The Fox and Hounds, Carshalton

Hey I was one of the guys who had to keep that lot apart! Luckily that was totally out the ordinary. I'm an Arsenal fan myself but those lads were totally out of line, and we made it clear to them they were no longer welcome after that day.

Thanks for the plaudits and I'll mention your comment about the ventilation to the boss tomorrow - you dont notice behind the bar with those low hanging lights

5 Jan 2006 17:57

The Fox and Hounds, Carshalton

I just had to register to reply to some of these comments as I work at the Fox and Hounds.

Firstly the toilets. This is rather simple. Despite cleaning them twice daily, the men's toilet perpetually stinks. There is a major problem with the plumbing and has been for some time, and the previous manager spent untold time trying to have this repaired, as is the current boss, but Spirit Group simply don't seem to care and have not arranged anyone to come and sort it out (the problem with Brewery run pubs!)

Secondly the beer running and bad Guiness issue. Rubbish. I have ONCE known a single lager to run out, and that was the Carlesberg LAST NIGHT (November 13th 2005). Up until then I have NEVER known the pub to run dry of any draught beverage. As for the Guiness, at the time that report was posted there was a different couple running the place, and not only were they skimming off the top, stealing spirits and fiddling the books, but also had a habit of not cleaning the lines. Under the last 2 managers this has been done with strict regularity, as have all hygeine procedures, and now the only problem you'll get from the Guiness is if I try to draw a little picture in the foam, as I inevitably fail (I MUST learn to do that soon!)

Third point - These "aggresive" locals. Where? Who? EVERYONE in that pub knows everyone else, it's like a meeting ground for people with nothing to do of a Saturday, and simply through working there I know the regulars so well now I'll easily stop for half an hour chatting if I bump into one in the street. The one occasion an argument has broken out it was between myself and another member of staff, which I admit is not a great way to behave, but it was a one off incidentand nothing else.

The comment of "Staff don't seem to care". In my experience I read this as "Staff won't bend over backwards to make me feel like the only person in there" because I've never known our attitude to be criticised (okay maybe the ginger guy's is)
by anyone except those who think they should walk in, sit down, wave us over, and we should approach them at a table, take the order, fetch the drinks, collect payment and return with change. You want to be treated like that, go up town and pay �6 for your pint. If however you have a problem and raise it with a member of staff WITHOUT being rude every one of us will do what we can to help. All it takes is a simple "'Scuse me could you wipe that table mate". I don't even ask for a simple "please", just no rudeness. As has been said I'd challenge you to have 20 people barging each other about and screaming orders at you in the manner of "Oi two carlings!" when you're already serving someone and smile non stop.

Plasma - The day you speak of I was working. Who was it served you if the beer was bad? Generally it's fine but one pump is a pain in the proverbials and if you get the wrong drink in the wrong glass it can pour very very flat (Carling is terrible for it!).

Anyways do pop back in and see what's changed, the place is cleaner than ever, friendlier, now has a large non smoking area, dart board and pool table. And if you see a guy in a big straw hat behind the bar, that's me. Mention this website and I'll........... well I can't give free drinks but I CAN give you a smug smile because someone actually read this little rant and came in to see us after it.

Peace out, be good, go home before 11:20 and buy the barman a drink occasionally!

"Hatman" (as one regular has taken to calling me)

14 Nov 2005 16:43