The Varsity, Southampton

First off - I do work at this pub....

I accept all the comments people have said, most people grumble about getting served at the bar - it's true sometimes the dont always get it right when it comes to who was next, but they do try bless 'em. At least we try to find pretty girls and boys for you to look at while you wait (choose your flavour, no-ones judging you...)

But one comment on here is VERY unfair and borders on slander. Regarding a handbag theft. She came to the bar and told me handbags had been stolen, I told her to immediately call the police, offering her the use of our phone, (it's normally more efficient for the victim to report it as all personal details can be given). I suugested she cancel or bar all her bank cards straight away. She had already borrowed a phone from a friend and had it in her hand when we spoke though, so she DECLINED using our phone. I had seen two people near the area she and her friends were drinking, and took it upon myself to RUN to as many pubs in the area as i could, to see if they were there. I gave descriptions to staff in 2 other venues, and enlisted a local doorman who happened to be in the street to check a couple more pubs with me. When i got back to the pub, the experience was taking its toll on the poor lass, and an army of friends were consoling her, making it hard to talk to her about the situation. I gave my card to one of her friends and advised that the CCTV tape would be made available to the police. I sympathise completely with her for her terrible experience, but am disappointed that she chose to blame me for it. She even tried to get the police to take action against me! Even if i hadn't dropped everything and gone searching for the criminals, advised her what to do and saved the CCTV tape for the police, I wonder just what laws I was supposed to have broken.

I discussed the matter with the police licensing department who are confident that i did everything i could, and more, for this bitter, bitter individual.

6 Jan 2008 14:05