Pub annoyances #834

[Mobyduck]

Black

[Quinno]

Another one!

https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubpictures/14133/

[Lady Grey]

It has probably been mentioned many times before, by various PG members, so I might as well add to the number. Backgroud music in pubs these days. Even the quieter country pubs seem to be doing it. Why? It adds nothing to a pub's ambience. In fact this is my pub anoyance of 2024.

[ETA]

It has probably been mentioned many times before, by various PG members, so I might as well add to the number. Background music in pubs these days. Even the quieter country pubs seem to be doing it. Why? It adds nothing to a pub's ambience. In fact this is my pub annoyance of 2024.

Completely agree. It's even worse when the volume is such that it ceases to be 'background' and becomes an intrusion. I have on occasion asked the staff to turn it down so we can hear ourselves speak.

[sheffield hatter]

Why? It adds nothing to a pub's ambience. In fact this is my pub anoyance of 2024.

Yes, me too! I'm lucky in that most of my favourite locals, like the Kelham Island Tavern and the Fat Cat, are music free, but on my travels I often find the music a distraction if I'm trying to do the Guardian crossword, or uncomfortable if I'm trying to talk to friends.

I remember asking for the music to be turned down in a pub in the Lake District, only to have someone else ask for it to be turned up!

[NickDavies]

Yes, me too! I'm lucky in that most of my favourite locals, like the Kelham Island Tavern and the Fat Cat, are music free, but on my travels I often find the music a distraction if I'm trying to do the Guardian crossword, or uncomfortable if I'm trying to talk to friends.

I remember asking for the music to be turned down in a pub in the Lake District, only to have someone else ask for it to be turned up!

Long ago our work social club had to move premises. I was secretary at the time and involved in the design. We made sure that speakers were installed behind the bar as well as the customers' side. All too often speakers are placed in the far corners and staff can't tell how loud it is for the punters.

[Tris39]

It adds nothing to a pub's ambience.

I tend to agree, but I've known since the '90s that there is a strong link between loud music and increased alcohol consumption, vertical drinking likewise; The New Inn is the only pub where I've seen a 'sound fuse'.
I don't really mind a decent soundtrack played at an unobtrusive volume and have yet to have a problem with the all-vinyl soundtrack at The https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23788/. What I really don't like are the bass-heavy, royalty-free session musician soundtracks which go on for the entire duration - or longer - of a 20-minute stay, a bit like this.

We made sure that speakers were installed behind the bar as well as the customers' side.

Monitor speakers for bar staff!

[ETA]

Seems someone else has had similar thoughts: https://www.thepoke.com/2025/01/07/w...-out-the-door/

[Tris39]

Seems someone else has had similar thoughts: https://www.thepoke.com/2025/01/07/w...-out-the-door/

Ooohhh...too many to count. Certainly had the English ---> Welsh schtick 'boyo'. I always gird my loins when entering a pub covered with fluttering Sky Sports bunting too. And as for the Cross of St. George decor outside the Euros/World Cup - for which read EDL supporters' pub...