The Gun, Keyhaven

Yes, obviously the landlord has a problem and judging from the reaction we received on our visit last Sunday, 25th July, it is generated by alcohol. Putting it quite simply, he was drunk! And judging by previous comments it's not the first time.
We arrived around 4.25pm and as we walked in were greeted - if that is the word - by the comment "you better hurry up, we close at five!" Obviously an attitude problem with the staff. Upon enquiring about a drink we were directed to the garden bar "which is still open." Well, through 50 years of being a licensee I was aware that a garden bar would have a limited range of drinks - and it was. Shutting at five was obviously the priority so after asking for 3 different drinks - all sold out - and being told "just not your day" I opted for a small shandy only for my wife!. Imagine my surprise when 10 minutes later a member of staff rolled up another keg of my requested lager. I remarked to the bar staff that he could at least have told me it was going to be replaced and that's when the rottweiler, oops sorry, the landlord struck. " Wasser the matter with you you've been offered a drink, what's your problem?" I started to say that the barman could have told me when I ordered originally ordered and had there have been more time we would have eaten. Big mistake! Thrusting his face into mine he said " it's my pub an' if I want to close at five I will, we've all got ta have a life you know!" I tried to explain I sympathised with my background but he just stormed off muttering to all and sundry.....Now here is a pub with a wonderful location, relies greatly on good weather and a summer trade, could be a lovely retreat for a quiet dinner on a winter's evening - shame.

27 Jul 2010 22:21