Bridge, Shawford

Victor Meldrew was run over and killed outside this pub, and I'm afraid that since the refurb has happened I have to take a leaf out of his book and say very loudly - "I DONT BELIEVE IT!"

The Bridge has gone all yuppyfied. Me and my partner (they used to be called fiancees but now it's partner) bimbled in the day the refurb had been completed. The very bossy and business like manageress was all formal and with no creases or particular friendliness, she was holding a 'warm day' where invited guests had come to sample the restaurants delights. (I hadn't been invited even though me and my 'partner' are/were regulars - those who had been invited looked like hoity toity business types. No room at the Inn for the locals it seems. What was a nice romantic sort of interior, private and traditional, has been opened up into a cascade of Marks and Spencer furniture and light. For those who just want to have a pint at the bar and not a meal, well I think those sort of pub goers would cramp the 'style' of the place. Bring back the old style pub, much warmer, and friendly with no career laughs coming from the secretary or PA sat next to MD at table 17. The location is still great, I will pop in for a pint of ale in the summer whilst my partner walks me along the Itchen, we will make sure it's summer, just about able to put up with the garden furniture, but I wouldnt want to stop inside for a beer or a bite anymore.
Expensive and unwelcoming atmosphere unless you are down from London for the day - 'reaching out and client facing'. 2 star rating earned for whats outside the pub these days instead of whats inside.

6 Jun 2010 15:02