Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 13, 2022, 09:58:57 PM
It's never been great, but today in the Upper Trinity was woeful! I arrived about an hour before kickoff, and fans were not only queuing from the counter to the back of the concourse, but having to circle round in a snail shell shaped line?
HOW can it be so bad?? There have been so many advancements in event catering in recent years, our club seems stuck in the dark ages - Why has it not been addressed over the summer?
With the constant demand for beer pre-match/HT, why are they not dedicating 2-3 staff from each bar for constant 'pint pulling duties' and then the remaining staff just have to hand them over and take the money? Cider seemed even worse - They were having to grab cans from the fridge, open them and manually pour them into pint glasses?! WTF??
Anyone know if it is Villa that control catering, or has it been 'outsourced' to a third party? Whoever controls it, it needs addressing urgently as it's fucking terrible!
Post by: ozzjim on August 13, 2022, 10:05:51 PM
Post by: frank black on August 13, 2022, 10:06:05 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 13, 2022, 10:08:33 PM
Post by: olaftab on August 13, 2022, 10:11:49 PM
Anyone know if it is Villa that control catering, or has it been 'outsourced' to a third party? Whoever controls it, it needs addressing urgently as it's fucking terrible!Even if it's outsourced it's Villa in control and therefore accountable for quality, quantity and service.
Post by: Dave P on August 13, 2022, 10:13:51 PM
Post by: ozzjim on August 13, 2022, 10:14:53 PM
I very rarely engage with in stadium catering because it's crap but I tried to buy some water at half time today and gave up. Truly abysmal.
Whoever manages the contract at VP should be doing a full review with the supplier come Monday am by the sounds of it. Catering contracts are bloody difficult beats to get right, but knowing the weather forecast and the number of people coming to the stadium it shouldn't have been difficult to mobilise something to cater for it. Seen a lot of Everton fan comments about it too.
Having been to the new Spurs stadium over the summer, their outlets and catering makes VP look like something from prehistoric times.
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 13, 2022, 10:19:38 PM
Post by: Gareth on August 13, 2022, 10:25:13 PM
The concourse up there is too narrow to be clogged up with people queueing but they don’t seem to care about maximising profits.
As Dave said had people been allowed to take water in that would have been sensible.
Post by: Beard82 on August 13, 2022, 10:27:39 PM
Post by: London Villan on August 13, 2022, 10:29:48 PM
Post by: richtheholtender on August 13, 2022, 10:33:10 PM
Post by: London Villan on August 13, 2022, 10:36:24 PM
Post by: Legion on August 13, 2022, 10:36:28 PM
It might have helped if they'd used a bit of sense and let people take water inside.
I took two bottles in. The contents of my bag were inspected just before entry and they were fine with it.
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 13, 2022, 10:37:50 PM
It might have helped if they'd used a bit of sense and let people take water inside.
I took two bottles in. The contents of my bag were inspected just before entry and they were fine with it.
They were afraid you'd drown them. I saw someone not allowed to take a bottle in.
Post by: AV82EC on August 13, 2022, 10:38:19 PM
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 13, 2022, 11:21:44 PM
It was horrible in the upper trinity today
Post by: Exeter 77 on August 13, 2022, 11:31:10 PM
Post by: ozzjim on August 13, 2022, 11:33:45 PM
The money they must be losing in sales because people give up trying to buy anything
It was horrible in the upper trinity today
Depending on the terms of the contract it will be a fair amount. Worst thing is it is simple planning and contract management with the supplier to optimise opportunities for revenue, it's not like you don't know the footfall and the routes people are going to take. Today they could likely have smashed stupid sales on bottles of water at satellite kiosks etc. So simple.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 14, 2022, 12:00:19 AM
Post by: Exeter 77 on August 14, 2022, 12:06:01 AM
I suspect the train strike will have caused staffing problems todayThe guy who supervises the programme sellers told me some of the people he was expecting hadn't turned up which was why he was selling in the kiosk in the Holte End car park.
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 14, 2022, 12:22:53 AM
I dont blame the individual staff behind the counter, mainly kids really, but the whole management of the thing is appalling. For a start prior to half time at least, just have a load of pints poured and ready to go, that will free up more time to serve soft drinks, food etc.
also because its sub contracted its rarely the same staff, so they cant get used to the job at hand week by week.
Post by: Mister E on August 14, 2022, 08:41:53 AM
Unreal - wanted to get water - gave up after queuing for 20 mins and still only being half way up the concorseI didn't bother to queue; went to the toilets and drank from the tap!
Post by: PeterWithe on August 14, 2022, 08:47:49 AM
The service in the fanzone behind TR looked pretty well set, maybe it’s because they are all small traders who want to earn money?
Post by: LeeB on August 14, 2022, 08:53:52 AM
Post by: Flin5tone on August 14, 2022, 08:55:06 AM
I even noticed a cigarette butt in the toilet that's wedged between a ceiling tile was still there from last season? You'd think there would be a big clean up/maintenance check in the weeks when the stadium is not being used
Also I went to pick up my Rewards item from the Village and was told by a member of staff after waiting a short while that they wouldn't be serving anyone else from our position in the queue and to come back at some time on a Friday or the next match? Absolutely ridiculous
Post by: Bad English on August 14, 2022, 08:55:40 AM
It might have helped if they'd used a bit of sense and let people take water inside.I was at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon last July with temperatures of 39⁰C forecast. It was a Stones gig not football though.
Normally you can't take anything at at all but they let everyone take in water bottles and those water mist aerosols (we had three of those and they were a made-up deity-send). This was announced online and vi the local media during the day.
Inside, they had cold lager and a decent IPA on tap, and there were staff doing nothing but pour pints for those taking the orders and queues were orderly and fast-moving. You could also order food and beer to your seat via an app, which you can't do in England because some people are twats when are allowed near alcohol). Plus they have concessions all around the outside of the stadium, within the grounds and you can come and go as you please
I was very impressed by the size and space around what is one of those 'soulless' bowl stadiums and they were raking in the cash. Villa Park is a few decades behind in that respect. But that is for another thread.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on August 14, 2022, 09:01:31 AM
Post by: PeterWithe on August 14, 2022, 09:01:50 AM
Will Villa simply have sold the rights to the catering and now have their money so dont have an incentive to get involved in sorting it? Or will we still have a % of takings?
Post by: Flin5tone on August 14, 2022, 09:05:50 AM
The more I think about the can into plastic thing the more annoyed I get. Just hand over the can ,be a lot quicker.
Post by: PeterWithe on August 14, 2022, 09:10:31 AM
Post by: Beard82 on August 14, 2022, 09:23:58 AM
I’m another who gave up queuing at half time, the hot weather wasn’t that much of a surprise was it?Yeah I got a burger there and it worked quite well - think it’s because it is independent vendors who have worked out that they can make a lot more money if they do it well.
The service in the fanzone behind TR looked pretty well set, maybe it’s because they are all small traders who want to earn money?
I went to the Cricket at Trent Bridge for Eng V New Zealand and it was so easy and quick and well ran - it’s basics but makes a real difference to the experience and ultimately gets you to spend more
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 14, 2022, 09:38:52 AM
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on August 14, 2022, 09:43:42 AM
Is there any health and safety or other regulation that stops them pre pouring loads of drinks ready to hand over?I'm sure I've seen that operation at other grounds but can't remember where
Post by: dicedlam on August 14, 2022, 10:04:11 AM
Whoever oversees this side of the business at the club needs a good kick up the arse. It was an absolute joke in the UT yesterday.
Post by: Goldenballs on August 14, 2022, 10:05:35 AM
I think they do it at Wembley. Costs about £9 though.Is there any health and safety or other regulation that stops them pre pouring loads of drinks ready to hand over?I'm sure I've seen that operation at other grounds but can't remember where
Post by: nick harper on August 14, 2022, 10:32:32 AM
Post by: Clampy on August 14, 2022, 10:35:52 AM
The beer in the Holte suite before the game was like dishwater. Plus the place is still understaffed.
How much was it for a pint out of interest? Someone told me they've put the prices up.
Post by: Dave P on August 14, 2022, 10:42:41 AM
The beer in the Holte suite before the game was like dishwater. Plus the place is still understaffed.
How much was it for a pint out of interest? Someone told me they've put the prices up.
2 pints and 3 bottles of Sprite was £19. Not sure on the individual prices but I’m guessing it’s just shy of £6 a pint.
Post by: astonvilla82 on August 14, 2022, 11:22:13 AM
they use to do it in the upper holte many years ago, worked very well, now i sit in the lower holte, but went into the holte suite yesterday and looking at the bar queue wasn't worth it for one drink, that's about a tenner they lost out on,asked one lad and said they got in on 34 minutes and took about 20 minutes for to bring him a beer back,then we went outside to the concourse and it was the same,Is there any health and safety or other regulation that stops them pre pouring loads of drinks ready to hand over?I'm sure I've seen that operation at other grounds but can't remember where
Post by: Chris Smith on August 14, 2022, 11:25:06 AM
Post by: Pete3206 on August 14, 2022, 11:35:00 AM
Post by: Clampy on August 14, 2022, 11:41:40 AM
Post by: The Edge on August 14, 2022, 11:41:48 AM
You should never do that it's not drinking water, you'll be lucky not to get ill. I was in the upper Trinity as I gave my brother my usual seat. Never again. Totally ruined my matchday experience. I've mentioned on here previously that my son used to be in charge of the bars at the sty. He's also experienced at other large events. He sent a detailed email to the catering department at Villa with a few ideas they could try and told them about how much money the club were losing on a match day. He never even got a response. It's an absolute shambles. I will never sit in the upper Trinity again.Unreal - wanted to get water - gave up after queuing for 20 mins and still only being half way up the concorseI didn't bother to queue; went to the toilets and drank from the tap!
Post by: rougegorge on August 14, 2022, 11:42:44 AM
Post by: The Edge on August 14, 2022, 11:48:24 AM
Is there any health and safety or other regulation that stops them pre pouring loads of drinks ready to hand over?No. There are multi pour facilities in use in most other Premier league stadiums. Also I go to the Cheltenham festival every year and that used to be horrific trying to get a pint. Not any more though. It's amazing how they have transformed the catering services over the years. Villa should send a delegation to Cheltenham to observe exactly what can be achieved with enough desire to get it right. It would appear that match day catering at Villa Park is something that they just don't give a fuck about.
Post by: Gareth on August 14, 2022, 11:56:31 AM
Love my view in the Upper Ellis but nothing else about that stand is good;
Catering options - poor
Speed of service - tortoise
Toilets - awful (for ladies is it even worse with less than 10 cubicles?)
Concourse space - cramped
The value for money in that stand is only the seat, there is no positive match day experience beyond great view
Post by: astonvilla82 on August 14, 2022, 11:58:59 AM
more likely someone in charge who gets paided a good wage and doesn't give a f, until he or she gets a kick up the arse from the organ grinder, which I think will be very soon, anybody got contact details for the organ grinder, not those at Villa, because it will probably be put in the binIs there any health and safety or other regulation that stops them pre pouring loads of drinks ready to hand over?No. There are multi pour facilities in use in most other Premier league stadiums. Also I go to the Cheltenham festival every year and that used to be horrific trying to get a pint. Not any more though. It's amazing how they have transformed the catering services over the years. Villa should send a delegation to Cheltenham to observe exactly what can be achieved with enough desire to get it right. It would appear that match day catering at Villa Park is something that they just don't give a fuck about.
Post by: eamonn on August 14, 2022, 12:48:17 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 14, 2022, 12:53:37 PM
Doesn't this issue come up time and time again when Purslow/the club meet with supporter representatives? Next time there is a meeting, someone needs to shake him by the lapels and spell it out to him.
He doesn't go to all the meetings but it does get brought up regularly.
Post by: Risso on August 14, 2022, 01:07:15 PM
I don't get why people do that anyway. Surely they can go 90 minutes without a pint? (I do get that yesterday was very hot mind).
It's not just a pint though, it's any sort of refreshments. And assuming people don't walk in right on the stroke of kick off, it's more than 90 minutes. I think it's a valid criticism that the club doesn't cater for fans in the stands at all well.
Post by: Clampy on August 14, 2022, 01:09:15 PM
I don't get why people do that anyway. Surely they can go 90 minutes without a pint? (I do get that yesterday was very hot mind).
It's not just a pint though, it's any sort of refreshments. And assuming people don't walk in right on the stroke of kick off, it's more than 90 minutes. I think it's a valid criticism that the club doesn't cater for fans in the stands at all well.
I wasn't taking about the criticisim. If people think it's not being ran right, then fair enough.
Post by: DeKuip on August 14, 2022, 01:19:55 PM
Yesterday was an example of an extreme lack of care towards supporters, and lack of preparation for hosting the game.
We’ve known all week there’d not only be a heatwave but also a train strike. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that larger numbers of supporters would be arriving earlier than normal in anticipation of parking problems and more traffic on the road - and we’d also have far more people walking to and from town. With the weather as it was most people would be arriving thirsty, and be desperate for anything wet at half-time.
90 minutes before kick-off the queue for drinks inside the lower Trinity was what you’d normally get an hour later. As others have said, the service was inadequate in terms of number of staff.. and painfully slow. The prices are a total piss take.
Villa Park is worse than most in that the options for home fans in terms of pubs near the ground is very limited nowadays - so you’d think the business brains within the club would be planning for how they could serve the needs of the many thousands of people who arrive early, are barred from being able to take drinks in with them, and are prepared to spend money on refreshments inside.
If you complain to the club you’ll be told “we know, we’re working on it” - lies, this is not a new problem. Staffing issues? Pay more, there’s more than enough profit to be made there if done right, and look after the staff you do get. Even more will be needed when capacity is increased.
And Invest in faster systems for pouring drinks… or aren’t we worth it?
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 14, 2022, 01:27:58 PM
Post by: DeKuip on August 14, 2022, 01:42:47 PM
After spending a lot of time at the Games, I must admit I'd got quite accustomed to the easy availability of free drinking water for paying customers.True, and that’s caring for mainly one-off customers. Villa are hosting customers who want to remain so for a lifetime. That’s my sentence anyway.
Post by: Flin5tone on August 14, 2022, 01:51:27 PM
For speed and ease reduce the items being sold
Selection of pasties,sausage rolls etc
Selection of sandwiches
Bottled lagers
Water / soft drinks. Stuff that can be handed over at speed without all the messing about as it seems the staff don't have a clue what they're doing .
For areas like the Doug Ellis upper where it is very tight , simply sell good standard sandwiches all stored in a fridge (like a shop/garage display) bottled drinks and nothing else.
I dread to think what it must be like in the away end with a boisterous crowd wanting beers and so on in such a cramped space .
Post by: astonvilla82 on August 14, 2022, 01:53:04 PM
Post by: Risso on August 14, 2022, 01:54:12 PM
If they can't do it right they need to strip it right back and keep it very simple. There is no need trying to be fancy when you can't get it right.
For speed and ease reduce the items being sold
Selection of pasties,sausage rolls etc
Selection of sandwiches
Bottled lagers
Water / soft drinks. Stuff that can be handed over at speed without all the messing about as it seems the staff don't have a clue what they're doing .
For areas like the Doug Ellis upper where it is very tight , simply sell good standard sandwiches all stored in a fridge (like a shop/garage display) bottled drinks and nothing else.
I dread to think what it must be like in the away end with a boisterous crowd wanting beers and so on in such a cramped space .
Disgra...no, actually you make some good points.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 14, 2022, 01:59:22 PM
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 14, 2022, 02:07:09 PM
I very rarely engage with in stadium catering because it's crap but I tried to buy some water at half time today and gave up. Truly abysmal.Compare that with Alexander Stadium last weekend. If you took in a water bottle refills were free and readily available.
Post by: Holte L2 on August 14, 2022, 02:14:38 PM
It might have helped if they'd used a bit of sense and let people take water inside.
I took mine inside in the lower holte without any problems. Even in my own stainless steel breaker.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 14, 2022, 02:17:18 PM
I was desperate for a drink yesterday, but no way was I queuing in that steaming concourse for an hour. I went back in at kickoff as I was gasping, and it still took them 10mins into the match to serve me!
The situation was probably exacerbated by the train issues, but they had plenty of notice to work around that. And let’s face it, it’s been like this for fucking years. It’s not a one-off!
Seems there isn’t one fan on here that thinks the service is even ok. Surely there is a way to communicate this to Purslow and go to lay the hammer down? I’m in the middle of the trinity upper - tempted to make a feckin banner to get the message across!
Post by: UK Redsox on August 14, 2022, 02:22:34 PM
It might have helped if they'd used a bit of sense and let people take water inside.
Were they stopping people. I showed my plastic bottle of water to a bag checking bloke at the LTR and was waved through
Post by: UK Redsox on August 14, 2022, 02:28:30 PM
I very rarely engage with in stadium catering because it's crap but I tried to buy some water at half time today and gave up. Truly abysmal.Compare that with Alexander Stadium last weekend. If you took in a water bottle refills were free and readily available.
Isn’t that the case at VP as well? Take in an empty plastic bottle and fill it up at a tap. It’s what I’ve been doing for years.
Post by: UK Redsox on August 14, 2022, 02:30:05 PM
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on August 14, 2022, 03:03:01 PM
Where's the tap? And don't say the toiletsI very rarely engage with in stadium catering because it's crap but I tried to buy some water at half time today and gave up. Truly abysmal.Compare that with Alexander Stadium last weekend. If you took in a water bottle refills were free and readily available.
Isn’t that the case at VP as well? Take in an empty plastic bottle and fill it up at a tap. It’s what I’ve been doing for years.
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 14, 2022, 03:17:41 PM
If they're going to insist on selling chips, then make sure there's a constant supply of chips. The way the queues grind to a standstill as all the servers wait for a new batch to arrive is a piss take.
They ran out of chips near us on upper A5 before halftime, although i enjoyed the veggie pie 😃 seriously i am excited about the new north stand development, but they have to get the basics right elsewhere first
Post by: UK Redsox on August 14, 2022, 03:18:58 PM
Where's the tap? And don't say the toiletsI very rarely engage with in stadium catering because it's crap but I tried to buy some water at half time today and gave up. Truly abysmal.Compare that with Alexander Stadium last weekend. If you took in a water bottle refills were free and readily available.
Isn’t that the case at VP as well? Take in an empty plastic bottle and fill it up at a tap. It’s what I’ve been doing for years.
The Restrooms ;)
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on August 14, 2022, 03:21:10 PM
With added E-coli? No thanksWhere's the tap? And don't say the toiletsI very rarely engage with in stadium catering because it's crap but I tried to buy some water at half time today and gave up. Truly abysmal.Compare that with Alexander Stadium last weekend. If you took in a water bottle refills were free and readily available.
Isn’t that the case at VP as well? Take in an empty plastic bottle and fill it up at a tap. It’s what I’ve been doing for years.
The Restrooms ;)
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 14, 2022, 03:32:54 PM
Post by: johnc on August 14, 2022, 04:43:36 PM
It's ironic that whilst it's not perfect, I don't really have any problems getting drinks or food in the soon to be replaced North Stand.Were you there yesterday. There was no Amstel an hour before kick off. The cans they took out of the fridge were warm. The queues were massive. How in the name of God did they not have Amstel on tap for the first game of the season. At half time they close one of the shutters to send us all over the edge
Post by: levico on August 14, 2022, 06:21:16 PM
They’ve had all closed season to sort that out. They clearly need a decent Facilities Manager.
Post by: john e on August 14, 2022, 06:24:43 PM
Post by: Villa in Denmark on August 14, 2022, 08:00:43 PM
It's ironic that whilst it's not perfect, I don't really have any problems getting drinks or food in the soon to be replaced North Stand.Were you there yesterday. There was no Amstel an hour before kick off. The cans they took out of the fridge were warm. The queues were massive. How in the name of God did they not have Amstel on tap for the first game of the season. At half time they close one of the shutters to send us all over the edge
They were trying to save you from the ungodly piss that is Amstel?
Post by: johnc on August 14, 2022, 08:50:55 PM
By making me drink warm cider?It's ironic that whilst it's not perfect, I don't really have any problems getting drinks or food in the soon to be replaced North Stand.Were you there yesterday. There was no Amstel an hour before kick off. The cans they took out of the fridge were warm. The queues were massive. How in the name of God did they not have Amstel on tap for the first game of the season. At half time they close one of the shutters to send us all over the edge
They were trying to save you from the ungodly piss that is Amstel?
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 14, 2022, 08:52:12 PM
Post by: Dave P on August 14, 2022, 09:01:13 PM
Post by: colin69 on August 14, 2022, 09:40:46 PM
I don’t blame the kids but I do blame whoever is supposed to be training them.
Post by: UK Redsox on August 14, 2022, 09:53:49 PM
Not a catering issue but my daughter said that there was only one working stall in the Ladies toilets in the Upper Doug Ellis.
They’ve had all closed season to sort that out. They clearly need a decent Facilities Manager.
The toilets in the LTR had one trough taped off
About half of the taps don’t turn themselves off, so VP wasted a lot of water yesterday.
Post by: exigo on August 14, 2022, 10:28:37 PM
Holte Pub seemed to have a capacity of about 50 people yesterday, and still managed to have a huge queue to the door, while running out of most draught beers by the time we got a second.
Lower Holte terrible service. Bottle bars closed, food apparently unable to be sold because the prices hadn't been updated. Queues everywhere. Every season we arrive thinking they'll have finally sorted it out, and they somehow manage to make it worse.
And the cisterns were overflowing everywhere in the men's bogs as well.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 14, 2022, 10:31:11 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 14, 2022, 10:31:21 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 14, 2022, 10:36:37 PM
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 14, 2022, 10:54:22 PM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 14, 2022, 10:54:33 PM
I'd be interested to know how we compare with other older grounds such as Anfield and St James, and how they compare with the new grounds.
I went to the Springsteen (*edit - ROLLING STONES! ::)) concert at Anfield over the summer. Even with building work going on, and a larger attendance than a football match, catering ran like clockwork. Lightyears ahead of what we endure at Villa Park (*though granted it might be a different setup to a standard football afternoon).
Post by: Risso on August 15, 2022, 12:06:51 AM
I'd be interested to know how we compare with other older grounds such as Anfield and St James, and how they compare with the new grounds.
The only good thing about the West Ham ground was that it doesn't take long to get served.
Post by: Ads on August 15, 2022, 12:16:25 AM
Post by: Rory on August 15, 2022, 12:18:52 AM
I'd be interested to know how we compare with other older grounds such as Anfield and St James, and how they compare with the new grounds.
I'm sure it happens everywhere, but one thing that bothers me is the seemingly thousands of people who spend the whole time milling around the concourses, watching the TVs. My Dad will disappear on 30 minutes, buy two or three pints, pretty much neck them, then return on about 50 minutes. What's the point?
If I could have a pint in my seat, I might consider queuing for 5 minutes or so to get two before kickoff, but I've paid to watch the game. If I wanted to get drunk and watch it on a screen I'd stay at home or go to the pub.
Post by: Risso on August 15, 2022, 12:20:33 AM
I dont think any ground, anywhere, ever had made me feel.sadder than West Ham's. Its an abomination. I couldn't watch them every other week there.
Agreed, it's horrendous. The Spurs stadium is great, everything a new ground should be. West Ham though, is atrocious. At least they've worked out how to serve paying customers who just want a drink.
Post by: Bad English on August 15, 2022, 08:38:27 AM
Post by: The Edge on August 15, 2022, 08:44:03 AM
It's about choice. You pays yer money you takes yer choice. It's about having a catch up with old friends who you only ever see on match days. Your dad and many like him (me included) should be able to do this without the excruciating experience of trying to get served. It hasn't improved at all in the 40 odd years I've been going to Villa Park. That's the issue here and for all the good work that's been done by the owners I find it incredible that this hasn't been addressed.I'd be interested to know how we compare with other older grounds such as Anfield and St James, and how they compare with the new grounds.
I'm sure it happens everywhere, but one thing that bothers me is the seemingly thousands of people who spend the whole time milling around the concourses, watching the TVs. My Dad will disappear on 30 minutes, buy two or three pints, pretty much neck them, then return on about 50 minutes. What's the point?
If I could have a pint in my seat, I might consider queuing for 5 minutes or so to get two before kickoff, but I've paid to watch the game. If I wanted to get drunk and watch it on a screen I'd stay at home or go to the pub.
Post by: London Villan on August 15, 2022, 09:14:51 AM
Post by: john e on August 15, 2022, 09:21:36 AM
I'd be interested to know how we compare with other older grounds such as Anfield and St James, and how they compare with the new grounds.
I'm sure it happens everywhere, but one thing that bothers me is the seemingly thousands of people who spend the whole time milling around the concourses, watching the TVs. My Dad will disappear on 30 minutes, buy two or three pints, pretty much neck them, then return on about 50 minutes. What's the point?
If I could have a pint in my seat, I might consider queuing for 5 minutes or so to get two before kickoff, but I've paid to watch the game. If I wanted to get drunk and watch it on a screen I'd stay at home or go to the pub.
The game is not shown on the TV monitors in the concourse anymore in the Doug stand I assume to stop just that
Post by: Nev on August 15, 2022, 09:42:49 AM
We gather under there at HT because many of us sit apart, it would be nice to ruminate with a pint but that's a rarity these days. Two of the lads left their seats on 35 minutes, got five from the front when both barrels went just before the second half started so they gave up.
Post by: Risso on August 15, 2022, 10:01:00 AM
Post by: Walmley_Villa on August 15, 2022, 10:19:27 AM
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on August 15, 2022, 10:24:05 AM
Post by: Risso on August 15, 2022, 10:28:50 AM
Have to say that Saturday in the Upper Holte was the worst I had seen with few catering staff and long queues. I can't believe that for drinks they don't have multi-pourers or just staff constantly pouring pints ready to be taken - dare I say like Rugby. Pouring on demand is slow and cumbersome and ultimately losing the club shedloads of cash. I'm amazed the new ownership haven't got a grip on this. It's fine having better quality food offerings (which come at a price) but again turnaround needs to be upped to make it successful. I got in early for a beer at 11:20 on Saturday and a guy next to me asked for a pie but was told they weren't ready and would take 30 mins...
Another big difference with the rugby is that you can of course go and drink it in your seat once you've bought it, making it less crowded in the concourse.
Post by: Walmley_Villa on August 15, 2022, 10:31:43 AM
Have to say that Saturday in the Upper Holte was the worst I had seen with few catering staff and long queues. I can't believe that for drinks they don't have multi-pourers or just staff constantly pouring pints ready to be taken - dare I say like Rugby. Pouring on demand is slow and cumbersome and ultimately losing the club shedloads of cash. I'm amazed the new ownership haven't got a grip on this. It's fine having better quality food offerings (which come at a price) but again turnaround needs to be upped to make it successful. I got in early for a beer at 11:20 on Saturday and a guy next to me asked for a pie but was told they weren't ready and would take 30 mins...
Another big difference with the rugby is that you can of course go and drink it in your seat once you've bought it, making it less crowded in the concourse.
Worst I saw was at Sheff Wed when we won there in the EFL, hatch in the wall, two young girls and a lad talking about Love Island whilst 200 Villa fans waited in a queue for a drink.... if I was the Wednesday CFO I'd have been fuming
Post by: amfy on August 15, 2022, 11:07:36 AM
https://www.popall.co.uk/news-publications/news/another-article-on-free-drinking-water
It not only illegal for licences premises to charge for tap water, it is a legal requirement to supply it on request. I know this from working for Shelter (Avalon bars) at Glastonbury - a bar that is a tent in a field, with customers 5 deep for 8 hours solid - we managed this!
Villa Park’s issue for many of the bars is that not enough consideration was given to the space needed to adequately equip and staff them. We seem to have loads of tiny booths that aren’t designed for many staff or multi pour and lining up pints. Something to consider in the North Stand re-design.
They are also expanding the range and throwing in stuff like wine when they would be better just sticking with basics and doing it well. You could take those little booths with minor re-design & make them a simple ‘pints bar’ with a multi pourer for lager, bitter, cider and just bang them out with only 2 staff at a faster rate than the current 4 pissing about trying to pour on order.
Anything more complicated - go to the larger food bar. If you are there with kids, & need soft drinks, you’ll probably be there for a hot dog anyway.......& honestly, who is going to a football match and not going to buy anything if they can’t have wine?
I’ll also go a bit Flin5tone here and say there is no point in putting up season ticket prices and then throwing away thousands of pounds with terrible catering. Catering can be a massive moneyspinner when done right, and can lose customers when done badly.
The problem with staffing is that it’s a VERY part time job and as such you won’t get a great level of skill or experience, but it is likely to improve a little when students return next month.
Post by: exigo on August 15, 2022, 11:24:25 AM
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 15, 2022, 11:32:05 AM
Post by: Risso on August 15, 2022, 11:35:57 AM
Having read elsewhere that there was possibly a 90p charge for tap water I am also going to put this here.
https://www.popall.co.uk/news-publications/news/another-article-on-free-drinking-water
It not only illegal for licences premises to charge for tap water, it is a legal requirement to supply it on request. I know this from working for Shelter (Avalon bars) at Glastonbury - a bar that is a tent in a field, with customers 5 deep for 8 hours solid - we managed this!
Villa Park’s issue for many of the bars is that not enough consideration was given to the space needed to adequately equip and staff them. We seem to have loads of tiny booths that aren’t designed for many staff or multi pour and lining up pints. Something to consider in the North Stand re-design.
They are also expanding the range and throwing in stuff like wine when they would be better just sticking with basics and doing it well. You could take those little booths with minor re-design & make them a simple ‘pints bar’ with a multi pourer for lager, bitter, cider and just bang them out with only 2 staff at a faster rate than the current 4 pissing about trying to pour on order.
Anything more complicated - go to the larger food bar. If you are there with kids, & need soft drinks, you’ll probably be there for a hot dog anyway.......& honestly, who is going to a football match and not going to buy anything if they can’t have wine?
I’ll also go a bit Flin5tone here and say there is no point in putting up season ticket prices and then throwing away thousands of pounds with terrible catering. Catering can be a massive moneyspinner when done right, and can lose customers when done badly.
The problem with staffing is that it’s a VERY part time job and as such you won’t get a great level of skill or experience, but it is likely to improve a little when students return next month.
I'm sure I read that while the water has to be free, an establishment can make a charge to cover other costs, eg the glass, washing it up, rent, staff time etc.
Post by: The Edge on August 15, 2022, 11:39:38 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 15, 2022, 11:40:05 AM
Having read elsewhere that there was possibly a 90p charge for tap water I am also going to put this here.
https://www.popall.co.uk/news-publications/news/another-article-on-free-drinking-water
It not only illegal for licences premises to charge for tap water, it is a legal requirement to supply it on request. I know this from working for Shelter (Avalon bars) at Glastonbury - a bar that is a tent in a field, with customers 5 deep for 8 hours solid - we managed this!
Villa Park’s issue for many of the bars is that not enough consideration was given to the space needed to adequately equip and staff them. We seem to have loads of tiny booths that aren’t designed for many staff or multi pour and lining up pints. Something to consider in the North Stand re-design.
They are also expanding the range and throwing in stuff like wine when they would be better just sticking with basics and doing it well. You could take those little booths with minor re-design & make them a simple ‘pints bar’ with a multi pourer for lager, bitter, cider and just bang them out with only 2 staff at a faster rate than the current 4 pissing about trying to pour on order.
Anything more complicated - go to the larger food bar. If you are there with kids, & need soft drinks, you’ll probably be there for a hot dog anyway.......& honestly, who is going to a football match and not going to buy anything if they can’t have wine?
I’ll also go a bit Flin5tone here and say there is no point in putting up season ticket prices and then throwing away thousands of pounds with terrible catering. Catering can be a massive moneyspinner when done right, and can lose customers when done badly.
The problem with staffing is that it’s a VERY part time job and as such you won’t get a great level of skill or experience, but it is likely to improve a little when students return next month.
For some people it's excessive pricing, for others it's coked-up head cases, a while back it was Doug Ellis, but for me, I will never darken the doors of Villa Park again until I am assured of a decent Châteauneuf-du-Pape. End of.
Post by: Towser on August 15, 2022, 11:42:35 AM
We went up in the lift we are in Upper Trinity and got in the queue to get our chips, curry sauce and coke. After waiting there for 10 minutes we asked the girl standing right in front of us if anyone was going to serve us, she then told us that that till wasnt working (It worked when the served the guy who was in front of us, we were then told to go to another queue.
Most of the serving hatches were closed and had roller shutters down and none of the screens showing the prices were working. We eventualy got served at another ‘hatch’ to then be told there was no curry sauce but they could give us a sachet of cold curry sauce if we wanted it.
As my Wife had not had anything to eat (she works from 0545 until 10:45 on a Saturday) as we went to Villa straight from her works, we persevered otherwise we would have left it. Shocking. People ordering beer were in the same boat, it was all foam and bubbles they had to get a bucket to empty into until beer actually started to come out of the pumps, one person purchased bottled water and the person serving poured it into those new plastic cups before handing it over.
Post by: amfy on August 15, 2022, 12:03:54 PM
Having read elsewhere that there was possibly a 90p charge for tap water I am also going to put this here.
https://www.popall.co.uk/news-publications/news/another-article-on-free-drinking-water
It not only illegal for licences premises to charge for tap water, it is a legal requirement to supply it on request. I know this from working for Shelter (Avalon bars) at Glastonbury - a bar that is a tent in a field, with customers 5 deep for 8 hours solid - we managed this!
Villa Park’s issue for many of the bars is that not enough consideration was given to the space needed to adequately equip and staff them. We seem to have loads of tiny booths that aren’t designed for many staff or multi pour and lining up pints. Something to consider in the North Stand re-design.
They are also expanding the range and throwing in stuff like wine when they would be better just sticking with basics and doing it well. You could take those little booths with minor re-design & make them a simple ‘pints bar’ with a multi pourer for lager, bitter, cider and just bang them out with only 2 staff at a faster rate than the current 4 pissing about trying to pour on order.
Anything more complicated - go to the larger food bar. If you are there with kids, & need soft drinks, you’ll probably be there for a hot dog anyway.......& honestly, who is going to a football match and not going to buy anything if they can’t have wine?
I’ll also go a bit Flin5tone here and say there is no point in putting up season ticket prices and then throwing away thousands of pounds with terrible catering. Catering can be a massive moneyspinner when done right, and can lose customers when done badly.
The problem with staffing is that it’s a VERY part time job and as such you won’t get a great level of skill or experience, but it is likely to improve a little when students return next month.
I'm sure I read that while the water has to be free, an establishment can make a charge to cover other costs, eg the glass, washing it up, rent, staff time etc.
The article I linked to lists some possible exceptions, none of which apply to this situation, and makes no mention of a charge. If you can find reference to the legality of such a charge somewhere on google, then please link. I don’t believe it exists, as the cost of supplying water can clearly be absorbed elsewhere if the person meets the criteria of being a ‘customer’ as outlined in the possible exceptions above.
Post by: MillerBall on August 15, 2022, 12:20:34 PM
I had a decent pint at Brighton a couple of years ago though!
Post by: AV82EC on August 15, 2022, 12:33:26 PM
Having read elsewhere that there was possibly a 90p charge for tap water I am also going to put this here.
https://www.popall.co.uk/news-publications/news/another-article-on-free-drinking-water
It not only illegal for licences premises to charge for tap water, it is a legal requirement to supply it on request. I know this from working for Shelter (Avalon bars) at Glastonbury - a bar that is a tent in a field, with customers 5 deep for 8 hours solid - we managed this!
Villa Park’s issue for many of the bars is that not enough consideration was given to the space needed to adequately equip and staff them. We seem to have loads of tiny booths that aren’t designed for many staff or multi pour and lining up pints. Something to consider in the North Stand re-design.
They are also expanding the range and throwing in stuff like wine when they would be better just sticking with basics and doing it well. You could take those little booths with minor re-design & make them a simple ‘pints bar’ with a multi pourer for lager, bitter, cider and just bang them out with only 2 staff at a faster rate than the current 4 pissing about trying to pour on order.
Anything more complicated - go to the larger food bar. If you are there with kids, & need soft drinks, you’ll probably be there for a hot dog anyway.......& honestly, who is going to a football match and not going to buy anything if they can’t have wine?
I’ll also go a bit Flin5tone here and say there is no point in putting up season ticket prices and then throwing away thousands of pounds with terrible catering. Catering can be a massive moneyspinner when done right, and can lose customers when done badly.
The problem with staffing is that it’s a VERY part time job and as such you won’t get a great level of skill or experience, but it is likely to improve a little when students return next month.
For some people it's excessive pricing, for others it's coked-up head cases, a while back it was Doug Ellis, but for me, I will never darken the doors of Villa Park again until I am assured of a decent Châteauneuf-du-Pape. End of.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Pikey scum. It’s a Premier Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Appellation or nothing for some of us.
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 15, 2022, 12:34:29 PM
The next home game I'm not driving to, so would normally have a beer. No chance at VP sadly. It's just not worth the grief.
They could and should do "bottle bars" for just beer. When I ran a pub years ago ( a busy Friday night loud music type) the bottle bar in the corner, with one bar maid, took basically the same money as the main bar with 6. Its not difficult to do, make it card payment only for speed, and they'd take a ton more money than they do now.
There also these, albeit I'm not sure these would work with plastic glasses which they'd obviously need to
https://youtu.be/mfx0ewR9AW4
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 15, 2022, 12:46:46 PM
Is there any health and safety or other regulation that stops them pre pouring loads of drinks ready to hand over?I'm sure I've seen that operation at other grounds but can't remember where
They definitely do that at the races. Worked a treat. The beer tent I was in at Cheltenham has easily as many people as rtes councourse in upper Trinity. Service was instant
Post by: Risso on August 15, 2022, 12:57:47 PM
The article I linked to lists some possible exceptions, none of which apply to this situation, and makes no mention of a charge. If you can find reference to the legality of such a charge somewhere on google, then please link. I don’t believe it exists, as the cost of supplying water can clearly be absorbed elsewhere if the person meets the criteria of being a ‘customer’ as outlined in the possible exceptions above.
A firm of solicitors writes:
"It is open to a licensed premises to make a charge for the glass that the water comes in, to charge if it is filtered water or to charge for their service."
https://www.hospitalitylaw.co.uk/free-tap-water-pubs-restaurants/
Post by: amfy on August 15, 2022, 01:31:07 PM
The article I linked to lists some possible exceptions, none of which apply to this situation, and makes no mention of a charge. If you can find reference to the legality of such a charge somewhere on google, then please link. I don’t believe it exists, as the cost of supplying water can clearly be absorbed elsewhere if the person meets the criteria of being a ‘customer’ as outlined in the possible exceptions above.
A firm of solicitors writes:
"It is open to a licensed premises to make a charge for the glass that the water comes in, to charge if it is filtered water or to charge for their service."
https://www.hospitalitylaw.co.uk/free-tap-water-pubs-restaurants/
The spirit of the law is to encourage people to drink water intermittently whilst drinking alcohol or to be able to get it easily if they have had too much alcohol. I think anyone trying to dodge this with spurious criteria would struggle to justify it if they’d tried to charge for water and someone had just continued to drink alcohol instead to the point they were ill or worse
I’d cetertainly expect better of Villa than this kind of tautology.
Post by: Risso on August 15, 2022, 01:39:15 PM
Post by: Flin5tone on August 15, 2022, 01:44:48 PM
Is there nobody at the club with any commonsense or experience?
Bottle Bar, sandwich/snack bar,chip shop bar (chips and curry sauce only) in tighter areas like Doug Upper sandwiches only and bottled drinks
Self serve coffee machines like you get in petrol station etc .
Is it really that hard?
Post by: simboy on August 15, 2022, 02:02:38 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 15, 2022, 08:33:55 PM
fancomplaints@avfc.co.uk
Post by: Small Rodent on August 15, 2022, 08:58:56 PM
I hope everyone complaining here make the same complaints to the club.
Post by: astonvilla82 on August 15, 2022, 09:10:06 PM
If you want to let the club know of your gripe, there's an email address just for it. If one was to use the reply my brother's received in order to judge the club's awareness of what many of us seemed to experience on Saturday, I'd suggest it's somewhere around "this is all news to us"I will
fancomplaints@avfc.co.uk
Post by: Rory on August 15, 2022, 10:18:59 PM
It's about choice. You pays yer money you takes yer choice. It's about having a catch up with old friends who you only ever see on match days. Your dad and many like him (me included) should be able to do this without the excruciating experience of trying to get served. It hasn't improved at all in the 40 odd years I've been going to Villa Park. That's the issue here and for all the good work that's been done by the owners I find it incredible that this hasn't been addressed.I'd be interested to know how we compare with other older grounds such as Anfield and St James, and how they compare with the new grounds.
I'm sure it happens everywhere, but one thing that bothers me is the seemingly thousands of people who spend the whole time milling around the concourses, watching the TVs. My Dad will disappear on 30 minutes, buy two or three pints, pretty much neck them, then return on about 50 minutes. What's the point?
If I could have a pint in my seat, I might consider queuing for 5 minutes or so to get two before kickoff, but I've paid to watch the game. If I wanted to get drunk and watch it on a screen I'd stay at home or go to the pub.
Fair enough - I still find it annoying, though!
Post by: Des Little on August 15, 2022, 10:42:03 PM
Post by: Towser on August 16, 2022, 10:39:25 AM
Quote
Many thanks for your email below.
We have logged your email in to our complaints process with complaint reference number xxxxxx and offer our apologies you have had cause to complain.
Your comments will be passed on to colleagues who will contact you with our response and in line with our complaint procedures.
Best wishes
Lee
Post by: amfy on August 16, 2022, 11:04:05 AM
I didn't say I agree with it, but that's the law. I guess the argument would be that if you took it to its extreme posittion and ran a licensed premises where everybody sat and drank nothing but free tap water all day, you'd still have all the costs such as rent, wages, electricity, insurance etc, but no income.
& in your solicitors piece he makes of the piece of law that says you must supply a ‘customer’ with tap water and says the definition of ‘customer’ would give grounds for challenge - this could reasonably apply if even one person took up space in your establishment drinking tap water all day.
However, this clearly doesn’t apply at Villa Park where we have already paid quite a lot of money to get in and are very clearly ‘customers’ of the establishment.
Post by: ROBBO on August 16, 2022, 11:05:16 AM
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 16, 2022, 02:25:34 PM
Do they still supply Bovril?
Jesus asking for that would send the catering stsff into a panic!
Post by: Towser on August 16, 2022, 03:43:26 PM
I had a email this morning from Lee thanking me for my complaint and saying it had been passed on to the relevant party. I even got a complaint reference numberNow received this one from Sarah who is head of retail according to her email signatureQuoteMany thanks for your email below.
We have logged your email in to our complaints process with complaint reference number xxxxxx and offer our apologies you have had cause to complain.
Your comments will be passed on to colleagues who will contact you with our response and in line with our complaint procedures.
Best wishes
Lee
Quote
Good Afternoon
Thank you for your feedback following the Everton game on Saturday 13th, please accept my apologise that the service levels weren’t at our usual standards.
Due to increased temperature’s we had multi technical failures affecting service levels, this caused increased pressure in the concourse area, coupled with increased volumes of beverage being served, resulted in stock movement issues around the stadium.
We have worked hard close season on enhancing our concourse areas, with increased street traders, additional draught bar facilities and new food varieties to give greater variety to the Villa Fans.
We have fully reviewed all feedback from the game and are working with the team to implement remedial actions in readiness for our next home game against West Ham on Sunday 28th.
Thank you again for feedback.
Sarah
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 16, 2022, 03:48:59 PM
Post by: Gareth on August 16, 2022, 03:49:36 PM
Not a catering issue but my daughter said that there was only one working stall in the Ladies toilets in the Upper Doug Ellis.My other half said the same although she did qualify it by saying that the other two in that area were blocked with blue paper towels so you have to say users weren’t helping
They’ve had all closed season to sort that out. They clearly need a decent Facilities Manager.
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 16, 2022, 03:54:13 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 16, 2022, 04:05:06 PM
Post by: Flin5tone on August 16, 2022, 04:15:08 PM
I seen absolutely no change on last season and the fact they're blaming the weather and stock issues is absolutely ridiculous as it's been like this for years. Until they listen to us the people actually attending the match they will never know.
I imagine people are paid big money to sit around a table talking garbage with little end result. How we will all love a street burger and so on, we just want a fast,simple service.
They said they have added a new draught bar but that takes time, we need simple bottle bars and simple fast food .
It's an absolute disgrace and we owe an apology to the away fans who in the lower tier will have been in full sun
If you want a fancy burger head to OPM after the match. I dread to think what 'Villa live' will be like .
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 16, 2022, 04:15:46 PM
Fkinell
Post by: Des Little on August 16, 2022, 04:19:07 PM
Post by: Dave P on August 16, 2022, 04:38:29 PM
“ usual high standards”
Fkinell
That reply doesn't say 'high', just 'usual standards lol.
Post by: Richard E on August 16, 2022, 04:40:36 PM
Post by: Border villan on August 16, 2022, 04:45:10 PM
Post by: j66acd on August 16, 2022, 05:39:03 PM
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 16, 2022, 05:41:46 PM
I was allowed to take in a frozen bottle of squash (Robinsons), but was told it in no uncertain terms that the lid had to go. This frozen delight only fully thawed by the time I got back to the car. It was easily the weight of the clubs Estonians use to beat their whales with so I was surprised my chilled refreshment was allowed to be consumed on the premises.
Ice pops the weapon of champions
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 16, 2022, 06:00:18 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 16, 2022, 06:33:46 PM
Did every other stadium in the country have multi technical failures because it a was bit hotter than usual? Who would ever have thought it may be hot in August.
Nail on head.
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 16, 2022, 06:57:24 PM
Oh yes, usual shit standards“ usual high standards”
Fkinell
That reply doesn't say 'high', just 'usual standards lol.
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 16, 2022, 07:37:06 PM
I think the club believes we all want fancy 'street food' and that reply above to the email says it all.
I seen absolutely no change on last season and the fact they're blaming the weather and stock issues is absolutely ridiculous as it's been like this for years. Until they listen to us the people actually attending the match they will never know.
I imagine people are paid big money to sit around a table talking garbage with little end result. How we will all love a street burger and so on, we just want a fast,simple service.
They said they have added a new draught bar but that takes time, we need simple bottle bars and simple fast food .
It's an absolute disgrace and we owe an apology to the away fans who in the lower tier will have been in full sun
If you want a fancy burger head to OPM after the match. I dread to think what 'Villa live' will be like .
Stopped clocks, monkeys and Shakespeare. I can hardly disagree with a word of this.
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 16, 2022, 07:48:13 PM
I think the club believes we all want fancy 'street food' and that reply above to the email says it all.
I seen absolutely no change on last season and the fact they're blaming the weather and stock issues is absolutely ridiculous as it's been like this for years. Until they listen to us the people actually attending the match they will never know.
I imagine people are paid big money to sit around a table talking garbage with little end result. How we will all love a street burger and so on, we just want a fast,simple service.
They said they have added a new draught bar but that takes time, we need simple bottle bars and simple fast food .
It's an absolute disgrace and we owe an apology to the away fans who in the lower tier will have been in full sun
If you want a fancy burger head to OPM after the match. I dread to think what 'Villa live' will be like .
Stopped clocks, monkeys and Shakespeare. I can hardly disagree with a word of this.
On Saturday, in the upper Trinity while standing in the queue for 40 minutes, watching the game on a TV screen that is
delayed by 20 seconds pretty much melting
I did wonder how much Rose and Reds in the wine cellar they sold and If I ordered it , would the staff just explode
Normally I wouldnt have bothered but my son was pretty thirsty and I was pretty wary of heatstroke at the time
Post by: rooboy316 on August 17, 2022, 12:02:14 PM
The most annoying thing is the apostrophe in ‘temperature’s’ (sic.)Being asked to accept her ‘apologise’ made me wince more!
Post by: Ad@m on August 17, 2022, 12:56:55 PM
Did they have “ multi technical failures” or multiple technical failures. Or do they just not proof read what they send out.
I know we shouldn't judge and all that, but with an email written that badly by the Head of Retail, it's little wonder the service is so shite. It doesn't exactly scream "attention to detail".
Post by: Risso on August 17, 2022, 01:02:44 PM
Did they have “ multi technical failures” or multiple technical failures. Or do they just not proof read what they send out.
I know we shouldn't judge and all that, but with an email written that badly by the Head of Retail, it's little wonder the service is so shite. It doesn't exactly scream "attention to detail".
We should judge, it's abysmal. If people can't put together an email without spelling mistakes then they shouldn't be allowed to correspond with the public.
Post by: Risso on August 17, 2022, 01:07:54 PM
I think the club believes we all want fancy 'street food' and that reply above to the email says it all.
I seen absolutely no change on last season and the fact they're blaming the weather and stock issues is absolutely ridiculous as it's been like this for years. Until they listen to us the people actually attending the match they will never know.
I imagine people are paid big money to sit around a table talking garbage with little end result. How we will all love a street burger and so on, we just want a fast,simple service.
They said they have added a new draught bar but that takes time, we need simple bottle bars and simple fast food .
It's an absolute disgrace and we owe an apology to the away fans who in the lower tier will have been in full sun
If you want a fancy burger head to OPM after the match. I dread to think what 'Villa live' will be like .
Stopped clocks, monkeys and Shakespeare. I can hardly disagree with a word of this.
There's nothing inherently wrong with street food, or trying to expand the offering as long as the basics are right first. If you can't even serve people with what football fans would consider to be the most rudimentary basics of a pie and a pint quickly and efficiently without them having to miss half the match, then trying to add in pulled pork and gourmet burgers is just going to make matters worse.
Post by: LeeB on August 17, 2022, 01:10:45 PM
Did they have “ multi technical failures” or multiple technical failures. Or do they just not proof read what they send out.
I know we shouldn't judge and all that, but with an email written that badly by the Head of Retail, it's little wonder the service is so shite. It doesn't exactly scream "attention to detail".
We should judge, it's abysmal. If people can't put together an email without spelling mistakes then they shouldn't be allowed to correspond with the public.
Coudnt agree more, there a disgrase.
Post by: chrisw1 on August 17, 2022, 05:35:15 PM
How much is a multi pint pourer?
How may more sales could they make per match if the queues were significantly shorter / quicker? Surely the maths has to work? Imagine if people had time for a pint AND a pie at half time?
Post by: Richard E on August 17, 2022, 05:43:48 PM
Post by: amfy on August 17, 2022, 06:25:41 PM
The catering is a joke, even in the upper Holte where there's plenty of room it's not worth even trying to get a pint at half time unless your're prepared to miss some of the match. In the Doug upper it's not worth trying even before a game. It's ther most ridiculous catering facility I've ever seen at a sporting venue.
How much is a multi pint pourer?
How may more sales could they make per match if the queues were significantly shorter / quicker? Surely the maths has to work? Imagine if people had time for a pint AND a pie at half time?
I remember reading somewhere that a multi pint pourer is £20,000 or something mad like that, so it’s not an insignificant investment to to get them behind a number of bars in the ground, but probably still worth it within a relatively short period of time.
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 17, 2022, 07:11:17 PM
They need to get people in the ground early and spending money - not in social clubs and city centre pubs.
They're missing a massive trick here. Surely they're aware of it.
Post by: Risso on August 17, 2022, 07:42:54 PM
The catering is a joke, even in the upper Holte where there's plenty of room it's not worth even trying to get a pint at half time unless your're prepared to miss some of the match. In the Doug upper it's not worth trying even before a game. It's ther most ridiculous catering facility I've ever seen at a sporting venue.
How much is a multi pint pourer?
How may more sales could they make per match if the queues were significantly shorter / quicker? Surely the maths has to work? Imagine if people had time for a pint AND a pie at half time?
I remember reading somewhere that a multi pint pourer is £20,000 or something mad like that, so it’s not an insignificant investment to to get them behind a number of bars in the ground, but probably still worth it within a relatively short period of time.
I reckon that would easily pay for itself after one fixture.
Post by: amfy on August 17, 2022, 08:01:39 PM
The catering is a joke, even in the upper Holte where there's plenty of room it's not worth even trying to get a pint at half time unless your're prepared to miss some of the match. In the Doug upper it's not worth trying even before a game. It's ther most ridiculous catering facility I've ever seen at a sporting venue.
How much is a multi pint pourer?
How may more sales could they make per match if the queues were significantly shorter / quicker? Surely the maths has to work? Imagine if people had time for a pint AND a pie at half time?
I remember reading somewhere that a multi pint pourer is £20,000 or something mad like that, so it’s not an insignificant investment to to get them behind a number of bars in the ground, but probably still worth it within a relatively short period of time.
I reckon that would easily pay for itself after one fixture.
If profit was £5 a pint (& I don’t think it is that much) that’d be 4000 extra pints from one bar in the about 3 hours of serving time at a game. It’d pay for itself, but not in one fixture.
Post by: andrew08 on August 17, 2022, 08:37:26 PM
Post by: The Edge on August 17, 2022, 09:43:17 PM
The catering is a joke, even in the upper Holte where there's plenty of room it's not worth even trying to get a pint at half time unless your're prepared to miss some of the match. In the Doug upper it's not worth trying even before a game. It's ther most ridiculous catering facility I've ever seen at a sporting venue.I believe multi pour machines are installed for free so long as you sign an agreement to sell a particular beer for at least two seasons.
How much is a multi pint pourer?
How may more sales could they make per match if the queues were significantly shorter / quicker? Surely the maths has to work? Imagine if people had time for a pint AND a pie at half time?
Post by: Des Little on August 17, 2022, 10:50:33 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 17, 2022, 10:52:04 PM
Post by: Zouch Villa on August 17, 2022, 11:25:19 PM
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 18, 2022, 12:31:20 AM
Im not sure how they'd work with teh cheaper "flexible" plastic glasses we use.But 56 pints in a minute!!
Post by: Risso on August 18, 2022, 10:19:54 AM
The catering is a joke, even in the upper Holte where there's plenty of room it's not worth even trying to get a pint at half time unless your're prepared to miss some of the match. In the Doug upper it's not worth trying even before a game. It's ther most ridiculous catering facility I've ever seen at a sporting venue.
How much is a multi pint pourer?
How may more sales could they make per match if the queues were significantly shorter / quicker? Surely the maths has to work? Imagine if people had time for a pint AND a pie at half time?
I remember reading somewhere that a multi pint pourer is £20,000 or something mad like that, so it’s not an insignificant investment to to get them behind a number of bars in the ground, but probably still worth it within a relatively short period of time.
I reckon that would easily pay for itself after one fixture.
If profit was £5 a pint (& I don’t think it is that much) that’d be 4000 extra pints from one bar in the about 3 hours of serving time at a game. It’d pay for itself, but not in one fixture.
It's not just the beer though, it's the profit on everything else that's going unsold because people either aren't getting served on time, or are choosing not to even bother trying. It's not hard to imagine that 2,000 people not bothering could easily be a tenner a head profit that's missed. One machine wouldn't be enough by itself of course, but as part of a package of well thought and carefully planned measures it would be an important tool. And absolutely miniscule investment in terms of a football club's finances.
Post by: chrisw1 on August 18, 2022, 11:29:59 AM
If there's not plans to do anything major in the upper Doug then surely it would be an absolute no brainer there as most people won't ever bother trying to get refreshments in that ridiculous corridor?
Post by: eamonn on August 18, 2022, 10:23:23 PM
Post by: Des Little on August 18, 2022, 10:24:19 PM
I wish Nicky Keye was still around to make all this go away.
I think Bet Lynch would be more appropriate
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 18, 2022, 10:42:38 PM
I wish Nicky Keye was still around to make all this go away.
I saw her on Saturday.
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 24, 2022, 10:42:39 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 24, 2022, 10:49:32 PM
A statement is due to be issued tomorrow basically apologising and giving details of proposed improvements.
Thanks for that. It will be interesting if the apology and proposed improvements just focus on the first game if the season. Hopefully it addresses the longer term problems.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 24, 2022, 10:56:53 PM
A statement is due to be issued tomorrow basically apologising and giving details of proposed improvements.
Thanks for the update Dave.
Hopefully, they don't just assume it was the recent Everton game where the service was lacking.... it's been shocking for as long as I can remember, and whoever is in charge of it basically needs their marching orders, or at the very, very least, a HUGE kick up the arse!
Post by: KRS on August 25, 2022, 12:34:33 AM
Post by: London Villan on August 27, 2022, 02:59:16 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 27, 2022, 03:18:50 PM
Has the statement/apology appeared yet?
Maybe it's being prepared by the the same people that do the catering, which would explain why it's taking so long.
Post by: Des Little on August 27, 2022, 03:35:40 PM
Has the statement/apology appeared yet?
It’s in for its 7th spell check.
Post by: Kevin Dawson on August 28, 2022, 12:29:48 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2022, 12:32:30 PM
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 28, 2022, 12:36:26 PM
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 28, 2022, 02:32:55 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/GxGqnNp/BDCB877-C-532-E-42-DE-8-BBF-86-AF5-D6-D5-F1-D.png) (https://ibb.co/GxGqnNp)
Post by: astonvilla82 on August 28, 2022, 03:02:14 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 28, 2022, 05:50:42 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/GxGqnNp/BDCB877-C-532-E-42-DE-8-BBF-86-AF5-D6-D5-F1-D.png) (https://ibb.co/GxGqnNp)
No change in the Holte lower. Went down on 35 mins to order 1 pint for me and a bottle of coke and one portion of chips for my daughter. There were about 6 people in front of me, got served with 5 minutes to go before 2nd half k/o. Thats 20 mins to serve 5 or 6 in front of me, who were just getting a couple of drinks and maybe a portion of chips. The issue apparently was a wait on the chips, honestly give up.
I still feel really really sorry for the mostly young black kids behind the counter, getting shouted at my mostly frustrated middle aged white blokes. The supporters should know better, but those kids should not be put in that position by the catering company or the Villa.
Post by: London Villan on August 28, 2022, 05:54:25 PM
Post by: manic-road on August 28, 2022, 05:54:42 PM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 28, 2022, 06:17:30 PM
Post by: astonvilla82 on August 28, 2022, 06:24:27 PM
Post by: Border villan on August 28, 2022, 06:43:48 PM
Post by: London Villan on August 28, 2022, 06:46:27 PM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 28, 2022, 07:08:47 PM
Please remember these are young kids working the bar and have no experience beforehand,I wasn't perfect at my job when young but learnt on the way, so we need to cut them a bit of slack especially when they are on minimum wages,
Yep, understand that totally - I used to work in bars in my younger days and they're extremely high pressured scenarios for people with little experience of it.
I wasn't in anyway harsh on the girl... I was even questioning to myself whether I should say anything at all. I offered the advice with the utmost respect, in a friendly manner - She seemed to take it the right way, and I'm sure many perfect pints will be poured in the future! 😁
It's a travesty that bar managers don't run new starters through these most basic of skills before they open up. 😔
Post by: V1lla on August 28, 2022, 09:22:22 PM
Easily a 10 min delay because they’d run out of chips. I mean, fancy people wanting chips before the game!
Agree it’s not the kids’ fault but the contractors. They need to be held to account for their shoddy service.
Post by: artvandelay on August 28, 2022, 09:23:25 PM
https://www.middletownpress.com/sports/article/Free-beer-was-right-call-at-Dublin-game-says-17403374.php
Post by: astonvilla82 on August 28, 2022, 09:28:57 PM
👍Please remember these are young kids working the bar and have no experience beforehand,I wasn't perfect at my job when young but learnt on the way, so we need to cut them a bit of slack especially when they are on minimum wages,
Yep, understand that totally - I used to work in bars in my younger days and they're extremely high pressured scenarios for people with little experience of it.
I wasn't in anyway harsh on the girl... I was even questioning to myself whether I should say anything at all. I offered the advice with the utmost respect, in a friendly manner - She seemed to take it the right way, and I'm sure many perfect pints will be poured in the future! 😁
It's a travesty that bar managers don't run new starters through these most basic of skills before they open up. 😔
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 28, 2022, 09:54:20 PM
Post by: Chris Smith on August 29, 2022, 10:06:03 AM
Post by: SaddVillan on August 29, 2022, 07:38:16 PM
1. Simplify the range on offer. The caterers should have metrics on what sells most and is quickest/easiest to sell/serve
2. No fancy coffees - black or white. If you want a skinny decaff Americano with vanilla syrup then bugger off.
3. Bitter, lager or cider. People at the counter just serving, thise behind just pouring
4. Balti or steak and kidney and sausage rolls
5. Card payment only. Pay before you approach the counter and whilst your in the queue. Proper stock control/monitoring will tell if they've got what you want in stock by the time you get to the counter. If not, you can pick something else and no time is lost.
6. Queues to be railed to keep them in order
7. The kids serving food should be doing just that - nothing else.
Pies/chips at one counter.
Beers at another
Coffee/crisps/sugary fizzy stuff at another.
One final point:
If they're trying to serve 500 fans at a counter and it takes just an additional 3 seconds to serve each customer then the last person in the queue will have to wait an extra 25 minutes to get served.
Post by: not3bad on August 29, 2022, 07:51:24 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on August 29, 2022, 07:59:18 PM
Villa Park is a "legacy" ground., which is why it is so wel liked by visitors "proper" old fashioned" "full of character" etc. etc.
But therein lies the problem.
The stands have insufficient space beneath them to enable adequate, modern catering to function.
The Witton Lane (aka Herbert's Stand) is probably the worst of the lot. Long, narrow concourse, with little or no room for volumes of food to be stored or cooked/heated and really shitty conditions for the poor kids who work there. And there's not enough room either for the fans waiting to get served or to eat/drink what they've bought or queue for the inadequate toilets.
It needs a major overhaul - preferably dropping and extending back out onto Witton Lane - but that's something for another thread.
Post by: astonvilla82 on August 29, 2022, 08:50:56 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 29, 2022, 09:59:41 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 29, 2022, 10:22:01 PM
Got served swiftly in the lower trinity 20 odd minutes before ko but did notice there were no pies on sale, just sold out signs.and how much were they?
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 29, 2022, 11:58:49 PM
Got served swiftly in the lower trinity 20 odd minutes before ko but did notice there were no pies on sale, just sold out signs.and how much were they?
They couldn’t give them away!
Post by: Pete3206 on August 30, 2022, 11:19:38 AM
Post by: colin69 on September 03, 2022, 08:08:26 PM
Post by: amfy on September 04, 2022, 12:50:22 AM
Post by: eamonn on September 04, 2022, 12:59:02 AM
Post by: hipkiss92 on September 04, 2022, 08:07:49 AM
Post by: danno on September 04, 2022, 08:18:54 AM
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 04, 2022, 08:21:45 AM
Well I have to say we went for a beer at half time in the lower Holte and the service was great for a change. Clearly a big improvement.
Agree, and couldn’t work out what the change was?
Post by: wittonwarrior on September 04, 2022, 10:04:30 AM
Post by: Clampy on September 04, 2022, 10:07:06 AM
Holte suite - now using small plates for the dinners.
People might start taking their own big plates.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on September 04, 2022, 10:11:12 AM
Couldn't work out what had changed, but a MASSIVE improvement both on and off the pitch yesterday. Long may it continue!
Post by: colin69 on September 04, 2022, 10:16:51 AM
The lady who served us was asking the people behind us what they wanted as she poured our pints and letting the lady on the till know what to take for. All the staff seemed much quicker and professional. I was very impressed with the service and long may it continue.Well I have to say we went for a beer at half time in the lower Holte and the service was great for a change. Clearly a big improvement.
Agree, and couldn’t work out what the change was?
Post by: Towser on September 04, 2022, 11:03:24 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on September 05, 2022, 11:45:33 AM
Never have much trouble getting served in the upper holte. The Trinity Road is usually the one where I queue for ages before giving up.Really? I think it's awful. A half time pint isn't really possible without missing some of the game.
Post by: not3bad on September 05, 2022, 11:58:59 AM
Post by: Border villan on September 05, 2022, 01:12:25 PM
Never have much trouble getting served in the upper holte. The Trinity Road is usually the one where I queue for ages before giving up.Really? I think it's awful. A half time pint isn't really possible without missing some of the game.
A few players have managed that in the past 😇
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 09, 2022, 04:22:57 PM
Post by: adrenachrome on December 16, 2022, 02:22:13 AM
Quote
#AVFC has announced upgrades to the Lower Holte food & beverage kiosks. Self-service was operational from the Villarreal game. If you were at the game and used the kiosk, we want to hear about your experience?
Post by: Jon Crofts on December 16, 2022, 09:44:24 AM
Post by: LeeB on December 16, 2022, 10:04:54 AM
Post by: not3bad on December 16, 2022, 11:05:34 AM
Post by: Risso on December 16, 2022, 11:19:17 AM
"Choose you drink"
Deary me, dismal.
Post by: Pete3206 on December 17, 2022, 02:57:40 PM
'Frictionless Kiosk'
How about some staff to pre-pour pints and keep queues moving?
Post by: Flin5tone on December 18, 2022, 11:07:16 PM
Post by: wince on December 19, 2022, 01:24:58 AM
Post by: Flin5tone on December 19, 2022, 05:00:12 PM
Post by: eamonn on December 19, 2022, 05:24:40 PM
Post by: VILLA MOLE on December 19, 2022, 06:57:26 PM
About as childish as his actions after collecting the Golden Glove.
oh who hasn’t done that with a golden glove ? 😃
Post by: chrisw1 on December 19, 2022, 07:19:46 PM
Such an unlikeable fellow.I see what you did there
Post by: wince on December 19, 2022, 09:29:53 PM
About as childish as his actions after collecting the Golden Glove.I couldn’t give a toss mate.
Post by: Pete3206 on December 19, 2022, 10:06:38 PM
About as childish as his actions after collecting the Golden Glove.
Is there any joy in your life? What's wrong with goofing around, especially in front of those Qatari twats.
Post by: wince on December 19, 2022, 10:22:50 PM
Wouldn’t bother. The villa fan equivalent of Oliver Cromwell. Flinty, I’m a bit worried about you. Either you are on the wind up or you need some help. Unsure which. I do apologise for my tongue in cheek comment but was in back of us celebrating one ours winning the WC and you couldn’t seem to find any joy. So Puritan or in need of some support? I may be being benevolent in my Christmas cheer. Wince Pies for all!About as childish as his actions after collecting the Golden Glove.
Is there any joy in your life? What's wrong with goofing around, especially in front of those Qatari twats.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on December 26, 2022, 05:09:53 PM
Post by: The Edge on December 26, 2022, 07:53:24 PM
Massive full-on pisstake in the UT today, as per fucking normal.The ran out of pies and chips. It's fucking abysmal and not getting any better. It's as if they're shocked every time we get a big crowd.
Post by: Gareth on December 26, 2022, 10:20:21 PM
Post by: adrenachrome on December 26, 2022, 10:47:48 PM
Witton Upper, I walked in an hour before kick off and there was already a massive queue & didn’t consider joining….the staffing (numbers & brain power) is always abysmal but there has to be a way to offer refreshments properly and efficiently. The range of offerings is already massively less than other stands, at least serve them quickly
Yeah. Hopeless.
I used to go to the Lion's Club near the North Stand back way back when.
I'm amazed that nobody has come a cropper in the main bog area.
It's like a fucking ice rink.
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on December 26, 2022, 10:50:09 PM
Post by: Flin5tone on December 26, 2022, 11:32:22 PM
Post by: Drummond on December 27, 2022, 12:52:16 AM
Post by: Border villan on December 27, 2022, 09:56:17 AM
Went in the Holte pub for a pint before the game, it was unusually quiet, I wonder why ……… No draught Guinness run out, only cans. No Amstel, run out. No Purity, run out. No Heineken run out, only bottles. We had to settle for cider.
Still we had our half time balti pie to look forward to. When we eventually got the pies they were incinerated on the outside and not even lukewarm but really cold on the inside, another catering triumph for AVFC.
We have previously written to AVFC about the appalling catering but no reply.
Post by: Ad@m on December 27, 2022, 10:33:16 AM
Massive full-on pisstake in the UT today, as per fucking normal.
Don't get me started! I normally sit in the Lower Holte but was in the UT yesterday with family.
Two tills side by side - one apparently selling food, the other alcohol. Queued in one for 30 minutes to get food only to find at the front that they only sold chips, not pies and I had to go to the other one for pies. I then moved to the other one to get a pie only to be told that at that one they didn't sell hot drinks and I had to queue again in the first queue for hot drinks.
Behind the counter it was all the same place and they refused to walk through the open door to serve everything available.
Who makes this bizarre shit up?!
Post by: Walmley_Villa on December 27, 2022, 10:49:52 AM
Post by: exigo on December 27, 2022, 11:11:02 AM
The touch screens don't work very well, and whoever designed the User Interface wants a stern word. Then you get a ticket with your order on, and have to queue again to get your drinks. No pre-pour and the slowest taps in history mean that the two people at the collection point got overwhelmed within seconds of the ground opening.
With loads driving, couple of mates couldn't be arsed queueing for soft drinks, so we're still losing out on revenue left, right and centre.
Post by: j66acd on December 27, 2022, 11:28:10 AM
Post by: astonvilla82 on December 27, 2022, 11:30:55 AM
Upper Holte main bar, ordered a can of Guinness and the lad had to ask someone how to open it…Guinness in a can, sacrilege
Post by: astonvilla82 on December 27, 2022, 11:37:02 AM
That was absolutely tragic today in the lower holte end , I moved from upper as brought a family member along. The new system is worse there's now machines to pre order and then you join another queue to collect. Made it even worse than before, Holte Suite closed, no other improvementsgot into the Holte suite at halftime, but they then closed the doors,it was practically empty inside and easy to get served,then one of the stewards decided to stop people moving between each bar, the rear bar was empty considering and after a bit of ear ache they let people through, son got served in minutes
Post by: Nunkin1965 on December 27, 2022, 12:10:07 PM
Personally speaking Guinness in a can is better than no Guinness at all.Upper Holte main bar, ordered a can of Guinness and the lad had to ask someone how to open it…Guinness in a can, sacrilege
Post by: SaddVillan on December 27, 2022, 02:26:53 PM
After the World Cup break we returned full of Xmas spirit hoping for a great Boxing Day out.
Went in the Holte pub for a pint before the game, it was unusually quiet, I wonder why ……… No draught Guinness run out, only cans. No Amstel, run out. No Purity, run out. No Heineken run out, only bottles. We had to settle for cider.
Still we had our half time balti pie to look forward to. When we eventually got the pies they were incinerated on the outside and not even lukewarm but really cold on the inside, another catering triumph for AVFC.
We have previously written to AVFC about the appalling catering but no reply.
The Mupppets in the Holte pub deserve a medal for having no beer for a fixture that was announced back jn August. How and why they failed to have the cellars fully stocked for what was obviously going to be a bumper crowd beggars belief.
As for the balti pies - obviously thrown jnto a volcanically hot oven when heavily chilled, resulting in the burnt pastry/cold innards. Evidence once again of a mismanaged system that seems unable to cope with demand.
How long have they been trying (and failing) to get things right?
Post by: colin69 on December 27, 2022, 03:24:01 PM
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on December 27, 2022, 03:34:56 PM
my son and I just take a couple of beers into the park. (Classy or what)
Away at QPR a good few years ago and none of the pubs were letting away fans in so me and Pat McMahon sat on a bench in the middle of Shepherd’s Bush with a bag of cans. Like the opening scene in Bottom.
Post by: Rory on December 27, 2022, 03:36:22 PM
my son and I just take a couple of beers into the park. (Classy or what)
Away at QPR a good few years ago and none of the pubs were letting away fans in so me and Pat McMahon sat on a bench in the middle of Shepherd’s Bush with a bag of cans. Like the opening scene in Bottom.
Did one of you punch the other in the bollocks?
Post by: RamboandBruno on December 27, 2022, 04:25:52 PM
This season my son and I just take a couple of beers into the park. (Classy or what), but there’s no way I could be doing with those order screens then waiting in another collection queue. Looked like a nightmare.
We got to the ground about an hour before k/o, just because with no public transport, i thought parking might be tricky. I think the pre-ordering system worked reasonably well before the game, other than you couldn’t order hot food from the screens by the right hand entrance in the lower holte. Half time was a different story, queing for the screens, followed by similar ques as normal for the bar to collect. The problem seems to be the normal problem, the refusal or lack of instruction to pre pour lots of pints. Especially now there is a pre-ordering system, it makes even less sense to only have a handful of pre poured pints to dish out, the staff were still individually pouring pints. Theres a huge lack of supervision and management going on with the teenagers behind the counter, who need help.
Post by: Pete3206 on December 27, 2022, 05:05:22 PM
Post by: Des Little on December 27, 2022, 05:07:18 PM
Massive full-on pisstake in the UT today, as per fucking normal.
Yep, atrocious. I’m pretty sure we employ a load of people whose job it is to create a memorable match day ‘experience’. Looking at those poor kids faces in the queues, I’d say they’ve certainly achieved it. Jokers.
Post by: Pat McMahon on December 27, 2022, 05:51:00 PM
my son and I just take a couple of beers into the park. (Classy or what)
Away at QPR a good few years ago and none of the pubs were letting away fans in so me and Pat McMahon sat on a bench in the middle of Shepherd’s Bush with a bag of cans. Like the opening scene in Bottom.
That was a cracking day out, 1-0 win thanks to Kodjia and then upmarket beers in Notting Hill.
Almost as good as the away game at Arsenal at Christmas 2009 when we couldn’t get into pubs and asked a copper for directions to an off licence. We bought 4 cans each and then the same copper came over to tell us we couldn’t drink on the street.
Post by: Clampy on December 27, 2022, 05:57:53 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 27, 2022, 06:21:10 PM
I can understand the pre-match grumbles. The last time I was in the Holte Suite, it was much much better in fairness. I've never quite fathomed why people can't go a whole 90 minutes (and a bit) without a beer though.
I tend to agree, I've never really felt a massive urge to have a beer or something to eat inside the ground.
However, the point is, there are thousands of people who do want exactly that, and are there - a captive audience - and can't get served because it's such a mess, while we have had flat commercial income for years.
It seems to be a problem that persists across club managements from year to year. Can't they just send some people from our catering team (the management, I mean) to a ground where they get it much better and copy what they do?
Having a new system which consists of TWO queues rather than just the one is fucking nuts.
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 27, 2022, 06:34:44 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on December 27, 2022, 06:38:53 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on December 27, 2022, 07:01:57 PM
I can understand the pre-match grumbles. The last time I was in the Holte Suite, it was much much better in fairness. I've never quite fathomed why people can't go a whole 90 minutes (and a bit) without a beer though.
I agree to an extent, and ive asked myself several times why i bother to buy a beer or something for the kids at half time, its expensive and rushed. However, that isnt really the point, they have numerous kiosks, charging lots of money largely from supporters who have already shelled out lots of money on season tickets, the service is made available but its being delivered terribly. I don’t think its the variety of things on offer either, thats quite limited in my opinion. Its partly infrastructural in terms of the space available on the concourses, but its also the staffing. Im not having a go at what are largely teenagers who are no doubt very lowly paid, but they seem to have received little training (one of them was being shown how to pour a pint by another kid during half time), and there is no visible bar management if you like, in terms of co-ordinating what they do. It also doesnt help that the catering company used, obviously churns staff and its literally never the same people behind the various bars, so its groundhog day of new young employees not knowing what they are doing or what to expect every week.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 27, 2022, 07:33:50 PM
We know there's problems, they know there's problems. There just isn't the ability at present to make a wide choice available so until that's sorted we should get back to the basics - chips, pies, burgers.
They can’t even get the drinks part right, though.
Post by: Ad@m on December 27, 2022, 09:00:18 PM
Like others, I can't fathom how they manage to make it look so difficult.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 27, 2022, 09:41:32 PM
Post by: Des Little on December 27, 2022, 09:46:17 PM
Post by: Ad@m on December 27, 2022, 10:05:40 PM
Can’t you get them something from an outlet outside the ground before the match?
Well if we did the kids would've been eating dinner at 4.30 which is a bit early but it misses the point that an organisation the size of the Villa, who welcome 750,000 people a year through the turnstiles really ought to be able to sell some chips to people who want them.
Post by: Risso on December 27, 2022, 10:43:15 PM
Post by: artvandelay on December 27, 2022, 10:48:51 PM
Post by: Gareth on December 27, 2022, 10:51:52 PM
Post by: Nev on December 28, 2022, 08:41:25 AM
Given the relatively short timespan available at half time, why don’t they just sell bottled beers? Infinitely quicker to get people served and away surely?
Before taking a ST in the Holte, we used to go up the North Stand and although it was tiny, you could get half decent bottled beer and cider and looking back on it, it seemed easier than it is on the Holte.
Post by: Clampy on December 28, 2022, 09:21:16 AM
Yes, questioning why fans can’t go without a pint or whether they should get something outside is missing the point.
To you and others who have said this, you're all absolutely right. It's not just beer that's on sale, their's food and people do obviously get hungry. I think my point was aimed towards those who have been in pub two-three hours before the game then leave their seat half hour in to get some more down their neck.
Post by: Flin5tone on December 28, 2022, 09:35:02 AM
Bottles only, fast and simple
Pies/Burgers
Chocolate
And then get Costa or someone in to install a self service coffee machine
Problem solved
Post by: LeeB on December 28, 2022, 09:48:38 AM
Given the relatively short timespan available at half time, why don’t they just sell bottled beers? Infinitely quicker to get people served and away surely?
Before taking a ST in the Holte, we used to go up the North Stand and although it was tiny, you could get half decent bottled beer and cider and looking back on it, it seemed easier than it is on the Holte.
I've been up in the North Stand the last few seasons and for all it's faults, I don't experience anywhere near the problems listed by others on this thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on December 28, 2022, 09:54:47 AM
Well we put out the suggestions for a simple and effective system and clearly those at the top know more than us supporters. Instead they invest thousands on screens when all they really needed was bottle bars. The staff don't know how to pour pints, we seen fans having to show the staff how to pour.
Bottles only, fast and simple
Pies/Burgers
Chocolate
And then get Costa or someone in to install a self service coffee machine
Problem solved
Not rocket science is it. This and or a shed load of pre poured pints ready to go.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 28, 2022, 10:08:11 AM
.Can’t you get them something from an outlet outside the ground before the match?
Well if we did the kids would've been eating dinner at 4.30 which is a bit early but it misses the point that an organisation the size of the Villa, who welcome 750,000 people a year through the turnstiles really ought to be able to sell some chips to people who want them.
Oh yeah I definitely agree with that, was just an aside
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 28, 2022, 10:16:56 AM
Problem solved.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 28, 2022, 10:26:59 AM
Post by: LeeB on December 28, 2022, 11:51:02 AM
Yeah a self service coffee machine would remove one problem and create another.
If you ever had the misfortune to attemp to feed your family at a service station or airport during the summer holidays, where the self service 'order and collect' tills are now everywhere, you would see the danger and futility fo attempting to drop such a system into the already hopeless set up we have.
It's just taking the ineptitude of the current system and multiplying it by the gormlessness of the general population.
Post by: Des Little on December 28, 2022, 02:27:17 PM
Nevermind there’ll soon be another 8000 fans to not manage to serve….if they had the inclination to fix it they would have done by now
Make no mistake, that extra 8k will be enjoying corporate style service in their lounge. There’ll be no queuing or unavailability of chips there, unlike everyone else.
Post by: SaddVillan on December 28, 2022, 02:36:47 PM
Here are some rough numbers based on figures I've plucked out of the air - feel free to disagree:
Average attendance: 41,000
Average spend per attendee: £8
Number of home games: 25 (assuming hone cup fixtures)
Total income: £8.2m
Deduct VAT from that- income drops to £6.8m
Say the club operates on a 40% profit margin - after deducting all costs, then the club ends up with a net profit of £2.74m, or £109k per match.
Post by: Ad@m on December 28, 2022, 03:03:18 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on December 28, 2022, 06:15:24 PM
The result?
They take more on catering money than we do in ticket sales £15m a season.
OK, their average attendance is higher, but they get c.£15 spend per punter per game.
We need a radical overhaul of how we manage the whole process.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 28, 2022, 06:57:08 PM
I'm not sure being the only club in the land that can't work out how to make money from efficiently selling food and drink at games is the look the owners want to go for.You would have thought so, but this has been a problem for ages and they appear clueless in how to solve it.
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 28, 2022, 07:08:55 PM
Spurs' new ground was designed and built with the aim of maximising revenue from all sources.
The result?
They take more on catering money than we do in ticket sales £15m a season.
OK, their average attendance is higher, but they get c.£15 spend per punter per game.
We need a radical overhaul of how we manage the whole process.
One of the advantages Spurs have got, and I've said this many times about different places, is that theirs is the sort of ground where people have always got there early because there's a lot of choice close by. We don't have that - our tradition is to eat and drink well away from the ground and get close to Villa Park comparatively later.
Post by: Dave P on December 28, 2022, 07:09:54 PM
Spurs' new ground was designed and built with the aim of maximising revenue from all sources.
The result?
They take more on catering money than we do in ticket sales £15m a season.
OK, their average attendance is higher, but they get c.£15 spend per punter per game.
We need a radical overhaul of how we manage the whole process.
One of the advantages Spurs have got, and I've said this many times about different places, is that theirs is the sort of ground where people have always got there early because there's a lot of choice close by. We don't have that - our tradition is to eat and drink well away from the ground and get close to Villa Park comparatively later.
Villa Live could change that.
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 28, 2022, 07:19:14 PM
Spurs' new ground was designed and built with the aim of maximising revenue from all sources.
The result?
They take more on catering money than we do in ticket sales £15m a season.
OK, their average attendance is higher, but they get c.£15 spend per punter per game.
We need a radical overhaul of how we manage the whole process.
One of the advantages Spurs have got, and I've said this many times about different places, is that theirs is the sort of ground where people have always got there early because there's a lot of choice close by. We don't have that - our tradition is to eat and drink well away from the ground and get close to Villa Park comparatively later.
Villa Live could change that.
Hopefully, but it will have to offer something different. Changing a mindset is a difficult business.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 28, 2022, 07:54:51 PM
Spurs' new ground was designed and built with the aim of maximising revenue from all sources.
The result?
They take more on catering money than we do in ticket sales £15m a season.
OK, their average attendance is higher, but they get c.£15 spend per punter per game.
We need a radical overhaul of how we manage the whole process.
One of the advantages Spurs have got, and I've said this many times about different places, is that theirs is the sort of ground where people have always got there early because there's a lot of choice close by. We don't have that - our tradition is to eat and drink well away from the ground and get close to Villa Park comparatively later.
Villa Live could change that.
Hopefully, but it will have to offer something different. Changing a mindset is a difficult business.
Even then it's not going to change things on a particularly huge scale as it's one facility.
Post by: john e on December 28, 2022, 08:07:12 PM
you could create a outer perimeter which you enter with your ticket into an area of ample space for catering,drinks,entertainment
I know it’s been mentioned before I’m mentioning it again
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on December 28, 2022, 08:10:03 PM
Spurs' new ground was designed and built with the aim of maximising revenue from all sources.
The result?
They take more on catering money than we do in ticket sales £15m a season.
OK, their average attendance is higher, but they get c.£15 spend per punter per game.
We need a radical overhaul of how we manage the whole process.
One of the advantages Spurs have got, and I've said this many times about different places, is that theirs is the sort of ground where people have always got there early because there's a lot of choice close by. We don't have that - our tradition is to eat and drink well away from the ground and get close to Villa Park comparatively later.
Both an up to date venue and peoples mindsets are true but it still doesn’t change the fact that people struggle to get whatever they want. It’s a captive audience and it’s a really poor show that probably 75% of fans have to queue for so long to get drink/ food.
Post by: Aldridge Villa on December 28, 2022, 08:15:56 PM
Post by: astonvilla82 on December 28, 2022, 11:37:56 PM
Post by: Clampy on December 29, 2022, 07:35:45 AM
Also when you are in the Holte suite you get some Sargent Major shouting for you to drink up after about fifteen minutes
I know the bloke you mean. I'm sure he's a nice chap but he's a bit if a jobsworth.
Post by: Risso on December 29, 2022, 12:45:45 PM
One of the advantages Spurs have got, and I've said this many times about different places, is that theirs is the sort of ground where people have always got there early because there's a lot of choice close by. We don't have that - our tradition is to eat and drink well away from the ground and get close to Villa Park comparatively later.
I'm not sure Spurs is the best example of that, Arsenal is probably better. Spurs is in a pretty shitty area with not that much around it, London-wise anyway. Arsenal's got a massive area between Islington and Finsbury Park on its doorstep with hundreds of pubs, cafés and restaurants.
Our problems are a combination of a large old ground, with poorly designed concourses and the fact we don't utilise the outside space, as well as really terrible agency staff.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 29, 2022, 12:54:52 PM
It’s all properly fucked and has been for years.
Post by: Nev on December 29, 2022, 01:16:39 PM
I get the challenges and the need to be realistic when you have minimum wage agency staff working for a third party doing the serving but when you watch them work there is nothing at all suggesting any urgency about them.
It’s all properly fucked and has been for years.
It's not unique to us, it's very similar at The Cheltenham Festival so much so that I will be attending one day this year when I usually do 3. That's down to the astronomical cost as well of course but it all boils down to minimum investment and maximum profit, where training and decent wages drive up the former and down the latter.
Post by: RamboandBruno on December 29, 2022, 02:23:34 PM
I get the challenges and the need to be realistic when you have minimum wage agency staff working for a third party doing the serving but when you watch them work there is nothing at all suggesting any urgency about them.At the Villareal friendly, my lad wanted to go down for a hot chocolate on 35 mins, as it was so cold that night. At that point there were 4 people in front of me in the que at the pie kiosk in the middle of the holte. There was no hot food being served, just drinks. There was one teenage girl busily trying to serve everyone hot drinks and pints and two lads not being lazy but just standing around looking like they didnt have a clue what to do. I eventually got the hot chocolate and a pint, 5 mins before the second half started, thats 20 mins to serve me and 4 people in front. Its appalling service, but again i categorically do not blame those minimum wage kids, in fact i feel as sorry for them being placed in a position where they have to face thousands of pissed off people on a match day.
It’s all properly fucked and has been for years.
Post by: The Edge on December 29, 2022, 03:51:03 PM
Cheltenham has 50/60,000 four days a year and in my opinion they have made massive strides in catering and customer services over the last ten years. Villa Park has fallen behind a helluva lot over those years. With enough determination and commitment it can be done. Hopefully it'll all change when the stadium revamp happens and we can look back and laugh at the current "bad old days" of service.I get the challenges and the need to be realistic when you have minimum wage agency staff working for a third party doing the serving but when you watch them work there is nothing at all suggesting any urgency about them.
It’s all properly fucked and has been for years.
It's not unique to us, it's very similar at The Cheltenham Festival so much so that I will be attending one day this year when I usually do 3. That's down to the astronomical cost as well of course but it all boils down to minimum investment and maximum profit, where training and decent wages drive up the former and down the latter.
Post by: astonvilla82 on December 29, 2022, 04:19:45 PM
went to Cheltenham many years ago they have the pints lined up ready to give out and was very quick,is it any different today, they use to do the same in the upper Holte years ago ready for halftime but now I am in the lower HolteCheltenham has 50/60,000 four days a year and in my opinion they have made massive strides in catering and customer services over the last ten years. Villa Park has fallen behind a helluva lot over those years. With enough determination and commitment it can be done. Hopefully it'll all change when the stadium revamp happens and we can look back and laugh at the current "bad old days" of service.I get the challenges and the need to be realistic when you have minimum wage agency staff working for a third party doing the serving but when you watch them work there is nothing at all suggesting any urgency about them.
It’s all properly fucked and has been for years.
It's not unique to us, it's very similar at The Cheltenham Festival so much so that I will be attending one day this year when I usually do 3. That's down to the astronomical cost as well of course but it all boils down to minimum investment and maximum profit, where training and decent wages drive up the former and down the latter.
Post by: The Edge on December 29, 2022, 08:14:39 PM
The Best Mate beer tent where we going huge. It's one massive long bar to take orders and money. Behind them is an equally long bar with people just serving drinks. The ones taking the orders just turn round and pick up the already poured drinks and hand them to you. There's a huge rush between races which lasts a similar time to half time at football and everyone gets served pretty rapid. Something similar could be employed at VP. The main difference is space. Those bars at Cheltenham cater entirely for alcohol. Food vendors are spread everywhere else. It needs a massive re-think.went to Cheltenham many years ago they have the pints lined up ready to give out and was very quick,is it any different today, they use to do the same in the upper Holte years ago ready for halftime but now I am in the lower HolteCheltenham has 50/60,000 four days a year and in my opinion they have made massive strides in catering and customer services over the last ten years. Villa Park has fallen behind a helluva lot over those years. With enough determination and commitment it can be done. Hopefully it'll all change when the stadium revamp happens and we can look back and laugh at the current "bad old days" of service.I get the challenges and the need to be realistic when you have minimum wage agency staff working for a third party doing the serving but when you watch them work there is nothing at all suggesting any urgency about them.
It’s all properly fucked and has been for years.
It's not unique to us, it's very similar at The Cheltenham Festival so much so that I will be attending one day this year when I usually do 3. That's down to the astronomical cost as well of course but it all boils down to minimum investment and maximum profit, where training and decent wages drive up the former and down the latter.
Post by: Border villan on January 05, 2023, 01:30:11 PM
Queen outside the Holte pub at 6.45, the steward told us it was one out one in and when we got in there was a 20 minute wait to get to the bar ………… however the problem was resolved at 6.55 when another steward came out and told us all that there was no draft beer left.
The wonder of AVFC catering continues.
Post by: Clampy on January 05, 2023, 01:45:02 PM
Getting worried I may be turning into the Wilma of this thread.
Queen outside the Holte pub at 6.45, the steward told us it was one out one in and when we got in there was a 20 minute wait to get to the bar ………… however the problem was resolved at 6.55 when another steward came out and told us all that there was no draft beer left.
The wonder of AVFC catering continues.
You should have gone in, they keep a Moet et Chandon in a pretty cabinet.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on January 05, 2023, 01:46:41 PM
We got up to the UT concourse at about 7.20/7.25, importantly before the scanner breakdown. The queues were minimal, 4 or 5 groups/people at most in any one, probably facilitated by two glaring improvements: firstly, they were well-stocked with hot offerings besides chips, with burgers, hotdogs and pies aplenty; secondly, better service at the counter, in that once our order was placed (two cans and a Coke) we were asked to take one step to the right whilst waiting for our drinks to be poured so that the next people in the queue could give their order. So quick we nearly had a second!
Post by: chrisw1 on January 05, 2023, 02:05:46 PM
Yeah, and to be fair last time I went in there I got served in a flash.Getting worried I may be turning into the Wilma of this thread.
Queen outside the Holte pub at 6.45, the steward told us it was one out one in and when we got in there was a 20 minute wait to get to the bar ………… however the problem was resolved at 6.55 when another steward came out and told us all that there was no draft beer left.
The wonder of AVFC catering continues.
You should have gone in, they keep a Moet et Chandon in a pretty cabinet.
Post by: Simon Page on January 05, 2023, 02:07:54 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on January 05, 2023, 02:28:52 PM
Purity on sale excellent I thought. But no,: "Not available. "Why?" I asked. "Dontvtell me you've run out too?"
"No the person pouring it can't do it properly."
I kid you mot.
The Villa really needs to get a grip in terms of the catering offer- it's a weekly car crash.
Supplies
Facilities
Equipment
Processes
Staff training
All need upgrading
Thankfully most posters on the forum realise that it's not the poor minimum age undertrainef kids at the sharp end who are to blame and don't give them too much grief
As with most things that don't work in modern Britain, its the management who are falling short. NSWE need to take them to task - shape up or ship out. And if we're outsourcing catering we need to start kicking arses
Personally, I couldn't give a flying fuck about Spurs or Cheltenham, I just want Villa up their game.
Next time our representatives have a "chat" with Purslow this needs to be brought up.
Post by: eamonn on January 05, 2023, 02:31:14 PM
Moet's more suited to a Night at the Opera.
Queen?
Post by: eamonn on January 05, 2023, 02:32:22 PM
One of the advantages Spurs have got, and I've said this many times about different places, is that theirs is the sort of ground where people have always got there early because there's a lot of choice close by. We don't have that - our tradition is to eat and drink well away from the ground and get close to Villa Park comparatively later.
I'm not sure Spurs is the best example of that, Arsenal is probably better. Spurs is in a pretty shitty area with not that much around it, London-wise anyway. Arsenal's got a massive area between Islington and Finsbury Park on its doorstep with hundreds of pubs, cafés and restaurants.
Yes, parts of Tottenham are more dodgy/disadvantaged than areas around VP.
Post by: London Villan on January 05, 2023, 02:32:54 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on January 05, 2023, 02:33:40 PM
Post by: Towser on January 05, 2023, 02:48:46 PM
Post by: Simon Page on January 05, 2023, 02:57:13 PM
Moet's more suited to a Night at the Opera.
Queen?
1975 album. Had quite a big hit on it. The film was better, but so was everything with Margaret Dumont.
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on January 05, 2023, 03:14:13 PM
Post by: Pat Mustard on January 05, 2023, 03:32:12 PM
Post by: LeeB on January 05, 2023, 03:34:35 PM
Can't we do the catering in-house? Or at least get some fans who haven't got season tickets to staff kiosks? I'm game.
There's a thought, some kind of indentured servitude for those on the waiting list. As a season ticket holder I'm all for it.
Post by: eamonn on January 05, 2023, 04:00:20 PM
Can't we do the catering in-house? Or at least get some fans who haven't got season tickets to staff kiosks? I'm game.
There's a thought, some kind of indentured servitude for those on the waiting list. As a season ticket holder I'm all for it.
With payment being given a boost up the queue.
Post by: amfy on January 05, 2023, 04:29:51 PM
The facilities made serving a total car crash mind. Nothing worked like it should. You’d just get through it by knowing that it was 2 intense bursts of activity….about half an hour before KO & half time were absolutely bonkers, but other than that it was a total doss of tbh.
I used to sometimes work at St Andrews when we were away from home, & there it was much harder because they literally didn’t stop eating for the whole game!
Post by: Pat Mustard on January 05, 2023, 04:33:05 PM
When I was a student I did this and it was a way of seeing the last 20-30 mins of a game when I couldn’t afford to.
The facilities made serving a total car crash mind. Nothing worked like it should. You’d just get through it by knowing that it was 2 intense bursts of activity….about half an hour before KO & half time were absolutely bonkers, but other than that it was a total doss of tbh.
I used to sometimes work at St Andrews when we were away from home, & there it was much harder because they literally didn’t stop eating for the whole game!
Not surprising really, considering the alternative would be having to watch them play.
Post by: VILLA MOLE on January 05, 2023, 04:52:09 PM
catering etc
However Villa were not really looking for a long term partnership
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 05, 2023, 04:57:06 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 05, 2023, 06:26:56 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 05, 2023, 06:27:41 PM
I used to sometimes work at St Andrews when we were away from home, & there it was much harder because they literally didn’t stop eating for the whole game!
I bet swiping up all the drool after the match took hours, though.
Post by: Ad@m on January 05, 2023, 07:16:05 PM
My mate tried to buy a coffee and a bar of chocolate last night - tried three different kiosks in the Lower Trinity and failed... didn't have any, pies only, only one place to buy a coffee with about 30 people in the queue.
I tried the same in the Lower Holte.
What used to be a coffee bar last season is now a cold drinks only kiosk. But they do still serve chocolate.
Across the concourse is a kiosk you can buy hot drinks but they don't serve chocolate.
It's like they're designing it deliberately to not sell stuff!
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on January 05, 2023, 11:16:08 PM
Upper Trinity last night, went to the counter, asked the guy if he was serving and he said he was, I asked for a coke zero, he took the top off and gave it to me and asked if I wanted anything else, my Wife asked for a tray of chips, he told me he couldnt server those and I had to go to the next counter (I could reach the counter from where I was, as could he), under no circumstances would he budge, the next queue had about 20 people in it, I said they are only there (pointing at them) he flaty refused to get them, said he wasnt allowed. We got in the next queue and waited and waited, when we eventually got to the front the girl said, I saw you in that queue, why didnt you get them there it would have saved you waiting, when I told her, she said something to a guy behind her who in turn went to the guy I first spoke to and asked him why he was only selling bottles of pop, his reply, I havent been shown how to serve anything else.
Obviously a bit of initiative was out of the question.
Post by: dave.woodhall on January 05, 2023, 11:21:18 PM
Post by: Risso on January 06, 2023, 02:19:16 PM
There was a mini-FCG tonight and they're still aware of the problems of catering and the turnstiles last night.
They seem to have been saying that for years about the catering, and then not doing anything about it. Did they have any explanations as to why it's so bad, year after year?
Post by: Drummond on January 06, 2023, 02:26:53 PM
There are something like 15 Wetherspoons in Birmingham, so get them to do it (loathesome as he is, at least we'd get served).
Post by: Dave P on January 06, 2023, 02:28:31 PM
I used to sometimes work at St Andrews when we were away from home, & there it was much harder because they literally didn’t stop eating for the whole game!
Speaking of small heath, imagine the meltdown on here if these were our beer taps https://twitter.com/_The72/status/1610586022512922624.
Or if they looked like this https://twitter.com/MikeyJC_/status/1610644656395808771
Or if we got served burgers like this https://twitter.com/simo_13/status/1610622312264486914
Post by: dave.woodhall on January 06, 2023, 02:54:13 PM
There was a mini-FCG tonight and they're still aware of the problems of catering and the turnstiles last night.
They seem to have been saying that for years about the catering, and then not doing anything about it. Did they have any explanations as to why it's so bad, year after year?
They're working on it. They're always working on it.
Post by: LeeB on January 06, 2023, 03:17:34 PM
There was a mini-FCG tonight and they're still aware of the problems of catering and the turnstiles last night.
They seem to have been saying that for years about the catering, and then not doing anything about it. Did they have any explanations as to why it's so bad, year after year?
"We are aware we're constantly punching you in the face and are looking into ways to improve it"
Post by: Risso on January 06, 2023, 03:26:35 PM
- Have a consultant come in and review the offerings and see first hand what all the problems are
- Invest in new infrastructure such as rapid pour drinks machines
- Pay the agencies more for better trained staff
- Look at ways at utilising outside space
Post by: AV82EC on January 06, 2023, 03:39:44 PM
There's loads they could potentially do, and it would would probably cost less than they spend on somebody like Bednarek who never, ever plays.
- Have a consultant come in and review the offerings and see first hand what all the problems are
- Invest in new infrastructure such as rapid pour drinks machines
- Pay the agencies more for better trained staff
- Look at ways at utilising outside space
Having worked with numerous catering consultants down the years I think they’d be shocked or maybe not at the standard of catering operations at the Villa. The issue for me is twofold. One we haven’t got the infrastructure and associated space to run more than the most basic of services and two we obviously pay shit wages to casual staff as part of the deal with the provider which means you exacerbate the problem of crap infrastructure with people who don’t really give much of a shit and are really poorly trained. It’s the perfect storm of circumstances which won’t be fixed until someone at the club takes responsibility for it. Yes Mr Purslow which of your middle management minions isn’t holding the provider properly to account or at least formulating a plan to try and improve what is an absolute fucking shambles.
Post by: LeeB on January 06, 2023, 03:48:17 PM
Post by: Pat Mustard on January 06, 2023, 04:31:24 PM
There's loads they could potentially do, and it would would probably cost less than they spend on somebody like Bednarek who never, ever plays.
- Have a consultant come in and review the offerings and see first hand what all the problems are
- Invest in new infrastructure such as rapid pour drinks machines
- Pay the agencies more for better trained staff
- Look at ways at utilising outside space
I think to be fair to the club they are trying things. The investment going onto the Lower Holte facilities will be worth it, the self-service screen thing for beer seemed to be working more efficiently this week and they had the beerjet fast pour machine working (not sure if this was a demo before a permanent installation). The food situation wasn't much better, but hopefully the contactless thing going in over the next few weeks will have an impact on that and then presumably whatever works best will be going in to the other stands for next season.
The staffing issue is the biggest problem and I don't see how you ever get round recruiting, training and retaining hundreds of people for a job that essentially lasts a few hours every couple of weeks regardless of pay. The solution will be automating the process as much as possible so less staff are required, for which the Lower Holte is the guinea pig at the moment.
Post by: RamboandBruno on January 06, 2023, 04:38:15 PM
There's loads they could potentially do, and it would would probably cost less than they spend on somebody like Bednarek who never, ever plays.
- Have a consultant come in and review the offerings and see first hand what all the problems are
- Invest in new infrastructure such as rapid pour drinks machines
- Pay the agencies more for better trained staff
- Look at ways at utilising outside space
I think to be fair to the club they are trying things. The investment going onto the Lower Holte facilities will be worth it, the self-service screen thing for beer seemed to be working more efficiently this week and they had the beerjet fast pour machine working (not sure if this was a demo before a permanent installation). The food situation wasn't much better, but hopefully the contactless thing going in over the next few weeks will have an impact on that and then presumably whatever works best will be going in to the other stands for next season.
The staffing issue is the biggest problem and I don't see how you ever get round recruiting, training and retaining hundreds of people for a job that essentially lasts a few hours every couple of weeks regardless of pay. The solution will be automating the process as much as possible so less staff are required, for which the Lower Holte is the guinea pig at the moment.
Agree that it was better in lower holte on Wednesday, i pre ordered a half time pint before the game and got it within a minute of half time, quite novel having the whole of half time to drink my pint.
I think more automation combined with investment in staffing, training, pay etc is the way forwards and some of that is in Villas control, by only using catering companies who commit to this. There is no reason a multi million pound company/organisation can’t commit to this.
Post by: trinityoap on January 06, 2023, 04:39:07 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on January 06, 2023, 04:59:47 PM
There's loads they could potentially do, and it would would probably cost less than they spend on somebody like Bednarek who never, ever plays.
- Have a consultant come in and review the offerings and see first hand what all the problems are
- Invest in new infrastructure such as rapid pour drinks machines
- Pay the agencies more for better trained staff
- Look at ways at utilising outside space
I can't remember exactly which game, very early this season, I was poured my drink by someone that had not only seemingly never poured a drink from a can, they also had me wondering if they'd ever even encountered a can before.
Post by: Drummond on January 06, 2023, 05:02:39 PM
Perhaps if everyone was allowed to bring in up to six cans .......
They'd add £40 to ticket prices to compensate...
Post by: London Villan on January 06, 2023, 05:04:50 PM
Post by: exigo on January 06, 2023, 05:37:32 PM
Post by: Simon Page on January 06, 2023, 05:48:58 PM
That will be 50 squillion pounds please, payable to C. Ash, Cayman Islands.
Post by: Exeter 77 on February 03, 2023, 06:40:18 PM
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/february/03/holte-end-concourse-update--tap---go/
Post by: amfy on February 03, 2023, 06:58:28 PM
Having done 24 groundhops among the 92 this season, I can tell you we need to put in January bids for the six teenagers running Plymouth's Devonport End bar, and the guy at Swansea who can seemingly pre-pour dozens of pints out of nowhere every minute.
Tbf having gone to the Bescott to watch the Villa women I can tell you they have proper bar staff there too. They can actually do more than one thing at a time, it’s like witchcraft!
Post by: olaftab on February 03, 2023, 07:21:56 PM
Please do not employ consultants. For anything. Employ people who know what they're doing and include a 'you're shit fuck off' clause.This.
That will be 50 squillion pounds please, payable to C. Ash, Cayman Islands.
Post by: Chris Harte on February 04, 2023, 06:59:47 PM
Now if they can substitute flat Heineken for San Miguel and do something about the price it'll be perfect.
Post by: charleeco7 on February 04, 2023, 07:04:19 PM
Post by: Pete3206 on February 05, 2023, 01:27:52 PM
Post by: Gareth on February 05, 2023, 01:43:01 PM
Dismal again in the Witton upper yesterday.
Wasn’t it just…I’ve said it before, the view is literally the only thing that stand has going for it :-)
Anyone with half a brain could foresee that poor quality staff pouring drinks from a can is not in any way efficient or customer friendly…particular highlight was seeing that they don’t pour the hot water directly into the coffee/tea/bovril grim cups…fill a pint glass and then pour it in the cup :-)
Just never improves…the club will say the right things but they’ll never change because people will continue to pay for the crap fayre & service + those that can change anything are sat schmoozing the corporates not walking round seeing the brain dead catering staff on operation or the toilets without soap / paper towels.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on February 05, 2023, 01:51:59 PM
I was rather impressed with the new bar (for want of the correct name) in the Lower Holte today. Walked up at around 2.30, scanned my bank card to access the area, grabbed a pre-poured pint and left (I checked with the young lady pouring the pints that I was meant to do it that way). As long as the auto system hasn't gone wrong and I've not been charged three hundred quid for my pint I'd say it worked very well - less than a minute to collect my order.
Now if they can substitute flat Heineken for San Miguel and do something about the price it'll be perfect.
The cynic in me expected it to be a disaster but maybe, just maybe, they've finally cracked it.
I'd still be checking my phone to see they've charged the right amount as it all sounds too good to be true.
Post by: Flin5tone on February 05, 2023, 02:49:56 PM
I did see and use the self serve beer pumps. No issue
Post by: Richard E on February 05, 2023, 02:55:01 PM
Post by: johnc on February 05, 2023, 05:20:59 PM
The Everton game I reckon. I havent been near the catering since that game. I am still in recoveryThere's loads they could potentially do, and it would would probably cost less than they spend on somebody like Bednarek who never, ever plays.
- Have a consultant come in and review the offerings and see first hand what all the problems are
- Invest in new infrastructure such as rapid pour drinks machines
- Pay the agencies more for better trained staff
- Look at ways at utilising outside space
I can't remember exactly which game, very early this season, I was poured my drink by someone that had not only seemingly never poured a drink from a can, they also had me wondering if they'd ever even encountered a can before.
Post by: VILLA MOLE on February 05, 2023, 05:31:52 PM
The Everton game I reckon. I havent been near the catering since that game. I am still in recoveryThere's loads they could potentially do, and it would would probably cost less than they spend on somebody like Bednarek who never, ever plays.
- Have a consultant come in and review the offerings and see first hand what all the problems are
- Invest in new infrastructure such as rapid pour drinks machines
- Pay the agencies more for better trained staff
- Look at ways at utilising outside space
I can't remember exactly which game, very early this season, I was poured my drink by someone that had not only seemingly never poured a drink from a can, they also had me wondering if they'd ever even encountered a can before.
All in 90 degrees , bliss
Post by: Chris Harte on February 05, 2023, 07:10:45 PM
I'd rushed to the game straight from work and so didn't have time for a pint elsewhere, otherwise I wouldn't have tried it. I was cynical too, but it actually worked well, in my experience. How it performs when more people cotton on to it remains to be seen. Oh, and on my bank it's showing as a pending transaction for a quid. I assume it'll show as £5.65 (I know, expensive, but hey-ho) tomorrow.I was rather impressed with the new bar (for want of the correct name) in the Lower Holte today. Walked up at around 2.30, scanned my bank card to access the area, grabbed a pre-poured pint and left (I checked with the young lady pouring the pints that I was meant to do it that way). As long as the auto system hasn't gone wrong and I've not been charged three hundred quid for my pint I'd say it worked very well - less than a minute to collect my order.
Now if they can substitute flat Heineken for San Miguel and do something about the price it'll be perfect.
The cynic in me expected it to be a disaster but maybe, just maybe, they've finally cracked it.
I'd still be checking my phone to see they've charged the right amount as it all sounds too good to be true.
Post by: Chris Harte on February 06, 2023, 05:00:44 PM
Post by: Holte L2 on February 06, 2023, 05:25:47 PM
Post by: VILLA MOLE on February 06, 2023, 05:26:28 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 13, 2023, 10:49:16 PM
Post by: Pete3206 on February 14, 2023, 07:24:32 PM
If you scroll down the comments thread, someone paid 38 Euro for 2 cans of Budweiser at Madison Square Garden.
Budweiser
Post by: astonvilla82 on February 14, 2023, 08:31:41 PM
Post by: Duncan Shaw on February 14, 2023, 08:40:40 PM
There's always someone worse off than you. https://twitter.com/FootyBevs/status/1625223893261623307And to watch netball too!
Post by: Risso on February 14, 2023, 10:22:10 PM