G-Man wrote:Sydenham Syd wrote:
Has Enterprise done something to offend you G-Man? I fear you need to get over it.
To be honest, no, so I don't really need to get over anything. I'm simply really interested in pubs and beer Sydenham Syd, I'm also interested in a good deal for consumers and people trying to run pubs, something the tied model doesn't deliver.
So, I have a problem with the tied model, which will be changing very soon - if it hasn't already. In the past I know Pub Companies have always stitched up landlords on the price of beer (In the case of Enterprise to pay for their debt). This is changing though since the change in the tied pub law. And Enterprise are pulling themselves out of debt.
Here's why I don't like Pub Companies:
http://gregmulholland.org/en/article/20 ... local-pubs
And here's a balanced article from BBC business.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30110742
Cheers
G-Man
The sad/simple fact is, that the majority of pubs cannot command a profit unless they are part or at least linked to a network. I was under the impression that Enterprise works more like a franchise than the old brewery linked style that really was a car crash, S&N used to own so many pubs that they simply ran out of ideas and indeed style, quickly followed by punters.
The Dolphin is owned by a small network that I believe are in the same group as the Dartmouth Arms - I also understand that it is under their own steam as such, and the way they are grouped is to get deliveries and other logistics streamlined. Makes it easier to work with a bank for example, and also with suppliers. Independents can often get bullied. I believe they have investors, who obvi want a coupon back on their outlay, but in the main it seems like a low key private business.
The Golden Lion was a bit a dump all told. I like the imagination it had with the Blues club etc., and it seemed like the same punters outside every day (not always a nice thing).
I guess the old fashioned pub simply can't survive in London any more. If you look at the profile of the incomers to Sydenham, they demand to eat properly and have clean carpets and no dust. The craft ale revolution has driven much of this demand - good or bad for the old man's pub flag waver I am not sure - it is a return to browner being served. They also want to be able to take their kids there in the afternoon - the balance struck by the Dolphin of no kids past a certain hour is a good one.
Hopefully the Lion will be change for the better - it would have closed if it had stayed the same.
