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rpadam
05-12-2011, 20:59
All aficionados of the Boadicea (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/68187/) will be bereft at the news that the place is currently shut...

Well, shut until 14 December 2011 apparently, but who knows what wonders await when it reopens (and as what - "not another pub", according to the signage)?
NickDavies
06-12-2011, 09:19
All aficionados of the Boadicea (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/68187/) will be bereft at the news that the place is currently shut...

Well, shut until 14 December 2011 apparently, but who knows what wonders await when it reopens (and as what - "not another pub", according to the signage)?

SSP seem to be rearranging their bars, rather like the deck chairs on the Titanic. At Victoria the Mash Tun (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54360/) has gone and Bonapartes (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54799/) has become a Sloe Bar (http://www.bitecard.co.uk/where.asp?bid=13). "A contemporary bar offering relaxed surroundings, great service and food throughout the day, including breakfast, teas and coffees." it says.

Which I expect is the fate destined for the Boadicea. If the one at Victoria's anything to go by they'll smarten it up a bit but the cast of staff and customers and product range will remain indistinguishable from before. I can't wait....

While browsing around I just discovered that the infamous Shakespeare (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56256/) at New St - which many would argue is even worse than the Boadicea - is deemed to be a "bespoke bar concept" (http://www.foodtravelexperts.com/uk/location-profile/1/0/6/birmingham-new-street-station/) - a criminal misuse of all three words.
RogerB
06-12-2011, 11:02
As long as they leave the departure board screen in there I couldn't give a monkeys! I only ever used it for a crafty pint when the trains were up the spout as you could at least keep on top of what trains were leaving with a pint of overpriced sludge in your hand.
aleandhearty
06-12-2011, 15:07
The White Rose (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/42650/) in Leeds station is also owned by SSP and is undeniably grim. Haven't passed through the station for a while, so I'm not sure if it's receiving the treatment. Still, the old saying 'you can't polish a turd' springs to mind...
NickDavies
19-12-2011, 19:20
Contributors to another pub review web site say it has been turned into a specialist craft beer bar, a concept I find grimly fascinating given the location. I'm not going to be passing that way this side of the festivities, I wonder if anyone else would care to comment
RogerB
20-12-2011, 11:43
I've walked past it. It all looks a lot posher than it was. I may pop in tonight as I have a bit of time to kill after work but the mention elsewhere of exhorbitant prices may mean it will be my first and only visit!
aleandhearty
20-12-2011, 12:12
I've walked past it. It all looks a lot posher than it was. I may pop in tonight as I have a bit of time to kill after work but the mention elsewhere of exhorbitant prices may mean it will be my first and only visit!

Still, the old saying 'you can't polish a turd' springs to mind...

.....but apparently you can roll it in glitter.
RogerB
20-12-2011, 15:41
Well I'm now inside! Layout and decor no different. Same bland background music. Same old gobsh*tes in attendance. Still got the departure board but no TV. 15 beer engines with various craft beers both global & UK. A couple of fridges behind the bar + a rack containing boxes of bottled beers. Have gone for a pint of Liefmans Belgian Fruit beer 4.2% - £4.50 - probably about par for the course. It is still crap but a better standard of crap than it was before. I wouldn't rush to go there!
RogerB
20-12-2011, 15:51
I lied - it dos have a TV. It is positioned where hardly anyone can see it! I only noticed on the way out!
NickDavies
20-12-2011, 15:57
Network Rail thought they were getting a 'real ale pub'

http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Press-Releases/NETWORK-RAIL-STATION-RETAIL-SALES-CONTINUE-TO-OUTPERFORM-THE-HIGH-STREET-1949.aspx

"A number of pubs will be re-branded, including the introduction of a real ale pub, The Beer House at Charing Cross. "
Strongers
21-12-2011, 10:51
I lied - it dos have a TV. It is positioned where hardly anyone can see it! I only noticed on the way out!

So you didn't get asked if you wanted crisps or nuts by a sour faced pole before being sloshed a pint of souse fit for any Sarsons jar.
RogerB
21-12-2011, 11:07
So you didn't get asked if you wanted crisps or nuts by a sour faced pole before being sloshed a pint of souse fit for any Sarsons jar.

Parts of this assessment do remain valid!