Pub closures
Your April/May edition’s editorial certainly hits the nail on the head. I’m saddened to learn of pubs being permanently closed but do understand, and sympathise, when owners deem their businesses no longer viable. In Romford’s bustling South Street, near the town’s railway station, the World’s Inn has called it a day. This establishment was well furnished, had a wide range of quality beers (supplemented by guest ales), good food at competitive prices and trade was always brisk. The last point makes it the ‘economics of the mad house’ to have the premises now boarded up. Many objections were raised and letters expressing dissatisfaction with this closure have appeared in the local press. This business was run by a major pub chain to whom I wrote requesting that they reconsider. All I got in return was an e-mail from one person informing me that my views had been forwarded to somebody else. It’s bad enough when pubs are forced to close but even worse when those closing make it onto London Drinker’s ever lengthening closure list when they were doing well!
Dave Ainsworth
Kicking off…
I started to watch the Champions League final in a pub near Fenchurch Street station. I ordered a drink just before kick-off which cost £5.50. When I went back to the bar for another I was told that the price was now £6 as the match had started. In 50 years of drinking and watching football in pubs I have never come across that situation before. Needless to say I left and went to another establishment. As Tommy Cooper used to say, it wasn’t the principle, it was the money!
David Docherty