The Terrace View - Holte End Upper

[Risso]

I'd make 2 points -
1. They want to build revenue through catering and recognise that the current arrangements limit their ability to do so; I get that. However, their solution is flawed and answers the wrong question. Instead of improving fan-flow, product-quality and service-quality in the existing space - easily done with good expertise in these matters - they've convinced themselves that a new and expensive 'product' will solve their challenge (with no understanding of the unintended consequences their solution creates).
2. Their response to well-documented problems of weak / no wifi and intrusive p.a. system is to offer a space for those who wish to pay to address this. Good and free wifi should be a standard - a norm - anywhere in the UK in my opinion (the reason it isn't at VP - I suspect - is that they don't want people accessing in-game betting sites instead of using the in-stadium booths). The p.a. system has been a nuisance for as long as I can remember ... the seems to be no incentive to improve it.

Lack of wifi and mobile signal is a disgrace. They seem to manage it fine at other grounds, even relative shitholes like Elland Road.

[rjp]

Is the new terrace where the smokers currently go at half time?

[Drummond]

If they want to increase revenue just get the basics right. Quick food, quick beer and drinks and staff who are proficient.  It's a captive market, if it's good it will be used and you get the increased revenue.  This latest plan is wank in the extreme.

That's it, pay more, get decent staff in and charge more per pint/pie/portion of chips. They'd easily make loads more.

[Stu82]

It's the Holte End. It is a divisive decision, them who can afford it, and less space for those that can't.
Going back to the old Holte, we didn't go there for the facilities, it was a very basic offer , but was where most of us went for the camaraderie, the raucous experience. Splitting the fans by this decision is just wrong.

Even back in the 'good old' days there was a split, between left side and right side.

True
The right side

[Chris Smith]

It's the Holte End. It is a divisive decision, them who can afford it, and less space for those that can't.
Going back to the old Holte, we didn't go there for the facilities, it was a very basic offer , but was where most of us went for the camaraderie, the raucous experience. Splitting the fans by this decision is just wrong.

Even back in the 'good old' days there was a split, between left side and right side.

True
The right side

In the good old good old days there was no split. I still remember when they first divided it “the fence must go”.

[Chris Smith]

If they want to increase revenue just get the basics right. Quick food, quick beer and drinks and staff who are proficient.  It's a captive market, if it's good it will be used and you get the increased revenue.  This latest plan is wank in the extreme.

That's it, pay more, get decent staff in and charge more per pint/pie/portion of chips. They'd easily make loads more.

The new automated system, where you order at a terminal then collect your beer from a kiosk does seem to work ok in the Lower Holte. The staffing issue is more tricky, the nature of it means they are always going to be reliant on agency staff.

[Dr Butler]

If they want to increase revenue just get the basics right. Quick food, quick beer and drinks and staff who are proficient.  It's a captive market, if it's good it will be used and you get the increased revenue.  This latest plan is wank in the extreme.

That's it, pay more, get decent staff in and charge more per pint/pie/portion of chips. They'd easily make loads more.

The new automated system, where you order at a terminal then collect your beer from a kiosk does seem to work ok in the Lower Holte. The staffing issue is more tricky, the nature of it means they are always going to be reliant on agency staff.

agreed and I quite like how it works...

UTV
The Doc

[exigo]

If they want to increase revenue just get the basics right. Quick food, quick beer and drinks and staff who are proficient.  It's a captive market, if it's good it will be used and you get the increased revenue.  This latest plan is wank in the extreme.

That's it, pay more, get decent staff in and charge more per pint/pie/portion of chips. They'd easily make loads more.

They'll very quickly realise just how much more revenue the Tap and Go bar is making in the lower right Holte, and roll that out everywhere. Two people pouring pints, instead of the old 10-12. One person bringing out new pies. Easy, and so much quicker.

[Drummond]

The bar staff are no doubt on Living Wage rates; double it (and/or find a way to pay them a bonus for what they serve) and you'll increase the quality of staff, make the experience better and faster and more people will spend more money.

Or just let computers do it.

[astonvilla82]

There a Herbert yard in Longbridge, when I looked at the price for burgers and drinks,I thought no chance it will work, but guess what it's always packed 10 pounds minimum for burger and 6 pounds a pint

[London Villan]

To be fair, you aren't paying £25 a go (on top of £40 per match) to go into Herberts Yard though.

[astonvilla82]

To be fair, you aren't paying £25 a go (on top of £40 per match) to go into Herberts Yard though.

I do when the wife is with me with her gin cocktails

[Chris Harte]

It's the Holte End. It is a divisive decision, them who can afford it, and less space for those that can't.
Going back to the old Holte, we didn't go there for the facilities, it was a very basic offer , but was where most of us went for the camaraderie, the raucous experience. Splitting the fans by this decision is just wrong.

You've just made me go all nostalgic for the old Holte End River.

[Chris Harte]

Good and free wifi should be a standard - a norm - anywhere in the UK in my opinion (the reason it isn't at VP - I suspect - is that they don't want people accessing in-game betting sites instead of using the in-stadium booths).

Do you mean wifi or do you mean 4G/5G? The signal on 4G is poor during half-time, but useable at other times. I've never tried the wifi.

[hipkiss92]

If they want to increase revenue just get the basics right. Quick food, quick beer and drinks and staff who are proficient.  It's a captive market, if it's good it will be used and you get the increased revenue.  This latest plan is wank in the extreme.

That's it, pay more, get decent staff in and charge more per pint/pie/portion of chips. They'd easily make loads more.

They'll very quickly realise just how much more revenue the Tap and Go bar is making in the lower right Holte, and roll that out everywhere. Two people pouring pints, instead of the old 10-12. One person bringing out new pies. Easy, and so much quicker.

Pouring pints to order was always an issue. Go to Edgbaston for a major cricket match, and there are 2/3 people constantly pulling pints, with someone else taking orders and payment. Goes far quicker. Even the same at Northants county ground for T20 matches.