please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
For once Jacko, I am inclined to agree with part of what you say. It is pretty obvious to all and sundry that there is only one "brains of the business" in the husband and wife team that are in situ - but it certainly isn't our David. To actually say that to a customer is quite undermining to Sarah on so many levels - both personally and professionally. For me, she makes my pint that extra bit palatable, so will continue to receive my unwavering support in her venture. It's a tough life running a busy boozer such as this, and she does an amazing job with little support, it appears, judging by your comment. If Sarah pulled out of this partnership, this pub would collapse. If David disappeared, no-one would notice. I think the addition of food gives an extra dimension to the place too, and I have heard good things about the quality - although I reckon there should be more fresh fish - but maybe I'm just being picky. Keep it going, Sarah - you are more appreciated than you think!
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I have tried hard to adapt and give them a chance - but sorry their not for me.
Sarah I concede is a someone trying very hard and has presented a pleasant face to the customers. But the other half of the business or the brains behind the business as he recently suggested is just one big turn off for me as a customer.
All the big plans of what he was going to do has not materialised and now they seem to have settled into the attitude of the feet are below the table and no more effort/improvement required.
The food situation has improved but it still feels very much something being provided as a service rather than something to improve the pub as a venue.
We had a cabaret recently great I thought at last something different and fresh - but that seems to have been a one off and back to the boring norm.
I maybe won't be a loss but sorry I won't be a regular anymore and will take advantage of premises not stuck in time
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Jacko - I can assure you I am not Parsley Dave. I'm far better looking. In a previous life, I was known as the "Stig". I was last spotted racing through Kirkliston on the back of Shergar, dressed as Elvis, being chased by Lord Lucan on roller skates. It's nice that you think of me x.
It must gall you a tad that despite your years of devotion in this establishment, there may be one or two customers that are equally "well informed". If you are interested in the workings and welfare of your local, the easiest way I've found is to strike up a conversation with the owners or staff. But be polite and objective - you'll get so much more out of them. You may even begin to like them! Good luck with the hunt for The Scottish Stig...
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I've noticed comments about the price of beer in this pub. I found the following in the Business pages of Monday's Scotsman.
"The Institute for Public Policy Research has lambasted the 'beer tie' saying publicans who are contractually obliged to buy from their landlords pay up to 45% more for their beer than independent pubs. The IPPR Director said "The UK Government should act to reform the way the industry operates.""
The New Liston Arms is a tied pub - maybe we should be grateful somebody was prepared to take it on, considering that the report also mentioned that the majority of landlords in tied pubs earn less than �15000 a year.
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Is the Pubdoctor really - Parsley Dave as the comments seem rather well informed
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Certainly don't miss the old chef although his food was excellent - but do miss having something to eat off a lunchtime as it has been getting on for a good few weeks now.
Have been forced to taken a run into Corstorphine for a bite which isn't ideal even although it is cheaper.
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My understanding is that the old chef had a rather inflated sense of his worth, because he was on some sort of franchise arrangement before Parsley and Sarah existed. Moving to a wage agreement obviously didn't massage his ego, so he started not turning up if he didn't feel like it, and not caring about standards or complaints. If he was worth his salt he would have re-proved himself for the new owners - it's their money, after all! Anyway, better off without - if you're going to have food, make sure it's worth having, or don't do it! Big up to the bosses for taking a stand. Still a great place to get drunk. The beer tastes so much better hen the landlady wears shorts...
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Totally agree on your opinion of David he is very much - Zzzzzzzzzz. I wonder when we will get a new chef, why replace something that was not broke.
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It has been a long ten days - with the inane drivel of Parsley Dave, zzzzzzzzzzzz
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Disasterous news from the Newliston Arms - Sarah the landlady is going on holiday for 10 days or so. A veritable ray of sunshine will be beaming over Southern Spain, instead of in this wonderful part of West Lothian. However, the beer is still good and the company excellent - we'll even talk to the English if they paid us a visit. Get a new chef in and this pub would be as good as one could wish of a local.
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Jacko - you are correct in your assumption that you have been using the pub longer than I, but to assume that makes you the expert on what it takes to make it work as a business is way off the mark. You are looking at this with Jacko sunglasses on, rather than from the point of view of the new couple. What has occurred here in the past doesn't make it correct for tomorrow - if there's mould on the cheddar, you wouldn't leave it there, would you? I will agree with you on a couple of things - it is pricey for a village pub, but to be fair to them, they are being charged the same for their beer by the brewery what Wetherspoons can sell it for. Not a lot they can do about that - but then this place shouldn't be appealing to the lowest common denominator of punter anyway. Keeps the riff raff out. Well, most of them, eh Jacko. Also, you're right about the new Derek - he tries but he has the personality of chopped parsley, so I'm not sure this is the life for him. Not sure what you have against Sarah - can't fault the girl. Describing her as "tacky" is pretty low and rather personal in my book. She is obviously the one that is keeping the pub ticking and moving forward - maybe you should be a little more supportive about your local and the people that are busting a gut to keep it a going concern in these tough times. I'm happy to pay through the nose for THAT smile. Lighten up, man.
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Nice pub, to many jealous punters who have never been out the village.
The new landlords are a nice couple who are doing just fine,
The pub has changed already for the better, admittedly its a bit pricey.
All the pub needs now is a good chef and steady regular timetable for the restaurant opening times.But am sure the new landlady will have it in hand soon
Oh by the way i know a good chef lol
I am sure they will turn this pub around and shut up the critics who have a bee in there bonnet.
Overall its a nice ,friendly ,safe and welcoming pub now.
Good luck to the new licencee.
PEANUTS
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Pub Doctor - Unlike yourself I have used the pub regularly for longer than I care to mention. From Sandy to Derek to the current owners and as such am very well versed on what is required.
They have made a few changes which can be applauded but in my opinion they are a disaster waiting to happen. All my previous comments remain correct - the pub remains a RIP OFF for their prices in comparison to nearly everywhere.
People need to realise that all the same moans that we have all complained about with Derek are still largely apparent - vastly overpriced for a Village Pub. Don't be taken in by a smile as a reason to be ripped off.
The husband I am afraid is no more than an individual who loves his own importance a younger Derek. Maybe if he was to put as much effort in as his wife then my opinion may change. Sarah is a lovely young lady but I do agree with other posts that she needs to be a little less forward and tacky or is likely to cause upset with someones Wife or Partner.
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The new owners are slowly putting their mark on the place and the changes so far have all been for the good.
Reintroduced Deuchars and also 80 shilling giving the regulars a wide selection of beers to suit all tastes.
A very pleasant couple who are enthusiastic and hard working it has only been a month and already the place is buzzing.
Check it out for yourself
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Been drinking here on and off for a number of years now, and these new owners appear to be just what the place has been crying out for. They are obviously clued up on what it takes to run a proper pub - especially the wife, who happens to be more than pleasant on the eye, too. I get the feeling that the previous commentary might be related to an incident where there were a couple of in breds who got their marching orders, so I wouldn't take that too seriously. I say carry on and good luck - its a tough enough job without the daft criticism.
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New owners have so far failed to sparkle - a Husband and Wife team with a the Husband spending more time eavesdropping conversations. His wife is so far the only one who I have seen working and is very pleasant.
Prices are akin to Central Edinburgh rather than a small village pub and are almost �1 a pint dearer than the other local establishment. Very 1980's with entertainment of a Karaoke for the 40 plus age group.
They have reintroduced Deuchars but likely to be excessive with their price. Weatherspoons charge �1.39 they are likely to be in excess of �3 +
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This is one of two pubs and two membership clubs in the village. It is generally accepted that this is the pub for your mum and dad, having no loud music etc. Its erves good quality food at slightly expensive prices every day. It has recently chnaged hands and the new manager is not popular - mainly because he doesn't appreciate the value of a regular customer and has no previous pub experience - it shows. Price shave risen dramaticaklly since he took over with no improvement in service or quality. The beers on offer are usually of a good range - S&N with a few guest beers and probably the poorest quality Guinness in the area (and most expensive).
All in all - iof you arte looking for a quiet,untroubled but expensive pint, then this is the place for you.
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