Other than beer what should be in a pub?

[arwkrite]

I must say Conrad after rereading your post as quoted by Bzylz your favourite pub does remind one of what the end of the pier at Weston super Mare was like before it got barbecued. Not a place for a restful beer. May be you did base it on the old pier, after all its not far from your neck of the woods.

[Conrad]

I feel dirty now

Weston Super Mare, a mash up of a retirement home with go fast boys racing round the grounds . The only redeeming thing I have ever found about it was that there were air hockey tables that worked on the pier (and as you say now barbecued).

These days I probably prefer a nice quite pub that does good beer and a reasonable sandwich to soak it up, but back when I was frequenting more often and which solicited my description I guess The Sportsman was my favourite pub.

[RogerB]

I guess The Sportsman was my favourite pub.

Can't be that good - John McGraw hasn't even bothered to take a photo of it.

[arwkrite]

Weston S Mare attracts the older people simply because it is on the level. Pushing a wheel chair uphill is knackering, I almost gave myself heart attack last year pushing one in Winchester.
Our favourite was the Old Colonial. It is sea front pub, next to a big car park and a nice long ramp to the side exit. When you have to make considerations other than simply what beer the pub serves you tend to visit a certain type of pub that fits your needs. I prefer Weston to Blackpool, which these days is short on northern charm, but recognise both places quite characterless places with a few good pubs and a lot of awful drinking places. If I was 40 years younger I would probably not notice the old folks , recalling what a horrid self centred little s**t I was then. But when you get old you seem to be surrounded by wheel chairs and walking frames. Young people only only become noticeable when overly noisy ( or when young girls walk passed in incredibly skimpy clothing and the blood pressure goes up ).
West S Mare serves a purpose for all ages and I miss the regular visits to it.

[Conrad]

Can't be that good - John McGraw hasn't even bothered to take a photo of it.

Yeah but it apparently does chilled Twix's so that should mitigate . Last time I knew John was in Bristol he photographed a scary selection of pubs that I would think twice before entering.
Edit: Official website shows some interior shots giving away the fact it is just a pool hall.


I think characterless is pretty much the best description you could ever make of WSM (and Blackpool). Back when I used to like arcades I did quite enjoy my visits, then I got old enough to drive and visited it a couple of times and just found most of the pubs to be mini-discos, which even back then I didn't like.

The last couple of times I have been there it has been for birthday meals where the other invites all seemed to be workmates from an 80's version of The Office (either that or wannabee porn stars, something about the moustaches I guess). I should probably give it another chance, it has been a long time now.

[Farway]

How about a steal from Fullers, and others regarding "Loyalty cards". One stamp for every pint, free identical drink when 7 or so reached

I and two others went very grumpy in the Spotted Cow lunchtime today when we found out there was a Fullers loyalty card on the go since last week, but we were not invited, b@stards, utter utter b@stards

Shame as it is a nice pub

[hopwas]

Right..

Most important of all... Darts board with blackboard. I am avid darts player and played in few pub leagues. Luckily my local The White Lion do have them so is Duke of York in Lichfield so I can tweak my throwing, aiming before actual games starts.

Newspapers.. I am massive fan of reading papers. I would sulk if I find there is none in pub.

Nuts in bowl.. I love eating nuts while sipping my pints.

Constant news on TV news.. I like to catch up the news or breaking news unfolding while sit back and drink my pints. Thats why I go to JDW.

[Oggwyn Trench]

Did a crawl round St Georges last night , a special mention for the jukebox in the Elephant and Castle , its like a giant ipod , every top 40 hit since 1952 , the locals had deicided it was the early 70s turn so wall to wall Slade , marvelous

[Farway]

a special mention for the jukebox in the Elephant and Castle , its like a giant ipod , every top 40 hit since 1952 , the locals had deicided it was the early 70s turn so wall to wall Slade , marvelous

The Spotted Cow, Cowplain has one of those, but it was wall to wall Doris Day "Whipcrack awaying" last week, I think put on by a womann fretting about her mum dying or something, I just ate my sausage sarnie & supped the HSB and studiuosly avoided it all

[hopwas]

It is bloody everywhere in Tamworth.. even my local in town White lion have them and it is very popular.