Pubs!

[Deleted member 1486]

Just a few hours before the pubs open again: I'm not up counting the hours, I'm going to wait a little while and let things settle down personally, but lots of people are discussing it and just a reminder that one of the reasons we're blessed as fans, and one of the reasons why away fans love visiting Bramall Lane is because we're absolutely surrounded by fantastic boozers.

The Railway announced the other day that they are shutting. The Dev Cat is gone. The Sheaf announced they're gone early on. Pubs near football grounds are certainly going to face more hardship than local pubs, city centre pubs and country side pubs.

I totally get that people want to drink in their local as things get back to normal (that's my plan too), but let's maybe also try to support the pubs around the ground? Maybe make a plan to get down your match-day local at some point? If we don't support them now, we risk losing them forever, and too many decent boozers have gone that way already.

It's now or never for many of them: use em or lose em.

(lets not try to arrange a pub crawl at present.. that very much goes against the spirit of the current confines.. I'd be totally down for that when things are relaxed a bit more!).

 

[blade too long]

Brentford moving grounds will kill those 4 pubs on each corner

 

[Cerberus Blade]

It's sad news to hear about pubs closing like this but I think what it tells us is that these pubs were hanging on by a thread and that thread was football traffic on match days. As the game becomes more of a global TV product than a product for ambient fans this is not going to improve much I'm afraid.

Of course it's the response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has put paid to these pubs and it will do the same to lots of jobs as well in many industries. The pandemic may be receding but the worst is still to come in terms of job losses, unemployment, economic downturn and all that comes with it. I reckon we are looking at 3 years or more before things begin to stabilise and we see healthy growth and the economy starting to recover again.

I feel sorry for all those whose livelihoods are adversely affected by this. I feel sorry for the young ones as well who are leaving school or University with reduced prospects of finding work. There's going to be a whole generation of young folk who step out into the world, hoping to start their own journey through life and build something worthwhile, only to find that they can't even get past first base and get a good job.

In terms of supporting the pubs near to the ground, I may be in the minority, but I don't go to a pub, even on matchdays, just because it's near to the ground. If it's near to the ground and has things that appeal to me, like meeting up with mates, or them having great beer, then that's different, but otherwise, the proximity of the pub to the ground is of little or no consequence.

If I was happy supping Carling Black Label or John Smith's or similar, then I think it would be a different matter as I can get that kind of fare in most pubs, but I'm not. In fact I'm really not keen on drinking during the day, it wipes me out and I feel good for nothing, but occasionally I do have a pre-match pint, maybe 2, but that's my limit. And occasionally I do go to pubs not far from the ground, that have good beer. Like the Beer Engine or The Sheaf View. And I go to those pubs whether there's a match on or not.

I think it's a very kind and public-spirited sentiment to appeal to us to all start going for a drink in pubs that are near to the ground, to help them survive. But realistically that's not going to happen. If the only attraction of those pubs is that they are near to the ground then they will end up going the same way as the others unfortunately.

 

[nickwr37]

I went to Manx Arms and had a good drink last night. IOM 43 days now free of this awful virus. Drink safely and we have no social distancing in place. No restrictions actually. Just border closed ufn so staycation next week for my holiday. Test match starts Weds so I'll commence a pub tour round the Island from Tuesday. Bank holiday here Monday. Tynwald Day. Ball_Sup (Phil) Will go for real ale. Bushy's brewery stuff

 

[nickwr37]

It's sad news to hear about pubs closing like this but I think what it tells us is that these pubs were hanging on by a thread and that thread was football traffic on match days. As the game becomes more of a global TV product than a product for ambient fans this is not going to improve much I'm afraid.

Of course it's the response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has put paid to these pubs and it will do the same to lots of jobs as well in many industries. The pandemic may be receding but the worst is still to come in terms of job losses, unemployment, economic downturn and all that comes with it. I reckon we are looking at 3 years or more before things begin to stabilise and we see healthy growth and the economy starting to recover again.

I feel sorry for all those whose livelihoods are adversely affected by this. I feel sorry for the young ones as well who are leaving school or University with reduced prospects of finding work. There's going to be a whole generation of young folk who step out into the world, hoping to start their own journey through life and build something worthwhile, only to find that they can't even get past first base and get a good job.

In terms of supporting the pubs near to the ground, I may be in the minority, but I don't go to a pub, even on matchdays, just because it's near to the ground. If it's near to the ground and has things that appeal to me, like meeting up with mates, or them having great beer, then that's different, but otherwise, the proximity of the pub to the ground is of little or no consequence.

If I was happy supping Carling Black Label or John Smith's or similar, then I think it would be a different matter as I can get that kind of fare in most pubs, but I'm not. In fact I'm really not keen on drinking during the day, it wipes me out and I feel good for nothing, but occasionally I do have a pre-match pint, maybe 2, but that's my limit. And occasionally I do go to pubs not far from the ground, that have good beer. Like the Beer Engine or The Sheaf View. And I go to those pubs whether there's a match on or not.

I think it's a very kind and public-spirited sentiment to appeal to us to all start going for a drink in pubs that are near to the ground, to help them survive. But realistically that's not going to happen. If the only attraction of those pubs is that they are near to the ground then they will end up going the same way as the others unfortunately.

Well that's cheered me up Cerberus Blade Go for a pint at the Banner, Hammer, PoW and Rising Sun for me. I'll reciprocate here in IOM. Karaoke at Manx Arms tonight

 

[DazBlade88]

The Sheaf would have been closing briefly regardless of COVID, the landlord and landlady had decided to call it a day anyway.

You do have to fear for some of these pubs that rely on matchday income alone. In an odd way, promotion probably hurt them. They were all pretty full anyway and now there's less games.

 

[shorehamview]

The Sheaf would have been closing briefly regardless of COVID, the landlord and landlady had decided to call it a day anyway.

You do have to fear for some of these pubs that rely on matchday income alone. In an odd way, promotion probably hurt them. They were all pretty full anyway and now there's less games.

You’d have to be mad to take on one of the pubs near the ground that rely solely on match days to keep going.

The rents charged by the pubco owners are eye-watering, the landlord will be tied to a purchase agreement for beer with little to no discount, and the chance to make money from food will be small. These pubs have struggled for years, I’m just surprised that some of them have lasted so long. Attracting new customers on days when there’s no football will be hard, as most of the pubs in question are, to be diplomatic, not at the high end of the market. Not many people would want to spend their evening in a crappy pub with crap beer, given that the alternatives like the Beer Engine are cleaner, friendly and with a good selection of proper beer.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Standard had shut pre Covid. Sportsmen went years ago. I'd be surprised if all the London Rd pubs made it.

McDonald's will have to start doing beer

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

You’d have to be mad to take on one of the pubs near the ground that rely solely on match days to keep going.

The rents charged by the pubco owners are eye-watering, the landlord will be tied to a purchase agreement for beer with little to no discount, and the chance to make money from food will be small. These pubs have struggled for years, I’m just surprised that some of them have lasted so long. Attracting new customers on days when there’s no football will be hard, as most of the pubs in question are, to be diplomatic, not at the high end of the market. Not many people would want to spend their evening in a crappy pub with crap beer, given that the alternatives like the Beer Engine are cleaner, friendly and with a good selection of proper beer.

The Beer Engine is rubbish.

People should avoid it like the plague


So that I can get a seat when I go there pre-match

 

[TJB.]

I have three seats available for the Burnley game tomorrow at The Clubhouse on London Road. Anyone who'd like to join us is free to PM me!

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

The Beer Engine is rubbish.

People should avoid it like the plague


So that I can get a seat when I go there pre-match

Awaiting answer to when they’re reopening!

 

[Oreyt]

Well that's cheered me up Cerberus Blade Go for a pint at the Banner, Hammer, PoW and Rising Sun for me. I'll reciprocate here in IOM. Karaoke at Manx Arms tonight

The Hammer.... Should be a lovely pub but it's crap.

 

[JohnDenver]

Standard had shut pre Covid. Sportsmen went years ago. I'd be surprised if all the London Rd pubs made it.

McDonald's will have to start doing beer

Hope the Albion is still there. But the reality is that by the time normality is restored, it’ll be too late for many.

And behaviours change. Attendances may not recover to previous levels as fear persists and finances are hit.

Get that vaccine sorted please...

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Awaiting answer to when they’re reopening!

Living in Leeds, I only go there on match days so it will be a good while before I'm in there again

 

[Canterbury Blade]

To me, part of the ritual of football is the boozer. Away games are spent meandering around strange places looking for, to my taste, the better beer and pubs. Interesting that you often see the same faces in the most unlikely places and some have become mates. If you’ve found the ale obscurity of Leigh on sea on a Wednesday, the backstreets of Peterborough on a Tuesday and the many undoubted delights of Northampton on a Saturday and said hello to the same people, you realise you have both The Blades and beer in common.

Equally, for us Southern based Sheffielders the pubs around London Bridge, Liverpool St, Euston, Kings Cross and St Pancras can become enclaves of United. I usually end up chatting to other fans if I’m on me own. However, I won’t be seeking to share the company of Millwall Dave in The Rake again anytime soon...

BUT, to me there is nothing finer than coming to a home game, knowing you will be getting some of the finest ale known to man in a familiar haunt. The Station Tap, The Rutland, The Nelson, The Railway (RIP) The Sheaf View, The Shakespeare and above all The White Lion I salute you for all that you do in the pre match interests of making a middle aged man feel like he was 20 and about to stand on The Kop or John St once more.

After the match, The Polish bar, The Byron and now the Two Thirds if I’m staying in Nether Edge.

Now, I’m off for a few pints in the free houses of Canterbury. 3 appointments made... weird doing that!

But my heart will always be in a tap room in a pub with a postcode that starts with a capital S.

Boozers of Sheffield please rejoice in the fact you are all loved. Maybe by different people for different reasons but you are all loved..

WELCOME BACK!!

 

[Oreyt]

Hope the Albion is still there. But the reality is that by the time normality is restored, it’ll be too late for many.

And behaviours change. Attendances may not recover to previous levels as fear persists and finances are hit.

Get that vaccine sorted please...

Yeah, bang on. One thing I read is that everywhere is, understandingly, hiking their prices. But to be honest I've saved so much money I'd already decided to cut down on pub time. It'll be doubly so if that's true.

 

[Oreyt]

Hope the Albion is still there. But the reality is that by the time normality is restored, it’ll be too late for many.

And behaviours change. Attendances may not recover to previous levels as fear persists and finances are hit.

Get that vaccine sorted please...

Yeah, bang on. One thing I read is that everywhere is, understandingly, hiking their prices. But to be honest I've saved so much money I'd already decided to cut down on pub time. It'll be doubly so if that's true.

 

[BLADES1988]

Im touring the proper boozers of sheffield today! Doing my bit for the independents. None of this chain pub nonsense.

 

[Rodley]

Anyone supping in Wethers needs their bumps feelings. Get down your local independent.

 

[Eddiecolquhounsleg]

Yeah, bang on. One thing I read is that everywhere is, understandingly, hiking their prices. But to be honest I've saved so much money I'd already decided to cut down on pub time. It'll be doubly so if that's true.

Double post. I suspect you have started on the ale already

 

[nickwr37]

Yeah, bang on. One thing I read is that everywhere is, understandingly, hiking their prices. But to be honest I've saved so much money I'd already decided to cut down on pub time. It'll be doubly so if that's true.

£4.10 Carling, £3.95 Fosters here in IOM. No price hike yet.....Run out of Okells bitter though. Awful stuff I've tried before and no thank you from me.

 

[Oreyt]

Double post. I suspect you have started on the ale already

Funnily enough I was talking shite. Already in the Beer Engine.

 

[alcoblade]

I’m like a kid in a sweet shop!

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

Funnily enough I was talking shite. Already in the Beer Engine.

Need to book ? Doing food ? Cheers

 

[Oreyt]

Need to book ? Doing food ? Cheers

No need to book, kitchen not open yet.

 

[ForgeBlade]

£4.10 Carling, £3.95 Fosters here in IOM. No price hike yet.....Run out of Okells bitter though. Awful stuff I've tried before and no thank you from me.

Fuck me. £4.10 for Carling!!!? Could go to any number of pubs in almost any city and pay less than that for something that could reasonably be classed as "Beer."

 

[CrookesBlade]

Shame about the Railway. That was the place I used to get served in my formative pre match drinking days. It’s got a lot of character and in the last few years has started selling decent beer.

Not so bothered re the Sheaf. Not been in for years. The only real plus point was the massive beer garden. Crap selection of beer and used to take ages to get served.

Losing the Dev Cat is a big disappointment. Handy for the match, handy for nights out at Corp back in the day and was the go to place to try obscure beers you couldn’t get anywhere else 15-20 years ago.

I’ll usually go to Triple Point (formerly Sentinel) pre match or Sheaf View/Brothers for cup games when it’s a bit quieter. The Lost Industry Tap on Sidney Street is also a welcome addition, busy and a good selection of beer but no daft queues.

Must admit I’ve no desire to go to the boozer this weekend. Just seems like hassle with all the pre booking etc.

 

[ForgeBlade]

Shame about the Railway. That was the place I used to get served in my formative pre match drinking days. It’s got a lot of character and in the last few years has started selling decent beer.

Not so bothered re the Sheaf. Not been in for years. The only real plus point was the massive beer garden. Crap selection of beer and used to take ages to get served.

Losing the Dev Cat is a big disappointment. Handy for the match, handy for nights out at Corp back in the day and was the go to place to try obscure beers you couldn’t get anywhere else 15-20 years ago.

I’ll usually go to Triple Point (formerly Sentinel) pre match or Sheaf View/Brothers for cup games when it’s a bit quieter. The Lost Industry Tap on Sidney Street is also a welcome addition, busy and a good selection of beer but no daft queues.

Must admit I’ve no desire to go to the boozer this weekend. Just seems like hassle with all the pre booking etc.

It's awful. I also used to go in there pre-corp, but in recent years since I've "outgrown" Corp, it was a great place to spend the end of a night when it was open till 2am. Had many a wobbly journey home and truly awful Sunday morning after being in the DC until 2

 

[Beat Jedi]

Funnily enough I was talking shite. Already in the Beer Engine.

Good news. They've been silent on social media I thought they maybe gone for good.

 

[SheepdipBlade]

Hope the Albion is still there. But the reality is that by the time normality is restored, it’ll be too late for many.

And behaviours change. Attendances may not recover to previous levels as fear persists and finances are hit.

Get that vaccine sorted please...

Imagine if the vaccine reacted to alcohol so you couldn't drink! That'd give a lot people something to think about!