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righttoroam
New Member
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Feb 2010 : 16:51:18
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Is it just me, or has the Lamb become very quiet of late. I've been in there a few evenings recently (admittedly weekdays) and there have only been half a dozen people in there. Service has been friendly and the beer was good (not exceptional) and the real fire was lovely, so I'm just wondering where everyone is.
Is it the credit crunch, cheap supermarket alcohol, or the weather? Whatever the reason, given the perilous state of the village pub in this country and the number of pubs closures we hear about every week, it's time for people to get out there and start supporting their village local. Use it or lose it people.
P.S. I have no affiliation to the Lamb (I drink at the Cow as well) I just want to see our village pub/s at the heart of our community. |
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jammer
Senior Member
172 Posts |
Posted - 17 Feb 2010 : 08:03:14
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The Lamb has gone through these phases many times over the last few years. A new owner takes over, interest increases for a while and then it drops off. I go in there occasionaly, but must admit do feel a bit put off by the us & them feling that the two seperate bars create.
I know that the new tennants have done a good job and made quite an effort, but I cant help thinking the place needs some real investment, with some real rennovation, maybe even knocking the two bars into one.
There are a hardcore of locals who go in there and you can see them in there most evenings,but for the the reasons listed above I think new customers are basically just put off from going in there because the pub emits a aura of "This is a local pub for local people" You can almost hear the music stop and the pool balls stop moving as you walk in.
My advice would be to give the entire place a facelift. Im sure it could be a gold mine with its prime location.
Just my two pence worth, but Ive lived in this village most of my life and that is how the place makes me feel so its no wonder there is not much custom from newcomers.
Anyone agree or am I on my own here?
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webcore
Junior Member
United Kingdom
15 Posts |
Posted - 17 Feb 2010 : 18:07:51
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The current managers are leaving this coming weekend and yet another couple will be taking over!
Rigttoroam the price of beer in The Lamb is far too expensive for a local pub.A pint of Lager is £3.10 with Guinness at £3.50!No wonder the place is so quiet.I tend to go down on a Friday evening when it is at its busiest an the atmosphere can be very good.
Jammer rather than feeling uncomfortable in your local why not try and jopin in!I felt like you when I first started drinking in there but now I know practically everyone.Stick a £ on the pool table and take part, we dont bite!Perhaps you are creating the "them and us" situation?
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Remarque
Average Member
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
Posted - 17 Feb 2010 : 18:22:51
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Like the pub in American Werewolf in London!!! Ha ha ha!!
I'm with you, Jammer  |
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righttoroam
New Member
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 25 Apr 2010 : 13:38:55
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I'd just like to take the opportunity to report that the Lamb is finally back on form. The new tenants are very welcoming indeed and the beer is being kept in tip top condition (although a tad overpriced) and the award of the Cask Marque is well deserved. The food is basic pub fare, but at sensible prices.
I've been down at least once a week for the last month or so and noticed it's getting busier and busier. Well done to all! |
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thommo
New Member
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2010 : 17:23:51
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I have lived in the village for three years and have been saddened to see the constant turnover of tenents at the Lamb and the gradual deterioration in the appearance of the pub. I don't blame the tenents all of whom came in with enthusiasm and ambition to make a business for themselves. The problem is Punch Taverns which owns the freehold. The company has debts of over £3.5Bn (yes Billion) and a market valuation of only £500m. It is out of favour in the City and its shareprice closed down 13% today at just 75p. The chances of Punch investing in its properties or charging competitive prices to its tenents, let alone its customers, is unlikely.
Maybe the best thing for the current tenents and the village as a whole is to buy the property and convert it to a community pub. There are precedents for this such as the Red Lion at Preston village in Hertfordshire:http://prestonvillageherts.com/PrestonRedLion.htm
Are there enough people in Angmering who are sufficiently interested to buy a small shareholding in their village pub? |
Thommo |
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Rob
Average Member
44 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2010 : 19:04:42
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| Thats is kind of cool idea, i wonder if anyone would put money into it, to buy the Pub.. |
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thommo
New Member
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2010 : 14:11:33
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It would need us to find find say 200 people in the village willing to put up £1k each to buy shares in the pub. We would use the money to negotiate a purchase from Punch Taverns. You cannot run a pub with a committee of 200 so the shareholders would need to appoint a management committee of no more than 6 to overseee its running and work with the Parish Council to make it a focal point for the village. I envisage it being used among other things as an overspill for meetings and events that cannot be held in the village hall because it is so heavily booked.
Since raising this matter I have been informed that the Lamb is a Grade 1 listed building and its cellar is prone to flooding. That will require discussions with English Heritage before any serious money is raised as it may not be poissible to make the necessary improvements/alterations. However I am interested in the views of other villagers on this matter. |
Thommo |
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patty
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
738 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2010 : 14:56:49
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thommo
are you seriously suggesting that Punch would sell the Lamb for just £200k???
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any comments and views listed above are those of myself personally and not as a Parish Councillor, and in no way reflect opinions of the Parish Council or any other professional bodies |
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thommo
New Member
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 16:11:32
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| I realise £100k seems cheap but Punch Taverns may be persuaded to divest a "problem pub", grab some cash and leave the new owner to invest in the fabric of the building. |
Thommo |
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thommo
New Member
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 10 May 2010 : 16:13:03
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| Sorry I meant to type £200K in previous message. |
Thommo |
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