major train stations, and close to other similar establishments like the Briton's Protection.
Same as the Philharmonic in Liverpool and the Cafe Royal in Edinburgh. Both are great pubs but they're both walkable from the centre and have other places around them. The Barton's is miles from anywhere else and you'd never go there for a night of drinking.
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wetherspoons has also killed a lot of independents off
I was on a total boycott of Weatherspoons for a while but it is more of a mixed bag than people give it credit for. Apparently, one off real ale pubs and bars don’t generate enough orders to keep independent brewers in business, but Weatherspoons do! Which in turn helps the one off establishments!
They’ve also saved a lot of interesting old buildings from demolition by turning them into pubs, but sadly, this one that’s already a pub probably isn’t in a good spot for them.
Still hate Tim Weatherspoon though - vile man!
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It's location is the big problem. It's a good pub, but there's nothing else around that would make you want to walk out there to visit. If you're in the city centre, you can go to a lots of places, same if you're in the JQ or Harborne etc. If it was more central it would do brilliantly.
It doesn't help being in Birmingham, which for all the recent improvements still isn't a real ale and good pubs city.
The Barton's always seemed to me to be Brum's version of Manchester's Peveril of the Peak (which I'm sure you've been in). The big difference being that the PotP is 5 minutes walk from two major train stations, and close to other similar establishments like the Briton's Protection.
great pub this, the Las O'Gowrie is another good one up there
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I was born just up the road from there nearly 70 years ago....my Mom and Dad went there regularly and I bought them a very nice print of it many years ago, now in my possession. It was a special place for them and I took them there a few times in later years but the area had changed so much they felt very little connection.
Only been in there once on a match day (it was great) as the people I go/went with were not prepared/able to do the walk to the ground.
In recent years have been a few times for the beer and the Thai food on a Friday night (with a couple of Nose mates who loved it)...always been very good.
As a few have said, it's in a bloody awkward location...no "locals" business, too far from city centre/JQ, lots of competition.
Such a shame.
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wetherspoons has also killed a lot of independents off
I was on a total boycott of Weatherspoons for a while but it is more of a mixed bag than people give it credit for. Apparently, one off real ale pubs and bars don’t generate enough orders to keep independent brewers in business, but Weatherspoons do! Which in turn helps the one off establishments!
They’ve also saved a lot of interesting old buildings from demolition by turning them into pubs, but sadly, this one that’s already a pub probably isn’t in a good spot for them.
Still hate Tim Weatherspoon though - vile man!
Sir Tim, if you don't mind
My CAMRA branch noted his knighthood with a withering editorial, whilst giving due praise for what they've done.
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love them or hate them Wetherspoons have found a brilliant business model that England cannot get enough of
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love them or hate them Wetherspoons have found a brilliant business model that England cannot get enough of
Britain likes cheap anything. Then moans about the quality and that the better things have gone.
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I was so disappointed and saddened to hear the news of an immediate closure for the Bartons yesterday. Like many on here, I'd been there prior to the Newcastle game and it had its usual vibrant pre match atmosphere. I read that it got voted in the Guardian as one of the best 50 pubs in the UK. Quite right too...great beer, brilliant decor, excellent thai food and affable clientele. I've had some great conversations with complete strangers and love the fact that (with the obvious exception of our dear neighbours from Small Heath and Smethwick) home and way fans mingle amicably.
The Bartons has been a part of my matchday experience for almost twenty years. I make it an integral part of a visit to Villa Park for friends and family who make the occasional visit to VP and they invariably love it. (As do friends who visited for Bruce Springsteen and the Commonwealth games).
I'm going to feel lost without a pint of citra or two before the game. I'm clutching at a straw...because of its heritage maybe somebody or some body can save it. Utv.
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love them or hate them Wetherspoons have found a brilliant business model that England cannot get enough of
Britain likes cheap anything. Then moans about the quality and that the better things have gone.
"There is hardly anything in the world that cannot be made a little worse and sold a little cheaper, and those who consider price alone are that man's lawful prey."
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I can just about remember the old House of Jack before that finally succumbed to progress. What a sight High St. Aston must have been back in its pomp.
I'm surprised The Barton's isn't frequented more by Royal Mail bods.No other pub left nearby.
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The Barton's Arms is a beautiful building and I have taken family and friends to eat nd drink there on many occasions It is a place where I have met some lovely people who post on here and others who don't post any more. The last time I was in was with Risso and his son, and we bumped into, as usual, Frank and Ken, and ColinMac, and TimVilla (NOT VillaTimCoopersInjurySilhillTTOD) plus other various reprobates
If you have never been inside, I hope it will reopen again for you MUST see it. It is a truly magnificent building.
I saw you in there one lunchtime.
Indeed. With Nicky Keyes.
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I was going to go pre Newcastle, then remembered how poor the service had been the last couple of times I'd been and decided not to bother.
It's a shame it's going but inevitable in the current climate.
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wetherspoons has also killed a lot of independents off
I was on a total boycott of Weatherspoons for a while but it is more of a mixed bag than people give it credit for. Apparently, one off real ale pubs and bars don’t generate enough orders to keep independent brewers in business, but Weatherspoons do! Which in turn helps the one off establishments!
They’ve also saved a lot of interesting old buildings from demolition by turning them into pubs, but sadly, this one that’s already a pub probably isn’t in a good spot for them.
Still hate Tim Weatherspoon though - vile man!
It's been said that every new Wetherspoon's closes two independents but this isn't really the place for the JDW debate.
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There was an article in one of the broadsheets the other day entitled (something very close to) ‘When Britain Stopped Drinking’. I think they were blaming the pandemic but I didn’t read it so can offer little further insight.
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I am bereft that my pre match routine of 15 years plus is no more. It wasn't perfect, it got too busy at the bar and the food service for midweek matches was poor, but the beer and food was excellent once you got it and the building is magnificent. The biggest miss though will be the people. So many friendly faces I have encountered over the years, it seems hard to imagine we will all be together in one place (apart from VP of course) again. Coming on the heels of Stu's passing, 90% of my encounters with him were probably in the Barton's, it has been a sad week.
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There was an article in one of the broadsheets the other day entitled (something very close to) ‘When Britain Stopped Drinking’. I think they were blaming the pandemic but I didn’t read it so can offer little further insight.
Britain still drinks alright, it’s now getting loaded at home with supermarket booze.
The local residents to the Barton’s not included.
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Mrs LV’s liver clinic shows more and more people are killing themselves through excessive drinking. Rarely in the pub though.
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wetherspoons has also killed a lot of independents off
I was on a total boycott of Weatherspoons for a while but it is more of a mixed bag than people give it credit for. Apparently, one off real ale pubs and bars don’t generate enough orders to keep independent brewers in business, but Weatherspoons do! Which in turn helps the one off establishments!
They’ve also saved a lot of interesting old buildings from demolition by turning them into pubs, but sadly, this one that’s already a pub probably isn’t in a good spot for them.
Still hate Tim Weatherspoon though - vile man!
Hated him when he beat Frank Bruno
He is a disgusting man with a great business model though
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I never get the feeling that any Spoons would make a good 'local'. I don't mind popping in, or arranging it as a meeting point but none of the ones I've been in have that 'local boozer' feel about them. I'd be gutted if my local turned into one, but it would save me hundreds a month :D
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There was an article in one of the broadsheets the other day entitled (something very close to) ‘When Britain Stopped Drinking’. I think they were blaming the pandemic but I didn’t read it so can offer little further insight.
Britain still drinks alright, it’s now getting loaded at home with supermarket booze.
The local residents to the Barton’s not included.
I've said it before on here but I can't hand over more than £4 for a pint. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'm not a house drinker either. I don't really miss drinking but I do have a five year old to keep me busy!
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There was an article in one of the broadsheets the other day entitled (something very close to) ‘When Britain Stopped Drinking’. I think they were blaming the pandemic but I didn’t read it so can offer little further insight.
Britain still drinks alright, it’s now getting loaded at home with supermarket booze.
The local residents to the Barton’s not included.
I've said it before on here but I can't hand over more than £4 for a pint. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'm not a house drinker either. I don't really miss drinking but I do have a five year old to keep me busy!
Then you might as well say goodbye to most pubs as the running costs now are massive.
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Wetherspoons - the McDonalds of pubs.
£7.40 for a pint a Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday - is bonkers...
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I am bereft that my pre match routine of 15 years plus is no more. It wasn't perfect, it got too busy at the bar and the food service for midweek matches was poor, but the beer and food was excellent once you got it and the building is magnificent. The biggest miss though will be the people. So many friendly faces I have encountered over the years, it seems hard to imagine we will all be together in one place (apart from VP of course) again. Coming on the heels of Stu's passing, 90% of my encounters with him were probably in the Barton's, it has been a sad week.
This exactly.
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Also reported that the plans to turn The Crown, at the rear of New St Station, back into a pub or venue, have been abandoned and it’s being redeveloped as flats.
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Wetherspoons - the McDonalds of pubs.
More like the Sports Direct of pubs.
Owned by an absolute twat, piled high, sold cheap, everything about it goes completely against your principles. But if you need to get a cheap pair of shin pads for your kids, or some new flights for your darts, you hold your nose and enter the shop. I hate myself for doing it but keep doing it anyway.
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There was an article in one of the broadsheets the other day entitled (something very close to) ‘When Britain Stopped Drinking’. I think they were blaming the pandemic but I didn’t read it so can offer little further insight.
Britain still drinks alright, it’s now getting loaded at home with supermarket booze.
The local residents to the Barton’s not included.
I've said it before on here but I can't hand over more than £4 for a pint. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'm not a house drinker either. I don't really miss drinking but I do have a five year old to keep me busy!
Then you might as well say goodbye to most pubs as the running costs now are massive.
I have done really. Bar the Bartons I can't remember the last time I stepped in one!
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Wetherspoons - the McDonalds of pubs.
£7.40 for a pint a Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday - is bonkers...
See, I just couldn't pay it.
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Wetherspoons - the McDonalds of pubs.
£7.40 for a pint a Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday - is bonkers...
You've encapsulated very succinctly what Wetherspoons is and why it exists
The Toby Carvery of Carveries
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Last time I ate there, the food was nowhere near as good as usual.
Fantastic pub though, not sure where I'll go after weekend games now.
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Wetherspoons - the McDonalds of pubs.
More like the Sports Direct of pubs.
Owned by an absolute twat, piled high, sold cheap, everything about it goes completely against your principles. But if you need to get a cheap pair of shin pads for your kids, or some new flights for your darts, you hold your nose and enter the shop. I hate myself for doing it but keep doing it anyway.
I'm lucky enough to have a Decathlon nearby for that.
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Sports Direct always smells of BO, like they forbid their staff from wearing any deordorant whatsoever.
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Pub evolution is going backwards , and sports shops, and local delicatessans (think Gregg's)
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Sports Direct always smells of BO, like they forbid their staff from wearing any deordorant whatsoever.
It's the smell of old, musty stock, which is most of what they sell. Absolute hell holes. I've taken to ordering the sort of stuff that Chico mentions off Amazon, and sending back anything that doesn't fit. I'd do anything to avoid stepping foot in Sports Direct.
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He's turned Rackhams in town into a desolate version of one as well, the fat bellend.
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Sports Direct always smells of BO, like they forbid their staff from wearing any deordorant whatsoever.
It's the smell of old, musty stock, which is most of what they sell. Absolute hell holes. I've taken to ordering the sort of stuff that Chico mentions off Amazon, and sending back anything that doesn't fit. I'd do anything to avoid stepping foot in Sports Direct.
How about if you needed a really big coffee cup?
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Or a huge school stationery set covered in an inch of dust.
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I think I've only purchased either football shorts, socks or shin pads from there, but have done that several times over thanks to abandoning the re-launching my playing days and losing key equipment in between.
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He's turned Rackhams in town into a desolate version of one as well, the fat bellend.
Jesus yeah i popped in before xmas thought i'd pick up some presents. FFS what a shambles that place is now , very sad as i remember that store when i was a kid was top notch
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I've only ever been in Sports Direct once, looking for a pump for those big ball things they have in the Gym at work. The thing that struck me most is that every single customer looked like they had never engaged in any kind of sporting activity at any point in their lives.
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He's turned Rackhams in town into a desolate version of one as well, the fat bellend.
Jesus yeah i popped in before xmas thought i'd pick up some presents. FFS what a shambles that place is now , very sad as i remember that store when i was a kid was top notch
Got to agree with you both. Yesterday I had a little time to kill before my train and decided to walk through the store entering from St Philip's side towards Corporation street. This was the first time ever since the original version of Rackham's was closed down. A horrible experience.
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
It’s terrible now and must be on borrowed time. The whole of Corporation Street has been on a sad decline for 20 years.
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If i'm in town I go in to look around Game in there. Picked up some interesting bits there. Other than that it always feels a bit of a mess walking through to the escalators.
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A slight aside to the Barton's closure. At the back of the Barton's is/was Potter's Hill or Lane. In the late seventies there was a newish pub there the name of which escapes me. Anyway, I have a good friend who's father retired and a party was organised for him in said pub to which me and the wife were invited.
The evening of the party rolled around and we, along with all the other family and friends turned up. The entertainment for the evening was a trio consisting of pianist, drummer and vocalist. The function room was located upstairs and most of the crowd were in situ before the trio showed up.
They duly showed up as we could tell by the crashing sounds of drums and cymbals banging off the staircase walls. They got their stuff in and then one of them started looking about the place, turned out it was the pianist. He the proceeded to ask where the piano was? None of the family organisers had thought to check to see if the place had one, they hadn't. The pianist then said 'do you think I fucking carry one around with me?
Anyway, we had a great night, one bloke caterwauling with no musical accompaniment, another beating white out of a drum kit drowning him out and the third wheel stuck with his hands in his pockets slowly getting pissed muttering words like fucking idiots, what were they thinking? He had a point and we had a great time, we had no choice. Still makes me smile to this day.
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
It’s terrible now and must be on borrowed time. The whole of Corporation Street has been on a sad decline for 20 years.
Killed by the tram works.
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
It’s terrible now and must be on borrowed time. The whole of Corporation Street has been on a sad decline for 20 years.
Killed by the tram works.
By the time they've finished the tram line, we'll all be using hoverboards.
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A slight aside to the Barton's closure. At the back of the Barton's is/was Potter's Hill or Lane. In the late seventies there was a newish pub there the name of which escapes me. Anyway, I have a good friend who's father retired and a party was organised for him in said pub to which me and the wife were invited.
The evening of the party rolled around and we, along with all the other family and friends turned up. The entertainment for the evening was a trio consisting of pianist, drummer and vocalist. The function room was located upstairs and most of the crowd were in situ before the trio showed up.
They duly showed up as we could tell by the crashing sounds of drums and cymbals banging off the staircase walls. They got their stuff in and then one of them started looking about the place, turned out it was the pianist. He the proceeded to ask where the piano was? None of the family organisers had thought to check to see if the place had one, they hadn't. The pianist then said 'do you think I fucking carry one around with me?
Anyway, we had a great night, one bloke caterwauling with no musical accompaniment, another beating white out of a drum kit drowning him out and the third wheel stuck with his hands in his pockets slowly getting pissed muttering words like fucking idiots, what were they thinking? He had a point and we had a great time, we had no choice. Still makes me smile to this day.
Shareholders Arms?
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
It’s terrible now and must be on borrowed time. The whole of Corporation Street has been on a sad decline for 20 years.
Killed by the tram works.
Probably the final nail but the Bull Ring and Grand Central sucked the life out of the traditional shopping streets in town.
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Yes, quite right Nev. Original pub was demolished and new housed in this terrible building. It was situated on the left in Park Lane as you came up from Aston Cross. Park lane was relaid and building is now on the right hand side. if it's there at all.
(https://i.ibb.co/GQ6TFNc/birmingham-b6-shareholdersarms3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GQ6TFNc)
https://www.closedpubs.co.uk/warwickshire/birmingham_b6_shareholdersarms.html
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
It’s terrible now and must be on borrowed time. The whole of Corporation Street has been on a sad decline for 20 years.
Killed by the tram works.
Probably the final nail but the Bull Ring and Grand Central sucked the life out of the traditional shopping streets in town.
partly , mostly down to a shift to Online shopping though in reality
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Yes, quite right Nev. Original pub was demolished and new housed in this terrible building. It was situated on the left in Park Lane as you came up from Aston Cross. Park lane was relaid and building is now on the right hand side. if it's there at all.
(https://i.ibb.co/GQ6TFNc/birmingham-b6-shareholdersarms3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GQ6TFNc)
https://www.closedpubs.co.uk/warwickshire/birmingham_b6_shareholdersarms.html
That's the one Aftab/Nev. I still smile when thinking about that night.
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
It’s terrible now and must be on borrowed time. The whole of Corporation Street has been on a sad decline for 20 years.
Killed by the tram works.
Probably the final nail but the Bull Ring and Grand Central sucked the life out of the traditional shopping streets in town.
partly , mostly down to a shift to Online shopping though in reality
A lot of the same shops are still open they’re just in new locations, M & S being the latest to move.
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Yes, quite right Nev. Original pub was demolished and new housed in this terrible building. It was situated on the left in Park Lane as you came up from Aston Cross. Park lane was relaid and building is now on the right hand side. if it's there at all.
(https://i.ibb.co/GQ6TFNc/birmingham-b6-shareholdersarms3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GQ6TFNc)
https://www.closedpubs.co.uk/warwickshire/birmingham_b6_shareholdersarms.html
That's the one Aftab/Nev. I still smile when thinking about that night.
I was a non-match day regular in both those pubs in my ID parade years, plus I was going out with a girl who’s mom lived in Camborne Close, just up the hill. Also a regular in the Elbow Room but both the Shareholders and the Barton’s were shut by the time we rolled up there.
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My sister got married at the ripe old age of 18 and the wedding bash was at the Tennis Courts on the Walsall Rd. A couple of people advised at the time that the Shareholders did the best wedding spreads but she stuck to the pub she knew, so I never set foot in there. The Barton’s was always more appealing.
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
It’s terrible now and must be on borrowed time. The whole of Corporation Street has been on a sad decline for 20 years.
Whenever I bring people to Brum they are savagely underwhelmed by New street (the street itself) and Corporation street
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My sister got married at the ripe old age of 18 and the wedding bash was at the Tennis Courts on the Walsall Rd. A couple of people advised at the time that the Shareholders did the best wedding spreads but she stuck to the pub she knew, so I never set foot in there. The Barton’s was always more appealing.
The Tennis Courts is my pub of choice post-game, because it's equidistant between VP and my (parents') house.
So I've spent plenty of time there.
The Barton's is a different class of pub.
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Last time I ate there, the food was nowhere near as good as usual.
Fantastic pub though, not sure where I'll go after weekend games now.
I’ve only been to the BA twice on match days so don’t know how busy it gets on non-match days or the quality of their Thai food, however I was chatting to a Baggies supporting mate today and his family are regulars down there (apparently his mum loved the place and echoed the same sentiments), and he also said that the standard of food had declined. Had they changed ownership, chefs or staff recently?
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Anybody remember the Griffin and the Paddock in the Newton Shopping centre opposite?
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Anybody remember the Griffin and the Paddock in the Newton Shopping centre opposite?
Yes, they looked like they should have been in Glasgow if I remember correctly
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
It’s terrible now and must be on borrowed time. The whole of Corporation Street has been on a sad decline for 20 years.
Whenever I bring people to Brum they are savagely underwhelmed by New street (the street itself) and Corporation street
The bottom end of New St, from the Bull Ring to Corporation Street is a bit of a mess. They've at least redone some of the facades of that Big Top building (the corner of High St and New St, opposite the Bull Ring), which was built after the Luftwaffe had flattened that patch, which has improved it a bit, but even stuff like, if you look at the paving there, it's a mish mash of about half a dozen re-pavings over the year, it's a mess.
The top end is miles better.
Corporation St is well looked after, it is - like many city centre streets in the UK - sort of missing an identity with the changes to shopping habits.
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Anybody remember the Griffin and the Paddock in the Newton Shopping centre opposite?
Yes, they looked like they should have been in Glasgow if I remember correctly
True
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Who was throwing stones at the stain glass windows again.... (one for the regulars on the old forum circa 2005!)
Walked past it many times on way to VP but never been in it on a matchday. Took my Dad for a birthday curry there years back and he was more worried he was going to get shot coming out of the car park given it's next door to the drum.
It will re-open in some form eventually you suspect, would work better if it was closer to One Stop as the Spoons there is always rammed on a matchday night.
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It's a discount store now. So it's a real mish mash of stock rather than how it used to be.
It’s terrible now and must be on borrowed time. The whole of Corporation Street has been on a sad decline for 20 years.
Whenever I bring people to Brum they are savagely underwhelmed by New street (the street itself) and Corporation street
The bottom end of New St, from the Bull Ring to Corporation Street is a bit of a mess. They've at least redone some of the facades of that Big Top building (the corner of High St and New St, opposite the Bull Ring), which was built after the Luftwaffe had flattened that patch, which has improved it a bit, but even stuff like, if you look at the paving there, it's a mish mash of about half a dozen re-pavings over the year, it's a mess.
The top end is miles better.
Corporation St is well looked after, it is - like many city centre streets in the UK - sort of missing an identity with the changes to shopping habits.
The bottom end of Corporation Street is gloriously unspoilt, at least from the first floor up. In any other city the Crown would have been a classic pub on the lines of the Philarmonic or Cafe Royal and the rest would be something a bit classier than chicken and vape shops.
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The Barton’s was the local of our little Summer Lane firm after the Lamplighter and Stag’s Head closed. So that reminded me of this;
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XYDzaE6mHRk&pp=ygUTU3VtbWVyIGxhbmUgc2N1bGxleQ%3D%3D
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I have that and others on an old cassette tape my mother sent me a good few years ago. Thanks for reminding me Perce.
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I have that and others on an old cassette tape my mother sent me a good few years ago. Thanks for reminding me Perce.
It’s funny that Summer Lane was where Billy Kimber, leader of the gang that Peaky Blinders TV show is based on, was from. Don’t tell the true Brummies though.
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My dad and his pals used the pubs in summer lane pre-match for years. The Barrel, The Stag, The Lamplighter and a couple of others. Some entertaining afternoons in there as a young lad watching the characters.
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My dad and his pals used the pubs in summer lane pre-match for years. The Barrel, The Stag, The Lamplighter and a couple of others. Some entertaining afternoons in there as a young lad watching the characters.
Yes, I remember all those three!
Struggling a bit after that, but I’ll never forget the characters. And if I do, I can just read my book 😉
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Sports Direct always smells of BO, like they forbid their staff from wearing any deordorant whatsoever.
Yesterday. I had to brave the Sports Direct shopping "experience" to get something for school. My feeling is always that the staff must have failed every other job interview they've attended before Mike Ashley welcomed them with open arms. Either uncommunicative or programmed to bark at customers, no detailed grasp of the store inventory let alone specific product knowledge and conspicuous by their absence when there's a Saturday afternoon queue at the tills.
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And their mugs are massive.
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And their mugs are massive.
Tall staff then?😜😜
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Sports Direct always smells of BO, like they forbid their staff from wearing any deordorant whatsoever.
Yesterday. I had to brave the Sports Direct shopping "experience" to get something for school. My feeling is always that the staff must have failed every other job interview they've attended before Mike Ashley welcomed them with open arms. Either uncommunicative or programmed to bark at customers, no detailed grasp of the store inventory let alone specific product knowledge and conspicuous by their absence when there's a Saturday afternoon queue at the tills.
Any rejects from the sports direct interview process end up working the Witton upper concourse bars
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Sports Direct always smells of BO, like they forbid their staff from wearing any deordorant whatsoever.
Yesterday. I had to brave the Sports Direct shopping "experience" to get something for school. My feeling is always that the staff must have failed every other job interview they've attended before Mike Ashley welcomed them with open arms. Either uncommunicative or programmed to bark at customers, no detailed grasp of the store inventory let alone specific product knowledge and conspicuous by their absence when there's a Saturday afternoon queue at the tills.
Any rejects from the sports direct interview process end up working the Witton upper concourse bars
Or Harvester in Cheltenham where we had the misfortune to eat today. Terrible service from start to finish.
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One expects so much better from a Harvester.
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Sports Direct always smells of BO, like they forbid their staff from wearing any deordorant whatsoever.
Yesterday. I had to brave the Sports Direct shopping "experience" to get something for school. My feeling is always that the staff must have failed every other job interview they've attended before Mike Ashley welcomed them with open arms. Either uncommunicative or programmed to bark at customers, no detailed grasp of the store inventory let alone specific product knowledge and conspicuous by their absence when there's a Saturday afternoon queue at the tills.
Any rejects from the sports direct interview process end up working the Witton upper concourse bars
Or Harvester in Cheltenham where we had the misfortune to eat today. Terrible service from start to finish.
was the food any good
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Sports Direct always smells of BO, like they forbid their staff from wearing any deordorant whatsoever.
Yesterday. I had to brave the Sports Direct shopping "experience" to get something for school. My feeling is always that the staff must have failed every other job interview they've attended before Mike Ashley welcomed them with open arms. Either uncommunicative or programmed to bark at customers, no detailed grasp of the store inventory let alone specific product knowledge and conspicuous by their absence when there's a Saturday afternoon queue at the tills.
Any rejects from the sports direct interview process end up working the Witton upper concourse bars
Or Harvester in Cheltenham where we had the misfortune to eat today. Terrible service from start to finish.
was the food any good
The parts they got right was OK. Can't tell you about the missing food they blamed on forgetfulness in a 1/4 full restaurant.
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One expects so much better from a Harvester.
:)
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I'd happily pay an extra £50 not to eat at a Harvester, purely because of their salad bar.
Seeing the gammon scavs racing over to make multiple visits, loading up on bowls of potato and pasta salad, croutons etc. Then you go up and see the detritus the barbarians have left behind - coleslaw in the lettuce, bits of boiled egg in the cucumber, a discarded hankey next to the tomatoes.
And you walk away, feeling nauseous, seeing these people washing their five rounds of 'salad' down with a John Smith's.
No, no.
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Anybody remember the Griffin and the Paddock in the Newton Shopping centre opposite?
Yes, they looked like they should have been in Glasgow if I remember correctly
So they were beautiful then? https://thegriffinglasgow.co.uk/ (https://thegriffinglasgow.co.uk/)
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I'd happily pay an extra £50 not to eat at a Harvester, purely because of their salad bar.
Seeing the gammon scavs racing over to make multiple visits, loading up on bowls of potato and pasta salad, croutons etc. Then you go up and see the detritus the barbarians have left behind - coleslaw in the lettuce, bits of boiled egg in the cucumber, a discarded hankey next to the tomatoes.
And you walk away, feeling nauseous, seeing these people washing their five rounds of 'salad' down with a John Smith's.
No, no.
The words I hope never to hear again, “ have you ever been to a Harvester before”
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Anybody remember the Griffin and the Paddock in the Newton Shopping centre opposite?
Blimey I haven't thought about those places in over 40 years, used to go in them when I worked in the shopping centre through the mid 70s. Used to occasionally go in the Bartons too
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Anybody remember the Griffin and the Paddock in the Newton Shopping centre opposite?
Blimey I haven't thought about those places in over 40 years, used to go in them when I worked in the shopping centre through the mid 70s. Used to occasionally go in the Bartons too
I was too young to go in them, went swimming in the baths just up the road from school.
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Anybody remember the Griffin and the Paddock in the Newton Shopping centre opposite?
Yes, they looked like they should have been in Glasgow if I remember correctly
So they were beautiful then? https://thegriffinglasgow.co.uk/ (https://thegriffinglasgow.co.uk/)
Although the pics are taken from its best angle, that is a fine pub. Good food too, and no all-you-can-gobble self-swerve Rory.
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Dave Williams, former co-owner of the Barton's Arms, reports that it will reopen in August, date tbc, with Thai food and Oakham Ales
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YAAAAAASSS!!!
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Niiiiiiiice
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Sports Direct always smells of BO, like they forbid their staff from wearing any deordorant whatsoever.
Yesterday. I had to brave the Sports Direct shopping "experience" to get something for school. My feeling is always that the staff must have failed every other job interview they've attended before Mike Ashley welcomed them with open arms. Either uncommunicative or programmed to bark at customers, no detailed grasp of the store inventory let alone specific product knowledge and conspicuous by their absence when there's a Saturday afternoon queue at the tills.
Any rejects from the sports direct interview process end up working the Witton upper concourse bars
Or Harvester in Cheltenham where we had the misfortune to eat today. Terrible service from start to finish.
Think I will stick to my policy of eating at places in the Michelin guide. Life is too short for questionable food.
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Dave Williams, former co-owner of the Barton's Arms, reports that it will reopen in August, date tbc, with Thai food and Oakham Ales
Great news.
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It seems that the Oakham Brewery are still involved - the last tenants handed the lease back to them. So we can hope that we may be getting our pub back, which many of us doubted.
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That's good news.
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Oakham Brewery does not "own" The Barton's, but their CEO, under a totally different (property?) company, partly does.
It makes sense, on a personal level, to keep the two completely separate businesses together, but they are completely separate.
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Great
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Don't be surprised if Chris Heck jumps in and offers a Newtown package combining Thai food and ales with a ferry service to areas of the ground with velvet ropes and lanyards.
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Great news, see you there soon.
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Another reason to spend elsewhere than in the ground itself.
Take that Heck!
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That's a good start to the day!
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Fantastic news. Can't wait to re-instate the pre match ritual of a pint or two in the Bartons Arms.
Thanks for posting this, Frank. Please give us updated. Hopefully, we can be back there for Arsenal.
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Fantastic
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Dave Williams, former co-owner of the Barton's Arms, reports that it will reopen in August, date tbc, with Thai food and Oakham Ales
Villaaa! Villaaa!, Villlaaa! (repeat to fade)
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Great news. Can’t wait to reacquaint with you all.
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A reliable source reports that the Barton's Arms will reopen on August 20th
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A reliable source reports that the Barton's Arms will reopen on August 20th
Might pop in on the 24th then!
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A reliable source reports that the Barton's Arms will reopen on August 20th
Might pop in on the 24th then!
Will do.
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I'm told that the Barton's Arms will reopen next Wednesday but won't be serving food until next month.
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I'm told that the Barton's Arms will reopen next Wednesday but won't be serving food until next month.
Crikey! That is a hell of a long meal. Are they short of staff?
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Thanks Frank. Hopefully see you there after Arsenal.
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Birmingham's most famous pub to reopen as owner says 'we're doing it for the fans'
It's coming back. The famous Bartons Arms, in the heart of Aston, is reopening. After weeks of rumours and hearsay, a Solihull business duo confirmed they have taken over the pub dubbed a 'Brummie landmark' and will be pulling pints for Villa fans this Saturday.
It will then be open to the public ahead of a grand opening with all the 'bells and whistles' in the near future. They plan to serve a range of cuisines and give tours of the famed building.
Angela Nelson, who is behind the new Bartons Arms, said they only managed to get inside the pub this week and are tremendously busy getting it ready.
She said: "We are doing a very quick opening this weekend for the fans. The kitchen is being refitted and we will be doing Thai, Afro Caribbean and English.
"It will be open to the public going forward but we will have a grand launch. "
The imposing redbrick Grade 11 listed building was built in 1901 and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the country. It has retained many of it's original features such as stained glass, elaborate tiling and engraved mirrors.
A host of famous figures have enjoyed a drink there including Charlie Chaplin, Bad English and Laurel and Hardy, when they performed in the city.
The pub suddenly closed in February 1, after the current leaseholder claimed mounting heating, lighting and employment costs meant the business was 'no longer viable'. The news sent shockwaves through the community who posted their stories of drinking in the famed establishment on social media.
Fans posted their happiness at the reopening online. Ian Blackmoor said: "Can't wait!"
Bill Boumphery wrote: "Yup, gonna be there, hopefully with the rest of Brum." Dave Ricketts wrote: "Great news."
If you wish, you may read it on that insufferable website (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birminghams-most-famous-pub-reopen-29783250).
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I see what you did there :D
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I do wonder what the service will be like. It wasn't that great when they'd had somebody running who'd been doing it for years. What's it going to be like with a brand new team. We'll see I suppose.
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Birmingham's most famous pub to reopen as owner says 'we're doing it for the fans'
It's coming back. The famous Bartons Arms, in the heart of Aston, is reopening. After weeks of rumours and hearsay, a Solihull business duo confirmed they have taken over the pub dubbed a 'Brummie landmark' and will be pulling pints for Villa fans this Saturday.
It will then be open to the public ahead of a grand opening with all the 'bells and whistles' in the near future. They plan to serve a range of cuisines and give tours of the famed building.
Angela Nelson, who is behind the new Bartons Arms, said they only managed to get inside the pub this week and are tremendously busy getting it ready.
She said: "We are doing a very quick opening this weekend for the fans. The kitchen is being refitted and we will be doing Thai, Afro Caribbean and English.
"It will be open to the public going forward but we will have a grand launch. "
The imposing redbrick Grade 11 listed building was built in 1901 and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the country. It has retained many of it's original features such as stained glass, elaborate tiling and engraved mirrors.
A host of famous figures have enjoyed a drink there including Charlie Chaplin, Dan Bardell and Laurel and Hardy, when they performed in the city.
The pub suddenly closed in February 1, after the current leaseholder claimed mounting heating, lighting and employment costs meant the business was 'no longer viable'. The news sent shockwaves through the community who posted their stories of drinking in the famed establishment on social media.
Fans posted their happiness at the reopening online. Ian Blackmoor said: "Can't wait!"
Bill Boumphery wrote: "Yup, gonna be there, hopefully with the rest of Brum." Dave Ricketts wrote: "Great news."
If you wish, you may read it on that insufferable website (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birminghams-most-famous-pub-reopen-29783250).
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Tomorrow's reopening of Barton's postponed due to flooding
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Bugger. Thanks for letting us know.
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Went yesterday and it was good to be back at the old place. Food menu is much more limited and food maybe not quite as good as before but I thought for a reopening it was great and my suspicion is it will get better. Unsure on beer selections as was drinking lager yesterday.
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It was great to be back and see faces I know and the familiar ones I don’t too. Feels like home.
There was a busy period when there was a wait at the bar but the new staff seem generally pretty on the ball and likeable.
The music gradually got louder and louder and that wasn’t a good thing in my book. Didn’t mind it as an atmospheric background hum early on, someone’s Spotify ‘Party Playlist’ at full blast was definitely not The Barton’s vibe for me.
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Heard a rumour that there were TVs in there too.
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Better not invite JK Rowling then.
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Heard a rumour that there were TVs in there too.
For some bizarre reason showing the 2016 Man U v Crystal Palace FA Cup Final. At least it wasn’t the one from the year before!
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hxxps://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/went-famous-old-birmingham-pub-29972402 change the xx to tt, not a good review by a not a good rag
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Was there on Saturday, the food was poor and the beer not much better. Easy to get served though.
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Heard a rumour that there were TVs in there too.
Oh no, don't say it's true
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They never seem to be showing current matches, occasionally people watch for a few minutes before realising they're watching an old game. No point them being on, really. Waste of electricity.
I didn't try any food, but notice they have Taytos behind the bar, which may excite the Irish contingent on here.
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Proper tayto or norn iron tayto?
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They never seem to be showing current matches, occasionally people watch for a few minutes before realising they're watching an old game. No point them being on, really. Waste of electricity.
I didn't try any food, but notice they have Taytos behind the bar, which may excite the Irish contingent on here.
They were having Sky installed this week.
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Ah, thanks. I suppose I will probably end up watching if there is a late game that affects us. But still worried this might attract riff raff.
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I had my 40th birthday gathering there. My wife was horrified at the prospect, especially as we invited friends from across the country. It was bloody brilliant. The food (you’ll all remember the great Thai food) was excellent and the Oakham beers (I think) were spot on. Although my wife tucked into some ‘umble pie, obviously.
It’s my 50th in 2 years so I hope it improves…
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Ah, thanks. I suppose I will probably end up watching if there is a late game that affects us. But still worried this might attract riff raff.
Not if you are there, surely.
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The prospect of Sky and Music is unedifying in such a beautiful pub but the owners need to make a success of it in order for it to remain open so you can't really blame them.
The music will certainly drown out the sound of beard stroking and talk of real ale so that's ok by me.
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My wife is friends with a woman who was the chairwoman for the local Camra group, so used to go out on pub tours with them occasionally - most of them used to think that if you did not drink real ale, you were some sort of low life.
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The prospect of Sky and Music is unedifying in such a beautiful pub but the owners need to make a success of it in order for it to remain open so you can't really blame them.
The music will certainly drown out the sound of beard stroking and talk of real ale so that's ok by me.
Didn't really notice the music on Saturday. Maybe you hear it more in the restauranty posh bit.
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Started using the Silhill brewery tap house as an alternative and I dont think we'll be going back, as the beer is good and I can get served without losing the will to live.
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Many years ago i saw a fantastic Clash tribute act (called Take the Fifth) upstairs in a small function room.
They had great beers then and a bizarre meeting of older men with what looked like a load of Thai brides?
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They had great beers then and a bizarre meeting of older men with what looked like a load of Thai brides?
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Started using the Silhill brewery tap house as an alternative and I dont think we'll be going back, as the beer is good and I can get served without losing the will to live.
That place looks really good.
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They had great beers then and a bizarre meeting of older men with what looked like a load of Thai brides?
Not that surprising given it used to serve Thai food.
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Started using the Silhill brewery tap house as an alternative and I dont think we'll be going back, as the beer is good and I can get served without losing the will to live.
That place looks really good.
It is mate, it's only a bit further to walk than the Barton's, the parking is easy and you can nip out on a slip road avoiding the A34, straight upto the pump island and onto the expressway.
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Started using the Silhill brewery tap house as an alternative and I dont think we'll be going back, as the beer is good and I can get served without losing the will to live.
That place looks really good.
It is mate, it's only a bit further to walk than the Barton's, the parking is easy and you can nip out on a slip road avoiding the A34, straight upto the pump island and onto the expressway.
Is that on Bracebridge Street?
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Does it have Villa pennants on the wall?
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Started using the Silhill brewery tap house as an alternative and I dont think we'll be going back, as the beer is good and I can get served without losing the will to live.
That place looks really good.
It is mate, it's only a bit further to walk than the Barton's, the parking is easy and you can nip out on a slip road avoiding the A34, straight upto the pump island and onto the expressway.
Is that on Bracebridge Street?
Yes.
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Does it have Villa pennants on the wall?
No, but I'll put it to them.
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Great! See ya there the day of the Yanited game (if I can get a pleb ticket...).
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The prospect of Sky and Music is unedifying in such a beautiful pub but the owners need to make a success of it in order for it to remain open so you can't really blame them.
The music will certainly drown out the sound of beard stroking and talk of real ale so that's ok by me.
Didn't really notice the music on Saturday. Maybe you hear it more in the restauranty posh bit.
I was sitting in the Bar area, I could hear it but it wasnt too loud. Must have been pretty close to you.
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Before or after? I was only there after, I was the one that looked like someone had tried to drown him.
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Before or after? I was only there after, I was the one that looked like someone had tried to drown him.
So what's new?
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I was sitting in the Bar area,
I think I may have seen you when I momentarily opened the screen to glance down at the public area.
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Anyone know what the parking is like round the Barton's?
I haven't been in there for a pre-match for years since I started driving up from Surrey as it's the "wrong" side for getaway to M6, but I'm working in Nuneaton today and my son is training it up from London tonight and we aim to meet early for a pre-match bite/pint and then driving back home to London/Surrey after, (I usually park in Star City these days) so thought we might give it a whirl?
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Park On My Drive, Just Park or Your Parking Space is probably your best bet around there.
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To be honest I find that side better for the M6. Drive towards town, turn left at Newtown Middleway, left again onto the expressway and you’re on your way. None of the messing about in traffic crawling towards the old Armada roundabout for an hour!
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Been in tonight, cracking pint of Guinness but not that busy. Looks great but I fear that if it's not full on match days (my mate said it wasn't much busier last Saturday) then it will struggle to survive. Really hope I'm wrong.
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Been in tonight, cracking pint of Guinness but not that busy. Looks great but I fear that if it's not full on match days (my mate said it wasn't much busier last Saturday) then it will struggle to survive. Really hope I'm wrong.
Yes agree about the Guinness!
Have been in for the last 2 games and it has been quiet, which is a shame as there are now plenty of staff behind the bar.
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Been in tonight, cracking pint of Guinness but not that busy. Looks great but I fear that if it's not full on match days (my mate said it wasn't much busier last Saturday) then it will struggle to survive. Really hope I'm wrong.
Yes agree about the Guinness!
Have been in for the last 2 games and it has been quiet, which is a shame as there are now plenty of staff behind the bar.
With it closed, the match regulars would have looked elsewhere (Silhill Brewery etc), then I suppose if they were tempted back on reopening, the poor service initially might have also had them not going back after trying it again. I mean they would have lost Dave W and his gang as soon as no Real Ale selection was available.
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It was pretty quiet tonight but it was rammed on Saturday.
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The Barton's isn't as busy as it used to be and they've had their problems since they reopened, but they've worked hard to get things right. If you're eating, the service is extremely efficient. The menu is limited but the Thai meals are fine, the English meals rather more basic. A big advantage for our group of 15-20 is that we have somewhere comfortable to sit for a couple of hours before a game and are served quickly. The beer, which I've criticised in the past, has definitely improved, though we don't have the variety we enjoyed in Dave W's time. I was very happy with the Green Duck this evening. And what a magnificent pub it is! It's always a real pleasure just to be there, and when the food's acceptable and the beer's good I'm more than happy to continue making it my Villa local.
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I really really miss the Krombacher they had on about 18months ago.
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So they dont have Oakhams beers on any more? What is the beer selection then?
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Citra was on yesterday, and a couple of Green Duck
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I was delighted when it re-opened. I love a pint of citra, the atmosphere before and after a game and the chance to sit and talk with both acquaintances and others about all things Villa. I urge those who got out of the habit to give the Bartons another go...we really can't lose this iconic pub again.
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I was delighted when it re-opened. I love a pint of citra, the atmosphere before and after a game and the chance to sit and talk with both acquaintances and others about all things Villa. I urge those who got out of the habit to give the Bartons another go...we really can't lose this iconic pub again.
I'd echo that but I haven't got a clue what Citra is. Every fucker was asking for it on Wednesday, then the barman said "it wasn't pouring right" so there were a few sour faces.
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Citra in the Barton's was my favourite pint, it never tasted the same anywhere else. Wasn't quite as good on Wed. Maybe it was the not pouring right, rather than my nostalgia.
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It’s a golden beer by Oakham Ales, made from, as the name suggests, American citra hops. Although as the name doesn’t suggest, it’s now brewed in Peterborough rather than Oakham.
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Much prefer the JHB.
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Much prefer the JHB.
Have to agree. JHB in the Bartons and Citra in the Wellie were always my go to options.
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Have been in the Barton’s Arms before the last 3 or 4 home games and enjoyed it.
Park on Phillips Street and walk 2-3 minutes to the pub. Not the noise/atmosphere of the Witton Arms, but you can get served quickly, generally find a seat and have a conversation.
Had a decent chat with some Palace fans before that game. UTV
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I feel The Barton’s is settling into its new rhythm and it’s definitely got better bar staff than it’s had for years. Much quicker service even when busy. The music has settled to the right level to keep some atmosphere as it starts to empty and I think it is emptying more slowly after the game.
Showing the football might alarm Barton’s purists but it does mean people tend to stay to see that game out before thinking about moving.
It still needs to be used more to survive though so we should just make the most of it for now.
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Drove past the Bartons yesterday. Disappointed that they've took the banner down that was on the side of the pub with the Villa badge on it.
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I often drink Oakhams beers, if there is a criticism, its that they are much of a muchness across the range. All good mind.
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Drove past the Bartons yesterday. Disappointed that they've took the banner down that was on the side of the pub with the Villa badge on it.
Maybe they're going to replace it with the new badge.
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Drove past the Bartons yesterday. Disappointed that they've took the banner down that was on the side of the pub with the Villa badge on it.
Maybe they're going to replace it with the new badge.
Let's hope so.
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Might as well wait a few months for the next new badge... 🙂
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I’m in danger of attending the Leicester match with nephew and his father in law, latter over from Aus so we’re keen to take him to the Bartons. Do they still do Thai food? Is there a menu available anywhere?
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They still do Thai food but not necessarily the same menu as before, as I understand it. Mike J said it was still decent a couple of weeks back.
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They still do Thai food but not necessarily the same menu as before, as I understand it. Mike J said it was still decent a couple of weeks back.
Cheers ears! Will you be there before/after?
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After, I'd imagine. 👍
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Awesome
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On matchdays they don't have full Thai menu but still do massaman/green/red curries and some noodle dishes. They also do fish and chips, maybe burgers, and some "matchday special" pies that look a bit anaemic.
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I say maybe burgers because I'm not sure if they do them, I'm not questioning their provenance
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Staropramen was good on Wed night. One of our party had some Thatchers cider which by all accounts was awful. Then again any Irishman putting anything Thatchers down their neck deserves a bad experience!
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One of our party had some Thatchers cider which by all accounts was awful. Then again any Irishman putting anything Thatchers down their neck deserves a bad experience!
Love a pint of Thatcher's Gold so thanks for the warning. Might have to go for Maggie's Irish Ale instead.
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I wish they had a proper website with the menu.
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I only order it by referring it to the "Cider that begins with a T"
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I'll try to get a menu and screenshot in on Saturday if I remember (I definitely won't).
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Thanks all! They definitely need a website. Insta account not been updated for a year either.
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I'm sure they have many pressing needs but the outside needs sprucing up a bit, looked run down last time I passed it.
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One of our party had some Thatchers cider which by all accounts was awful. Then again any Irishman putting anything Thatchers down their neck deserves a bad experience!
Love a pint of Thatcher's Gold so thanks for the warning. Might have to go for Maggie's Irish Ale instead.
Should make a change from your usual Genghis Khan Session ale.
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One of our party had some Thatchers cider which by all accounts was awful. Then again any Irishman putting anything Thatchers down their neck deserves a bad experience!
Love a pint of Thatcher's Gold so thanks for the warning. Might have to go for Maggie's Irish Ale instead.
Should make a change from your usual Genghis Khan Session ale.
Nah, not a fan of session ales.
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I'm sure they have many pressing needs but the outside needs sprucing up a bit, looked run down last time I passed it.
It's Newtown , that would take a lot of sprucing
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I'm sure they have many pressing needs but the outside needs sprucing up a bit, looked run down last time I passed it.
It's Newtown , that would take a lot of sprucing
Fir sure.
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Leaving locals to pine for the old days.
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The American bloke from Man V Food has got a new series out called called Adam Richman eats football. Just watching the episode about Villa and he’s in the Barton’s, gushing over the Thai food. He also goes to The Grove and has a curry with 2 Villa fans. He tries a bag of scratchings as well but struggles with them and it ends with him standing outside the Holte before the Bologna game. Easy watching.
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Someone else posted the promotional page and he is standing outside of Chapter in Edgbaston.
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Has this lad got a big following? Maybe he can help make the Villa and the Bartons great again.
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Watch closely and you can see Frank of this parish in the episode
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He was quite good for an American.
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The manager of the Barton's Arms informs me that the upgrade of the pub is almost complete but won't be complete by the weekend. For heath & safety reasons, the pub will be closed on Saturday.
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Bugger. Thanks for letting us know, Frank.
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Yes, thanks Frank. We were heading to town anyway after a few there, now, probably straight there. Would like to experience the Witton Arms but paying in to a PH? Nah. Maybe the Hearts social and go from there.
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How many upgrades/refreshes has the Bartons had?!
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It was closed when GNR were on so I feared the worst. We'll be in Town anyway prior to the game.
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The management must take lessons from Villa in not being ready for the start of the season.
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And thus losing a good percentage of their annual takings.
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Probably one of about three home Saturday games if we are lucky.
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Yes, thanks Frank. We were heading to town anyway after a few there, now, probably straight there. Would like to experience the Witton Arms but paying in to a PH? Nah. Maybe the Hearts social and go from there.
SH is a fee too,no?
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True. But SH isn't a public house. It is a members club
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Yes, thanks Frank. We were heading to town anyway after a few there, now, probably straight there. Would like to experience the Witton Arms but paying in to a PH? Nah. Maybe the Hearts social and go from there.
SH is a fee too,no?
I’ve never paid to go in after the game. Don’t use it before.
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It's £3 which is actually a pretty small amount when out drinking these days and it's a great set up with plenty of bars and good bar staff so even at its busiest the waits for drinks aren't bad. There's plenty of space and a great atmosphere.
I don't usually pay into pubs either but it's a great pre match pub for Villa - I did it as a one off and then just went again and again.
Not been in post match as I'm usually straight to The Barton's but I'm pretty sure it's a decent option.
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It's £3 which is actually a pretty small amount when out drinking these days and it's a great set up with plenty of bars and good bar staff so even at its busiest the waits for drinks aren't bad. There's plenty of space and a great atmosphere.
I don't usually pay into pubs either but it's a great pre match pub for Villa - I did it as a one off and then just went again and again.
Not been in post match as I'm usually straight to The Barton's but I'm pretty sure it's a decent option.
Not so great if you don't ever carry cash
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They take cards on the gate
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Never been to Sacred Heart. Where is it? Up Trinity Road somewhere?
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Been 30 odd years since I first went in the Sacred Heart. Hardly anyone used it, mainly because there no were signs and it looked like you were walking into someone's house. Back then they had a snooker room before getting rid of that and the walls to create the one big room.
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Never been to Sacred Heart. Where is it? Up Trinity Road somewhere?
It's located in Witton Road (on the corner with Prestbury Road).
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Latest news from the Barton's Arms:
Our doors have been closed since 27th July in the hope of reopening and making positive changes and improvements in an increasingly harsh and unforgiving climate.
However, after much thought and exploring every possible option, we have come to the difficult decision that closing the Bartons Arms is, sadly, the only solution left.
We truly appreciate everyone who has been part of our journey.
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Sorry it is come to that Frank. 😢
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Terribly sad but no surprise, it wasn't busy for the games so lord knows how they survived otherwise.
Let's hope the building itself is protected.
In a byline, there is a massive fan park at Newcastle, and the local venues have complained about the trade being taken away from them. St James's benefits from being in the City Centre so this is unrelentingly depressing.
The clock ticks on and the game drifts further away from us old 'uns...
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Terribly sad but no surprise, it wasn't busy for the games so lord knows how they survived otherwise.
Let's hope the building itself is protected.
In a byline, there is a massive fan park at Newcastle, and the local venues have complained about the trade being taken away from them. St James's benefits from being in the City Centre so this is unrelentingly depressing.
The clock ticks on and the game drifts further away from us old 'uns...
wise words, mate.
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I am very sad to hear that.
Is there no way forward?
Now is the time for all good Villa supporters to come to the aid of The Bartons.
What would you need?
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Gutted.
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Latest news from the Barton's Arms:
Our doors have been closed since 27th July in the hope of reopening and making positive changes and improvements in an increasingly harsh and unforgiving climate.
However, after much thought and exploring every possible option, we have come to the difficult decision that closing the Bartons Arms is, sadly, the only solution left.
We truly appreciate everyone who has been part of our journey.
Sorry to hear
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Very sad news. It's been a wonderful meeting place for many years.
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It's £3 which is actually a pretty small amount when out drinking these days and it's a great set up with plenty of bars and good bar staff so even at its busiest the waits for drinks aren't bad. There's plenty of space and a great atmosphere.
I don't usually pay into pubs either but it's a great pre match pub for Villa - I did it as a one off and then just went again and again.
Not been in post match as I'm usually straight to The Barton's but I'm pretty sure it's a decent option.
Not so great if you don't ever carry cash
They take cards
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Fuck sake. The Leadmill in Sheffield, JJ Ramsey and now the Bartons. All disappearing before our eyes. Stop the world, I wanna get off.
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Very sad news indeed.
Going to lose a special part of every trip I make to VP and thats such a shame.