For many years i've been bringing large groups, sometimes as many as 25, to eat at the Barton's before or after every home game. It was the perfect venue: a beautiful building with a stunning interior, guaranteed seating for a couple of hours, easy parking at or near the pub or good bus links from the city centre, and just a few minutes' walk from the ground. For a long time we enjoyed excellent Thai food and a wide selection of well-kept beers. A further bonus was the friendship that developed between our groups, who came from all over the UK and beyond, and the regulars, several of whom also post on H&V.
It is true that, as Bren has said, the Barton's became less popular recently. Perhaps the real ale drinkers voted with their feet, because the choice and quality of the beers aren't what they used to be. No doubt the Silhill Taproom took some of the custom. The Thai menu, though still very good, was much more limited and the alternative bar meals were unappetising.
Nonetheless, the Barton's Arms remained our preferred choice, with its convenient location, lively atmosphere and helpful, friendly staff. Despite the unpopular kick-off time, there would have been 16 of us round the table after the Newcastle game on Saturday, including 3 from Italy.
Unfortunately, none of the management groups who've taken on the pub in the last few years, most recently Nathan and his hardworking team, have succeeded in making it economically viable. I hate to say this, having been a great supporter of the Barton's for so long, but I fear that it's not going to reopen as a pub any time soon, if it ever does. It will be greatly missed.
