I know a tough young man called Grub
Who works in a very rough pub.
A tattooed young lady named miss Moore
Throws troublemakers out the door
And me, I own that pub.
I Know a Tough Young Man Called Grub
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Tag Archives: pubs
“I don’t repeat gossip … so listen carefully”
“I don’t repeat gossip … so listen carefully”.
Yesterday (Sunday 23 September), I ran into an acquaintance in a local pub, and he invited me to join him at his table. I accepted gladly and enjoyed catching up as we haden’t come across one another for a while.
During the course of our chat, my acquaintance came out with the above quotation, which greatly amused me and I fell to pondering on its origin.
The quote can be found on metal plaques and mugs, but one of the few places where it’s origins are discussed is here, https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=733071. However this post gives no conclusive evidence as to the quotations origin. If any of my readers know where the above eminates from, I would be very interested to hear from you.
Kevin
Beer in the library
I have long been a fan of traditional pubs, and when one adds into the mix a library, the Westow House is definitely my kind of establishment.
Some 25 minutes walking distance from my home in Crystal Palace, stands the Westow, a traditional pub. I haden’t visited the place for a while however, on Sunday 2 September I decided to treat myself to a good old-fashioned pub roast and a pint. I got to the Westow at approximately 12:30 as I wanted to gain a seat in a quiet corner with plenty of room for my guide dog, Trigger to stretch out. I was delighted to secure a seat in a corner of the library (a section of the Westow stocked with books, some of which have seen better days as testified by their tatty bindings, but all of which helps to add to the character of the place).
Seated comfortably in an armchair, I enjoyed an excellent roast beef dinner with a garnishing of Horse Raddish, together with a pint of beer. Being visually impaired I am unable to read print. It was, however lovely to be surrounded by books and I took pleasure in handling several volumes despite my inability to read them. Ever since I was a child I’ve always relished the scent and feel of books which does, I think go back to when my grandfather would take me to W. H. Smiths to buy a book, which he would read to me once we reached home.
On first entering the Westow the premises where quiet (a situation ideally suited for anyone wishing to avail themselves of a good book and a pint or 2 of beer). As the pub filled up, the sound of conversation and people playing snooker replaced the comparative silence. However, to someone lost in a good book I’m sure that this would not distract from the pleasure of reading.
My roast beef dinner, including a pint of beer, came to precisely £19. While some might consider this rather expensive, given the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the food I’d certainly recommend the Westow House, https://westowhouse.com
I Heard A Rumour Today
I heard a rumour today
That yet another part
Of England’s heart
Is about to pass away.
Wilt
More flats be built
Where once there stood
A pub?
Shall beer and wine
Be replaced by the bottom line?
The drunkards now sing
But profit is king.
I see the open fire as I write
The coals all alight
And almost feel it’s blaze.
Shall profit’s craze
Erase all?
Let us raise a pint to the identikit
World into which we all must fit,
Where the suited and booted
Discuss the bottom line
While sipping their overpriced wine.
Of course it may not be true
In this particular case,
But England’s face
Is changing nonetheless.
My mistress’s green dress
Is frayed.
her lovers have strayed
– And the brewry’s bills must be paid
I Long For Hardback Books
I long for hardback books
And sequestered nooks
In traditional pubs with open fires.
My desires
Are simple and yet
I get
Paperbacks that fall apart
And drinking dens that lack a heart.
Reminder of Book Launch
Just a quick reminder that I shall be celebrating the publication of my collection of poetry, “My Old Clock I Wind” (http://moyhill.com/clock/), in the Railway Bell, at 6:30 pm today (5th July).
If you are in the vicinity of Gipsy Hill/Crystal Palace, you would, of course be very welcome to come along.
For details of the venue please visit, http://www.rampubcompany.co.uk/visit-pubs/railway-bell.
Kevin
You’re Barred!
On 27 June, I wrote a post entitled “Its My Blog and I’ll Swear If I Like”,
In that article I expressed my dislike of swearing on blogs and stated my disinclination to share content which contains expletives.
I did, however state that there exists a place for swearing in literature where this is intrinsic to the characters/plot being portrayed.
In addition my article states that some factual content (rightly) will use expletives (for example a report of a court case will, of necessity document any expletives used by the defendant).
Given my recent post I was interested to read that the owner of the Sameul Smiths Brewery, Humphrey Smith, has banned swearing in all his UK-based establishments.
According to The Guardian several pub managers have been sacked by Smith for allowing swearing in his pubs and customers have been barred for indulging in such behaviour.
The newspaper toured several Sam Smiths establishments and found no pub goers in favour of the prohibition. Typical of the views expressed was that of Craig
“Craig, 38, a cable jointer from Oldham, thought the ban was immature. “To be honest if you banned everyone who was swearing in a pub you wouldn’t have a business,” he said. “Are they going to send you outside to swear?””
Despite my dislike of swearing, I am inclined to agree with Craig that this ban is unworkable.
People in pubs should, of course be aware of their surroundings and should, for example never knowingly swear when children are present as it sets a bad example.
I also think it reasonable for bar staff to tell customers to “tone it down” when swearing is occurring at a high volume.
To my mind a muttered expletive overheard by a member of staff who is in close proximity to the swearer, is significantly different in nature from a man (or woman) swearing at the top of his (or her) voice.
One can not, in short, police swearing out of existence in pubs or other similar establishments.
As always I would welcome the views of my readers.
Kevin
There was a middle-aged man called More
There was a middle-aged man called More
Who was a saloon bar bore.
He asked the barmaid,
“How long have I stayed?”
She gave a very loud snore!
Shall I Sit Out This Dance?
Shall I sit out this dance
As the dancers prance
Heedlessly by.
Why
On occasions Can I not join in
With my companions and grin?
The song
Of the throng
Helps me forget
And yet
I am not as other men,
For when
I smile
There is, all the while
Within
The knowledge of this temporary din.
Others see it to
But construe
Me speaking of such a thing
As bad form and bring
The conversation around
To matters less profound.
But, when they are alone
Do they not think on skin and bone?
I can reduce my companions to laughter
With my jokes, but after
Our fun
Is done
Closing time will come.
The Robots Are Coming
A speech by Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England in which he predicts that over time upto 15 million jobs are at risk of automation in the UK. The occupations at risk include that of estate agent, call centre operative and customer service roles.
The Industrial Revolution saw the replacement of the artisan craftsman by the cotton mill but, ultimately the jobs market adjusted to the change and mass unemployment (as invisioned by Carney in the present instance) did not result. However the past is not, of course an infallible guide to the future although we can learn much from history.
One job which does, in my view remain safe is that of barmaid and barman. Particularly in locals (pubs which serve a group of “regulars”, for they are much more than places to which people repair in order to drink. There is, in a good local a tremendous rapre between the bar staff and the “regulars” with friendships and, on occasions relationships being forged across the bar. While in vast supermarket-like pubs (which usually serve an ever changing customer base) I can envisage vending machines playing a much greater role and perhaps replacing bar staff (other than a manager or 2) completely, I cant see this happening in all pubs. Indeed its perfectly possible that having “real” staff behind the bar will be a selling point for those pubs who retain them.
For the article please visit, http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/mark-carney-speech-robots_uk_584675e1e4b07ac724498813.
K Morris - Poet 