Oh dear, self promotion FAIL

[Conrad]

Dave just pointed this out to me: The Masons Arms, Billinge.

Someone needs to think a bit more about how to subtly promote a location.

In defence of the publican, this would appear to be the web site designer they have chosen to use rather than their efforts.

[Farway]

Bit silly of Tony Sankey, but no doubt it will increase the hits on the web site he designed for them, and thus "prove" how well it is attracting interest

It does seem to be a nice pub from their own blurb though, and CAMRA pub to boot. Not one I shall ever visit as not in my location

[Gann]

Agree bit silly, but harmless enough as this does look like a good pub and not someone trying to big up a sh*t hole.

I had to laugh that he scored it 10 stars on the first review, but only 9 on the second.
I guess this was because he had to knock one off for, despite having a very impressive range of ales for May, the front page of the web site shows a glass of red wine.....

[Conrad]

As you say, completely harmless (although I could take it as a chance to rant about ratings , actually that does make it funny that his second review is 9 star as that one carries the average), so we wont delete it. I do however approve of pointing and laughing.

[Strongers]

I spotted one last week where a young lady had given a glowing review of a pub which was the only one she had reviewed. I then looked through all of the photos of the inside of the pub, which were submitted by her.

I then realised that she had scored the pub 9/10... How I laughed!

I think that it is great when an owner/manager posts a description of the pub they are affiliated with as it shows a bit of get-up-and-go and usually accurately lists facilties etc. I'll never understand why they feel the need to pass themselves off as a customer though, what's the point? they will be found out and look silly as it is difficult to post a review of somewhere you work without going over the top in detail and praise.

[RogerB]

I then realised that she had scored the pub 9/10... How I laughed!

I wonder what was wrong with the place to only warrant 9/10

[Conrad]

Its silly isn't it. Whenever we get the chance we advise people to mention they are involved in the pub.

[arwkrite]

These self promotion reviews stick out like sore thumbs simply for the well worn phrases and sayings used . There must be a booklet or website somewhere that provide the templates.

If you have a pub and you are proud of it then why not say so in your position as Landlord ? You won't get flame wars or insulting comments on Pubs Galore, it being a properly Moderated site. You may get constructive criticism which is always worth taking a look at, after all no where is perfect and that little tweak may get you a genuine top rate from an independent reviewer .

Bashful lot some of these landlords

[Andy Ven]

Victor Kiam: I was so impressed I designed their website

[rpadam]

Looks a bit like the landlord/lady has got his/her chums reviewing this place:

http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/8237/

Oddly, though, not all the ratings quite match the gush...