The Prince Of Wales, Cheam

I first came across the Prince of Wales some five years ago when a new contract brought me to Cheam for 10 months. The then landlord was a Kiwi and, despite his nationality, seemed to have embraced all the best characteristics of a good British local. The atmosphere was very friendly, the beers were excellent, the food was more than satisfactory, the staff were welcoming and the locals � although initially a little wary of a newcomer like myself � soon warmed as I became a regular customer. The landlord (Mike?) took good care of his customers with regular bonus nights � �Toss the Boss� and �Free Drinks �til First Points Scored� (certain TV rugby internationals) to name but two examples. I certainly missed this pub when my contract in Cheam ran out.
I was delighted when a recent opportunity brought me back to Cheam and I lost no time in revisiting my former haunt. The pub is now under new management and�what a huge disappointment this place has become.
The vast majority of the locals I had got to know were nowhere to be seen � they now drink down at The Claret, having been made to feel unwelcome in The Prince by its new landlord and the loud, coarse clientele he brought with him from the infamous Sutton pub (The Litten Tree) he had �managed� before it had to be closed down. With little or no experience of running a village pub he had quickly upset the vast majority of my former drinking acquaintances and replaced them with people more to his liking�heavy drinking foul-mouthed types who were happy to take over a pub where their inconsiderate behaviour was now deemed acceptable. The landlord was/is clearly interested solely in lining his own back pocket � nothing more highlighting this fact than the introduction of a �Casino� gaming machine, rumoured to be making the esteemed host over �1500 per week.
The quality of the real ale has plummeted and I quickly learnt not to bother with it. The staff themselves are very friendly and helpful, although the previous air of general enjoyment and work satisfaction is now sadly lacking.
A recent lick of paint has done something to clean the place up but the underlying problems now run much deeper.
I now drink only very occasionally in the Prince, and would even prefer The Bell � and that would have been unthinkable five years ago�and still should be.
What a waste.

4 Sep 2007 13:28