The New Cross Inn / Bar Alchemy, New Cross

Passed by the other night to have a look seeing as its been taken over by new owners. Who exactly are they marketing it to? The music was awful cheesy soul/funk and the decor looked like it wanted to be a wine bar/boys club. Looks like all the band nights have been scrapped too which is what brought people to the Inn and made it well known as a live music venue for students and locals. Nice to see that there was actually booze in there but I don't think that'll be enough to bring people in.

24 Feb 2009 18:29

The New Cross Inn / Bar Alchemy, New Cross

Working in a pub that you love where the owners don't give two shits about the stock or reputation is the worst thing- it used to be packed for great nights of music and those nights still happen but it's rarer. When you've said for the millionth time 'we only have fosters or stella' and you've made the same light hearted joke about it to ease the customers, how can you keep a smile on your face? I try because generally the people and most of the promoters who come in are great, and nights like Modern Love and Zombies Are People Too have a mix of locals and students dancing to bands and popular indie/punk/electro music. Prices are pretty cheap now but it can only last so long. If this place is up for sale, like the promoter below said, I only hope that whoever buys it keeps to the spirit of the inn- we don't need just another regular pub or an overly trendy one like The Amersham Arms.

5 Feb 2009 19:54