New York, Paris, Slinfold

Blimey, has it been since May I wrote some gibberish on here? The only reason I'm writing today is because Ms Winsbury of Slinfold, commented that it needed updating. (btw. that's 2 people I know have read my blog)

Well a few events came and went over the summer; 4 weddings, 3 funeral wakes, 2 outside music events (usually 4 but 2 got axed), 2  40th birthday parties and 2 noise complaints.

I had a fantastic 10 days in Wales in the summer at my Dad's place.  I think that Pembrokeshire is a seriously underrated place for a holiday.  This is a beach down the road from his house.  Truly beautiful.

And whilst on holiday this was parked outside my pub....

Oh and Enterprise Inns have agreed not to increase my rent! Bless!

Soo much to do soo little time.

A lady came into my pub the other day and mentioned I hadn't written anything on my blog page for ages.  I realise I haven't but didn't think anyone read it!  But there is one person that does, how exciting!  So this blog is for you, my one and only reader. (that I know of)

Been a tough few months since my last post, with trade being being on and off like a light switch but tragically my Mum passed away suddenly back in March, a day after my Dad's birthday.  A fine lady, fine, fine lady and she always had some ciggies.
So with so much time spent in Wales with my Dad I had left the pub in Danny T's capable hands and what a fine job he did, couldn't of coped without him, thanks Dan.

I guess some of you may of heard that my head chef and I parted company last month after starting this business 9 years ago together. I guess he decided it was time to move on. I wish him luck. I've had a number of interviewees but no-one fits the bill just yet. I am sure that the right person will come along soon.

Had our first BBQ of the year Wednesday night and the sun came out to order bloody good timing, I hope the weather holds for Saturday with our first outside music event , I've fixed my gas patio heaters just in case though.

I am staggered with all the pubs closing around Horsham, The Fountain, The Queens Head, The Crabtree (Lower Beeding), The Nelson, The Dragon (Colgate), Bridge House (Copsale) & The Boars Head seems to be a bit of a pattern emerging? They are all owned by Hall & Woodhouse.  How can a brewery allow this to happen?

Still, we are still going strong with all the help and support from Enterprise Inns (sorry I dreamt that bit).

I love you Mum.

Suicide Pact?

Now this picture I love. So much so I thought I would share it. The chap on the left is responsible for serving the beer, the other, for cooking the food. I guess at some point they decided enough is enough, but somehow they are both still in the land of the living.

Please feel free to add your own caption I think this picture has some mileage.

Maybe it was their take on the new EHO guidelines! Best caption deserves a bottle of wine me thinks!

Successful outlet?

Good to see Marstons holding a price freeze on their beer this year (not the same luck for us with Enterprise Inns and their 3.5% price hike) but bizarrely only offering its new freetrade pricing deal, Advance, to around 600 of its best lessees? The agreement stands alongside the existing lease and allows beer to be bought at freetrade prices in return for an additional payment on top of the rent.

Sounds like a good idea to me but what constitutes a best lesse?

So correct me if I'm wrong, if you are a "best lesse" your set to grow your margin, while the other non best lessees won't?  I wouldn't like to run a Marston's Pub to find out your not in that 600.

Still at least with Enterprise Inns you know where you stand.  Between a rock and a hard place!

The Great British Pie Week

Really looking forward to this next week, plus some Harveys Porter on tap.
Oooh a pie and a pint (spoken in a slight northern accent)

.......To celebrate The Great British Pie Week at The Red Lyon we'll be offering a wide selection of homemade savoury pies, some classic, some contemporary - served with mash, greens & gravy .....


Plus some tempting sweet pies to finish. I quite fancy Pecan Pie.