The Masons Arms, Meysey Hampton

This pub used to be an absolute gem....great beer, great pub food, lovely atmosphere and the spine of a pretty village.

What went wrong....well the old landlord/lady Andy & Jane unfortunately split up and sold the pub.

The buyers were a company called Kelso who absolutely ruined the pub. They cut costs, brough in rubbish suppliers, alienated staff and locals and turned it into a dive.

Then 2 men, James and Dave bought the lease and made an even worse job. Truley horrific management from these 2. what a bunch of con artists. Food was awful, local suppliers were denied payment and the pub lost all touch with the community.

They did such a bad job that eventually, back in March this year they had to give up and get out...the pub was dead.
Whats more, Dave and his female sidekick Milly stripped the pub bear and even took the legendary cricket bat that belonged to the village cricket team.

Now, another company is in there, probably working on behalf of Kelso to turn the place around.
To be fair, the manager in their now is doing a good job.
Food is pretty good, the beer pipes are regualrly cleaned, and beer selection is good.
More significantly, the locals are turning out in force again and the village green is packed on friday and saturday nights as they have finally got rid of the shambolic management that has dogged the pub for almost 3-4 years.

I would hope that the worst of the masons is over and would urge past fans to go back and see the pub get back on its feet to the heart of the community it used to be!

25 May 2008 21:37