QUOTE (Chris_At_The_Retreat @ Jul 7 2010, 04:43 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.
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.
QUOTE (Exhausted @ Jul 7 2010, 07:13 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.
You've go a long memory! Does this mean you didn't drink the 'Same Again'?