HINCKLEY PUBS ATTRACT INTEREST.

Word has it that the two Marston's pubs currently up for sale in Hinckley have attracted the attention of another brewery, Everards, which has no presence in the town. While a transfer to another major brewey may not be the best possible outcome, it would, at least, provide a bit more variety in the Marston's dominated town. Of course, having taken a look, particularly at the 'Greyhound', they may well decide not to bother - in my own inexpert opinion, the asking price of £265,000 is far too much for a building which is in a very poor state of repair, both inside and out. The 'Prince of Wales', which is in far better condition, may be more to their liking though its position on the edge of the town could be an issue.

 

It's also rumoured that the landlady of 'The New Plough' has been taking a 'shuftie'; she's already licensee of the 'Prince' as well as of the 'Plough' and has, apparently, expressed a view that she could sort out the 'Greyhound's' issues for just a few thousand pounds. While I think she's way off the mark with this, she would turn it into a free house which would be no bad thing. However, if I was her, I'd forget the 'Greyhound' and go for the 'Prince' which would need far less work, if any, and for which the asking price is only £30,000 more.

 

With the 'Railway' set for a partial re-opening in a few days, a bit of competition would be good; all will no doubt become clear over the next few weeks and months.

'RAILWAY' IN HINCKLEY TO RE-OPEN 2ND MAY.

After having been closed unceremoniously and without warning at the beginning of March, my old regular haunt, The Railway Hotel in Hinckley, is said to be going to re-open on the evening of 2nd May. However, it seems that the much vaunted refurbishment of the property is far from complete and only part of the pub will be in use, with building works continuing until the end of May. Having originally indicated that the pub would close for 6 to 8 weeks for refurbishment, it's now set to re-open after some 9 weeks with only part of the works done; we will have to wait at least another 4 or 5 weeks for completion.

 

The re-opening will, reportedly, be a low key affair but it's unclear exactly what will be on sale. Beers and a cider on handpump have been mentioned but will there also be any lager ? What will be the opening hours and prices ? Basically, who knows ? The landlord is a relative of one of the owners of the 'Steamin' Billy' brewery and has been transported from another brewery house at Syston, while the brewery is still advertising for an assortment of staff for the pub.

 

I know that many members of 'CAMRA' are pretty excited about this venture but, as a simple pub regular, I find it all a little concerning. I fear that the brewery has taken on and promised more than it can deliver and it will be the old regulars who suffer, with shorter opening hours and higher prices on top of what will eventually be a 3 or 4 month hiatus 'to boot'. Only time will tell if my fears are justified.

THE "SARAH MANSFIELD" AT WILLEY

Every now and again I meet up with a couple of old friends for a meal and couple of drinks. We used to get together in the village of Wolvey but in recent times have used the 'Sarah Mansfield'. Although this pub has enjoyed several different landlords in the last few years, it's service has generally been good and we've enjoyed our visits.

 

Last night we met up for the first time in a few months and I arrived at the pub to find the car park almost full; given that it's a pub in a tiny village, I took this as a good sign. Inside, there'd been a degree of renovation with new furniture and a new menu and, as a free house, the beer was available in several varieties. The staff were, as usual, friendly and helpful.

 

We had a very pleasant evening chatting about things old and new, and putting the world to rights. The beer was excellent (I drank the 'Bass'; there was also 'Brain's' and 'Abbott') and the food very good to, though possible a little more expensive than it used to be. The pub was busy with an assortment of locals and others, something which many houses would be only too happy to see on a mid-week night. All-in all, a very nice pub with excellent service, beer and food.

 

For anyone looking to try this pub for themselves, it's left off of the A5 a little north of Rugby and passed the 'Magna Park' industrial development and roundabout You can also get to it by taking the 'Willey' turn-off at the roundabout followed by first right; both turnings are signposted and it's well worth a visit.

PUBS ARE FOR FRIENDLY ENJOYMENT, NOT MISERABLE IGNORANCE.

There are times when I despair of people.

 

Today, I went for a lunchtime drink at a local pub. Initially it was empty apart from myself and the barmaid. After a while, a group of blokes came in; a couple I knew and the rest were lads (I use the word advisedly as they were a bit old to be lads) from Newcastle who are working locally for a few weeks. Noisier it became but they were all friendly, as Geordies always are; in fact, I'd have to say that they were great company.

 

One or two other people came in including a bloke I've seen in a couple of pubs but who has to count as the most pig-ignorant man I've ever met. I've previously made efforts to greet him but without response. Today I made a comment about the recent reduction in alcohol duty and the resultant silly prices in some pubs; he listened and then walked off without comment. He made no attempt to chat and was his usual miserable self. A few minutes later, he returned to the bar, dumped his almost untouched pint down and with a "That's terrible !" walked out. He made no attempt to enter into any conversation and said nothing to the barmaid. What was 'terrible' wasn't explained and he didn't give the barmaid an opportunity to poor another pint. He just left in a huff.

 

To be fair, the beer wasn't at it's best but it wasn't terrible; it was drinkable.Was this unpleasant man trying to make a point ? Is he just a 'beer snob' ? Or is he just a 'snob', full stop ? Sadly, I see him rather too frequently though he never speaks. The barmaid told me that she had never heard him speak other than to order a pint; he never says please or thankyou.

 

Our pubs are full of all sorts of people, many of them engaging and friendly. Why do I, and others in my local area, have to suffer this snobbish, rude and ignorant man ?