HINCKLEY'S "DOG & GUN" FOR SALE.

Having a look at the Marston's website today I discovered that another Hinckley pub is now up for sale.

The "Dog & Gun" isn't one of the town's more desirable hostelries and I've only ever been there once - that was more than enough. It generally doesn't open until late evening and then stays open until the early hours of the morning; quite who are its regular customers is a question better left unasked, let alone unanswered.

Nonetheless, it appears that Marston's are now 'inviting offers' for this pub, though what takers there'll get is anyone's guess. It's not well placed, being on a busy junction and it's also on the edge of what passes for the town centre, away from casual passers by and also from the proposed town centre development. I don't think it's one I'd be interested in !

MARSTON'S TRIES TO SELL HINCKLEY 'HOLYWELL INN' TWICE !

Following the rumours that a number of Hinckley pubs are listed for disposal by the Marston's company, I heard yesterday that there seems to be some major nastiness in play too.

New tenants have moved in to the 'Holywell Inn' very recently, sadly for them on the appalling 'Retail Agreement' as far as I understand. However, it's also the case that Marston's has been in touch with a former pub landlord with a suggestion that he might be interested in taking the pub on - imagine the shock for the new tenants when he turned up to have a look around, which he did last week !

Marston's clearly have no scruples when it comes to screwing their managers or tenants, whatever agreements they may have signed. It's also the case that the company is looking to off-load around 200 pubs to an investment company in the near future, the ultimate intention apparently being to turn these outlets into corner shops, mini-supermarkets and so on, and it seems that they may well be prepared to sell these premises from under the feet of their tenants.

You have been warned.

HINCKLEY PUBS ON THE MARKET ?

Since its 'wash and brush up' by Louise, the 'Greyhound' in Hinckley has been an improved pub and the beer has been very drinkable. The pub has remained on the market and the word now is that it's been sold, though to whom is shrouded in mystery. Louise was certainly interested but she's keeping tight-lipped on the situation.

In the meantime, the temporary bar manager from the 'Greyhound', Kate, has moved to the 'Union', another run-down local pub. Exactly how she's arrived there seems to be a confused story, but it appears that the 'Union' may now be on Marstons' egregious 'Retail Agreement'. What the future holds for the pub is anyone's guess.

More mystery surrounds Marstons plans for other Hinckley pubs. It's been said that several are now on the list for disposal, including the 'Holywell Inn', the 'Sportsman' and the 'Black Horse Inn', though there doesn't appear to be any confirmation of this. We can only wait to see what happens.