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Posted by: Chris_At_The_Retreat Jul 7 2010, 03:43 PM

So the Catherine Wheel has re-opened it's dungeon, I mean cellar, doors right on the cusp of a Weatherspoons (or two including Lloyds) arriving. One can only ponder do the landlords of the CW share the same IQ of the giro-rustling punters that frequent the not-so-fine establishment? Their timing, however flawed, should be applauded though for giving pikeys/chavs the option of a cheap pint of Ruddles at their hostelry for a dusty wallet warmup session before hitting the 'Spoons. However one will not hear a bad word said against the 'Spoons as surely enough West Berkshire Council planning officers are issuing every bad word under their breathe over the matter. As you were.

Posted by: Jayjay Jul 7 2010, 04:25 PM

Just read that Witherspoons are doing cappachino, latte and tea at 49p.

Posted by: Bill1 Jul 7 2010, 04:26 PM

Nice price on the coffee!

Posted by: Iommi Jul 7 2010, 05:01 PM

The irony is that The Catherine Wheel wasn't a cheap pub. Not as cheap as The Plough, any-rate. Rather like the other den of iniquity, The Cooper's. It's as expensive, if not more, than the others!

Posted by: Rosewinelover Jul 7 2010, 05:52 PM

I drink in there quite a bit - but only because my friend is managing it at the moment and my other friend has worked there for about 8 years! (hides in shame)

It is a massive dive though and don't I relish in being in there...

Posted by: Exhausted Jul 7 2010, 06:13 PM

Before the Lion in West Street was rebuilt the landlord, Cliff, kept a massive range of beers dispensed from an original multi position hand pump. Quality beers but quite pricey. He did have one beer though that was a bit iffy it had a name badge on the front "Same Again". So, after your first strong pint.... Same again Cliff.... you know the rest.

Posted by: Chelsea Greg Jul 7 2010, 07:33 PM

The last time I was in there the landlord or at least bloke behind bar was banging on about Alphaville. I'm not sure if he was sampling the wares or had staggered off some eighties themed Butlins but couldn't keep gob shut about the band. Then some regular said 'You mean Alphabeat?' and he kicked off bigtime.

Posted by: blackdog Jul 8 2010, 10:31 AM

The Catherine Wheel only closed becase the tenants split up - causing major financial problems in their business dealings. The owners have been pretty quick to find a new manager to get it open again. As for worries about its clientele - just think, if they weren't drinking there perhaps they would move to your local. We need pubs that cater for all elements of our society, not just the ones we might feel comfortable in.

I suspect that WBC planners are pretty happy with Wetherspoons, unlike some other pub owners they have not simply removed all historic features of their buildings before asking for permission to do so. The Hatchet would have been open by now if Wetherspoons were not acting responsibly - at least the Diamond Tap is about to open its doors to cheaper refreshments in Newbury.



You've go a long memory! Does this mean you didn't drink the 'Same Again'?

Posted by: Exhausted Jul 9 2010, 07:14 PM

I lived in West St in the seventies so it was my local. Cliff met an untimely end with a brain aneurism so after he went, it all changed. I only drank same again if I was constipated.

Posted by: Roost Jul 10 2010, 02:26 PM

So, any reports from the new 'Spoons aka The Diamond Tap?

Haven't had a chance to get in there yet so would be interesting to see what people think of it.

Posted by: Iommi Jul 10 2010, 03:03 PM

I was amused by a bit of pushing and shoving going on outside at about 19:00. It would seem not everyone is please with the surprising choice of security! I suppose an ex-police officer couldn't be a bad choice, could it?

Posted by: HJD Jul 10 2010, 04:34 PM

I thought i might nip in there for a lunchtime pint & see what the place was like today, but as i got nearer i noticed some of Newbury's finest had already taken up residence at one of the outside tables . So i guess i will be giving it a miss.

Posted by: Jayjay Jul 10 2010, 05:03 PM

Sorry I dont understand. Imagine you mean some habitual drinkers, but what were they doing?

Posted by: Iommi Jul 10 2010, 05:46 PM

I would imagine it is people that are not conducive to a happy family atmosphere.

It all felt 'Reading-esque' in the town last night. Not a nice atmosphere at all. Like above, some of Newbury's finest are quick to seek out the cheap pubs and happy hours.

Posted by: HJD Jul 10 2010, 08:06 PM

O.K. If you want me to spell it out, to you they may be 'habitual drinkers' to me they are 'piss heads' who's company i would rather give a miss !!

Posted by: JeffG Jul 10 2010, 08:12 PM

But if they were outside, it's not to say that there weren't pleasanter people inside

Posted by: Jayjay Jul 10 2010, 09:30 PM

Would have used your wording but thought it would be censored. I just wondered if they were drunk, causing trouble or being abusive or if the 'we serve drinks, not drunks' thingy was working. If they were just having a quiet drink, there would not be reasonable grounds for the landlord to turf them out.

Posted by: Iommi Jul 11 2010, 12:01 AM

People don't necessarily have to be badly behaved, but you can still get an uncomfortable atmosphere, never the less.