Queen Victoria, Barnt Green

Recently changed hands as it had gone downhill. It had had a makeover some 3 years or so ago but still attracted the same crowd that let it down in the end - chavs and builders etc in dirty clothes.

It has now gone up market (i.e. more expensive and some dress rules) but still feels wrong - the layout has been changed but the two levels conspire against an atmosphere - perhaps its cursed ! - it was originally built as a Temperance Hall !

Wish it luck though.

30 Apr 2011 10:51

The Brook Inn, Redditch

We had a similar experience to Charmer12. We didn't eat but the place was really odd. the staff totally inexperienced. We decided against the food for that reason and just went home.

It seems to be a pattern. Take an old comfortable pub, gut it, put on "gastro" food and then staff it with silly kids who don't seem to know what is going on.

Why is it that staff no longer seem to take an interest, smile, be polite, serve quickly and in order and keep the place clean? Is there a special recruitment agency for hormonal, lazy or dopey people?

It's not rocket science.

17 Feb 2010 09:12

The Forest Inn, Lickey End

BaggyDave. the Oak Tree at Rednal was the Poachers Pocket and before that The Chalet.

The Forest has, I think, always been the Forest (at least since the 70's when beer became of interest to me).

17 Feb 2010 08:43