Topic ID 611
What is happening?? ..... Last time i was there was just b4 crimbo at a lunchtime - it was great food/decor/and lively in a friendly way, but what has happened??? I know there have been chats about it being a Bollywood type, when is that supposed to be?? I went in there Tues lunchtime with my boyfriend and it was AWFUL! It looked run down, anything on menu i asked for the guy told me 'sorry not ready for half hour,or no not available' (there was only a small choice as it was)!!, I ended up choosing a burger and chips - reasonable price, but when asked for ketchup i got a 'sorry none left' burger was awful, chips fatty and brown lettuce with an overripe tomatoe [xx(]- the bad attitude and service was so bad - really disappointed[:(] - can anyone fill in to make me feel confident in using this pub again??
Reply ID 6157
Yes.............and what happened to 'la resistance'?
Reply ID 6238
sorry went back a couple of times after i left, didnt like the atmosphere made a few quiet suggestions as the x-landlady and got my head bitten off, never been back and i'm not going too even if it changes to boly bar or what ever, its over priced and the atmosphere is awful. lets hope its sold again soon and a decent brewery gets it. shame charles wells didnt get it i know they tried..
Reply ID 6239
quote:Are you saying there was an open sale or auction?
Originally posted by dawn
sorry went back a couple of times after i left, didnt like the atmosphere made a few quiet suggestions as the x-landlady and got my head bitten off, never been back and i'm not going too even if it changes to boly bar or what ever, its over priced and the atmosphere is awful. lets hope its sold again soon and a decent brewery gets it. shame charles wells didnt get it i know they tried..
Reply ID 6259
quote:It was on the market for ages, at a huge price as well i might add. It was the freehold that was sold i beleive
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:Are you saying there was an open sale or auction?
Originally posted by dawn
sorry went back a couple of times after i left, didnt like the atmosphere made a few quiet suggestions as the x-landlady and got my head bitten off, never been back and i'm not going too even if it changes to boly bar or what ever, its over priced and the atmosphere is awful. lets hope its sold again soon and a decent brewery gets it. shame charles wells didnt get it i know they tried..
Reply ID 6261
it went on the market april last year [:(]and an offer was accepted straight away. but things didnt progress so barracuda[:(!] put it back on the market and charles wells [:)]put in an offer that was accepted imediately the survey showed a lot of problems and charles wells reduced there offer....so barracuda accepted the offer from bolywoods as they got the survey report and didnt care they paid 700K for it. and moved in begining march[;)] hope this answers Questions.. not too expensive if you saw the size of kitchen and accomodation but too expensive when you know how much work needs doing...[xx(]
Reply ID 7035
700K, how are they going to recoup that!? Does anyone know if the refit is going to happen?
Reply ID 7039
Its the only hope they have is to refurb they are loseing a fortune..i will NEVER go in again Viva La Resistance!!!
Reply ID 7041
Went to watch a footie game but landlord wanted to watch cricket so missed any build up.after game he switched off dead on final whistle..sportsman..I think not and service was surly . Will not go again under current management[:(]
Reply ID 7061
They have been sacked!!!but the manager of bollywoods is applying for a licence to run it hiself..May the gods show murssy...viva la resistance[}:)]
Reply ID 7089
A licence to run what - don't you need customers to run a pub and if he had them he wouldn't know what to do with them. Apparently wants a better class of person (must get that in Bollywoods then) - that cuts out everyone that I know - off to pastures new me thinks [:D]
Reply ID 7159
Its ok for popping in for the odd one off, but the service is now soooooo slow! Did I hear the Ram has changed hands too?
Reply ID 7163
Went in for the 2nd 1/2 of the footie Wednesday night, after having the unfortunate experience of meeting some younger pals from the rugby club in the Blackbirds. The atmosphere in the Sportsman was fantastic the stella nice and cold and not flat and the little landlord was running around like a good un to keep people happy. Would'nt use it as a local, but still the best place to watch footie imho.
Reply ID 7248
Dude, The Ram has - and they have a big new TV screen for the Sport. Guy's are good. There's a thread on the Ram - check it out [:)] Off there now [^]
Reply ID 7477
visited recently didnt even finish my drink which isnt me. i felt so uncomfortable the man stood at the end of the bar and just stared at me. the place had 3 other people in and i needed sun glasses to goto the toilet. never again[:(][xx(] Gini
Reply ID 7484
Quite busy by current standards then. I only go for the peace and quiet factor of being able to do my crossword without interpuption [;)]
Reply ID 7501
Went in the Sportsman a few nights ago. IPA was at end of barrel - tasted awful. When I asked for it to be changed the barman said "everyone else is drinking it". Didn't get it changed. Extremely abrupt and had a 'couldn't care less' attitude. I told him to drink it himself in that case, and left. Me leaving nearly a full pint?? Never heard of before. Went to Ram and had a great pint and a warm welcome.
Reply ID 7504
You are not the only one - the plan is not to sell Beer at all - we in Hertford don't like it [?] apparently! When the change is made they only want 'the right sort' in there - I'm sure that discludes me [:p]
Reply ID 7508
Discludes?
Reply ID 7516
I popped into the sportsman for a quick on on Saturday night. There was NO ONE else in there! On the plus side, it was smoke free!
Reply ID 7670
vive le resistance! I am in Brittanny but still fighting for the cause I wont be drinking there when I come back in september.[:(!] Miss all the my pals that used to drink in the sportsman especially Dawn, Del and tigger.[:(] Had some brilliant nights working there and drinking there![xx(] its sad to hear it has all gone downhill. Au reviour for now SCARAH!!!
Reply ID 7675
See Sportsman is going for the niche dyslexic market , sign outside offers 'Saterday and Sunday roast launches' and again was empty apart from a fly battling to get out through a window...sad[:(]
Reply ID 7679
quote:Perhaps not so. Perhaps it demonstrates the power of the customer. Maybe it is a positive sign for the future.
Originally posted by wingnut
See Sportsman is going for the niche dyslexic market , sign outside offers 'Saterday and Sunday roast launches' and again was empty apart from a fly battling to get out through a window...sad[:(]
Reply ID 7681
The board inside the other week was roat (or was it rot) sunday lunches - Spicy Chicken Wings - I'm not a traditionalist but a rather odd sunday lunch, given that was the only choice [V]
Reply ID 7682
It's great to see Ex-Sports folk still check up on us [:D]
Reply ID 7693
quote:So it is so bad that even the flies won't stay in there. The Sportsman was a nice Pub in 1998 when I used to go there at lunch times
Originally posted by wingnut
See Sportsman is going for the niche dyslexic market , sign outside offers 'Saterday and Sunday roast launches' and again was empty apart from a fly battling to get out through a window...sad[:(]
Reply ID 7729
I wonder if they will sell it?[^] they must be loosing money. lets hope somebody buys it and returns it to its former glory! it used to be the place to be.[^] resturant at the back and drinking at the front always full, had to book in advance to get a table. and why is it called the sportsmans [:(!] no darts, pool or any thing else for that matter, the only sport in there is on a screen thats if they dont want to watch the other channel to the customers.[V] Gini
Reply ID 7737
Plans it would seem are still afoot for the original planned re-furb. Stainless Steel Bars - which of course any customer damaging them would be charged [:D] Can you imagine the result [B)][B)] and more [B)] It's all very well having nice seating but once it starts to get damaged then it just brings the whole place down to grottyness. Maybe actually not taking any money will bring forward their plans[:(] I'd for one want it to be returned to its former glory as a proper pub [:D][8D]
Reply ID 9486
Noticed they are doing Thai food here now when I walk past on Sunday. Has anyone tried or know anyone that has tried their fare?
Reply ID 9487
The Thai food is cooked freshly by a Thai lady called Pat. Value for money I would guess at £4.95 main and £2.95 starter. As it's all freshly cooked she will cook variations as required. That said however, you still have to put up with the surroundings[;)]
Reply ID 9488
Phad Thai and Stella, doesnt sound right!
Reply ID 9489
You could have Cobra to add Indian into the equation. An English Pub, Thai Food, Indian Barperson, Polish Barperson an multi-cultural experience [^]
Reply ID 11951
if this place is now owned by the same people as Bollywoods, why dont they do it up a bit and server Indian beers on draught. I'd be in tehre every night! Especially if they did lime pickle and chilli dips at the bar.
Reply ID 12514
went past it at 6 tonight and lights were out..closed! no signs (not that it appeared much differently when open!)
Reply ID 12801
They're probably just trying to take a leaf out of Baan Thitya's book. The Thai's do customer service better than anyone, and doesn't it serve Thai food now, or did I imagine that?
Reply ID 13006
quote:There was a chalked sign outside this afternoon - Thai food Take Away Now!
Originally posted by thefair1973
They're probably just trying to take a leaf out of Baan Thitya's book. The Thai's do customer service better than anyone, and doesn't it serve Thai food now, or did I imagine that?
Reply ID 13065
I spurn the place the way i would spurn a rabbid dog!!
Reply ID 13340
Just thought I would try this pub, went there on the afternoon of 19.11.05 and a I witnessed a big punch up. Police were called, ambulance needed for 1 person, this was only 5 p.m. although it was expected the ATMOSPHERE was not very nice. I will not go there again, tried the Thai meal - it was ok ish...Nothing to do with the Rugby fans who were in there. Not directly anyway.
Reply ID 16986
Went in here last night for the first time in months. There was a grand total of 4 women in the front bar and 2 blokes sat in teh "restaurant" in the back watching the Bolton game. The three of us massively boosted their custom! I have to say though, a mighty fine Tom Yum Kai and pretty cheap @ £3.95. It was quite wierd eating Thai food whilst downing pints of Cobra. More pubs should carry that as a draught lager
Reply ID 40118
There's now a statutory blue notice in the window about their licence being up for revokation review due to sales to underage customers. Given that these are the same people who got zero stars out of five for their kitchen hygiene at their restaurant (Bollywoods), I wonder what else is lurking in the woodwork. They certainly won't be getting my business any time soon.
Reply ID 42948
I see The Sportsman is now "closed for refurbishment". Not surprising really as the Premises Licence has now been revoked for three months and the owner, Aktaar Uzzaman, cautioned by police for selling alcohol to underage drinkers (this will give him a criminal record). I wonder what the future is now for this pub.
Reply ID 42974
Originally posted by Ewoowar
The following link provides interesting reading and shows the lengths the authorities went to in order to give the licensee a chance to sort out the problems.
http://80.168.51.108/media/pdf/b/8/Sportsman_1.pdf
Reply ID 42988
Took an age to read the link - Do we need that sort of C*** in the Town? The kid's are probably the only customers they can get!
Reply ID 43025
Very interesting though. Been in here about 5 times in the last couple of years and always dead as a doornail.
Reply ID 43029
The last time I went in there I was served a pint that came out of the hand pump in lumps. When I pointed this out, the manager tried to argue that there was nothing wrong with it. I certainly won't miss the place
Reply ID 43037
Its always been an "odd" pub, by that I mean when I just had the Barge as student, although the Sportsman was busy, we never stayed long, not because we didn't like it, just it was odd!!!! Then they put too much restaurant with it and you had nowhere to really drink and it just died when they sold to Baracuda or whatever they were... It needs love, a friendly landlord/lady and decent lagers/beers and a cellarman that knows their stuff.. I think sometimes people take on pubs thinking they're a doddle to run, forgeting that "mein host" is the key to a successful pub and keeping a clean, well stocked bar and properly poured pints ... Wonder if Macs will be interested now that the Bishops Hanky or whatever the place is next the Castle hall is about to encroach upon "MacLand" !!!!
Reply ID 43055
I liked it when it was the Blueboy, half a pint of brown ale and pork pie, I knew how to live and have a good time! (1965)
Reply ID 43083
Hear Hear Drama Queen
quote:
Originally posted by Drama Queen
Its always been an "odd" pub, by that I mean when I just had the Barge as student, although the Sportsman was busy, we never stayed long, not because we didn't like it, just it was odd!!!! Then they put too much restaurant with it and you had nowhere to really drink and it just died when they sold to Baracuda or whatever they were... It needs love, a friendly landlord/lady and decent lagers/beers and a cellarman that knows their stuff.. I think sometimes people take on pubs thinking they're a doddle to run, forgeting that "mein host" is the key to a successful pub and keeping a clean, well stocked bar and properly poured pints ... Wonder if Macs will be interested now that the Bishops Hanky or whatever the place is next the Castle hall is about to encroach upon "MacLand" !!!!
Reply ID 46367
Does anybody know what is happening here?
Reply ID 46368
bollywood dude applying for massive refurbishment of the place moving kitchens upstairs and turning it into a luxury Indian restaurant, bet the people living in Bluecoats will love that smell......money on it being sold by end of next yr.....
Reply ID 46369
quote:It's a much better smell than the 'hygrogenated fat' smell that used to come out of the establishment.
Originally posted by teddylad
bollywood dude applying for massive refurbishment of the place moving kitchens upstairs and turning it into a luxury Indian restaurant, bet the people living in Bluecoats will love that smell......money on it being sold by end of next yr.....
Reply ID 46377
:( Can't believe the state of it now! When Del & Dawn used to run it, it was a really nice place to go to. The guy that ran it is a nasty piece of work, a crowd of us went in there to watch a footy match and he touched one of my female friends arse! Not on if you ask me, the dirty old bugger. Anyway, does Hertford really need ANOTHER Indian Restaurant? god almighty.
Reply ID 46395
100% agree with you Simcut. Dawn's post on page 1 still holds good - the place is a structural disaster waiting to happen. The guy who ran it came up with the classic quote "theres not a market for real ale in Hertford" having had seven non-selling hand pumps on tap, not knowing that lines need to be cleaned (at least once every 6 months...) Quick plug for Del & Dawn having done some excellent carpentry on our floor at the Folly & shelves to come give Gilbert & Lally http://www.gilbertandlally.co.uk/index.html a bash!
Reply ID 46397
Oh & I nearly forgot. For old times sake ..." Viva La Resistance!!!"
Reply ID 46400
quote:The last time I went in there I was served a pint that came of the pump in lumps Not a clue .....
The guy who ran it came up with the classic quote "theres not a market for real ale in Hertford" having had seven non-selling hand pumps on tap, not knowing that lines need to be cleaned (at least once every 6 months...)
Reply ID 46401
Can't this place become apartments now?
Reply ID 46403
quote:It will anyway. One of the first things Bollywoods demanded was to check out how much living accommodation they could get thei.r bods into
Originally posted by James007
Can't this place become apartments now?
Reply ID 46408
quote:[:0] [:0] [:D] [:D] [:D] [V]
Originally posted by Tiggerquote:It will anyway. One of the first things Bollywoods demanded was to check out how much living accommodation they could get thei.r bods into
Originally posted by James007
Can't this place become apartments now?
Reply ID 46622
So has it re-opened yet?
Reply ID 46623
quote:It's dilapidated and in no fit state to open. If they hadn't applied for planning permission I wouldn't be surprised if the council had taken action against them for letting a listed building fall into such a state of disrepair. Sad.
Originally posted by Dude
So has it re-opened yet?
Reply ID 46624
quote:James - I made a statement. I was there were you?
Originally posted by James007quote:[:0] [:0] [:D] [:D] [:D] [V]
Originally posted by Tiggerquote:It will anyway. One of the first things Bollywoods demanded was to check out how much living accommodation they could get thei.r bods into
Originally posted by James007
Can't this place become apartments now?
Reply ID 46627
quote:Thats such a shame. And to think that in the late 80's it was a jewel and one of the three most popular pubs in town!
Originally posted by Stevequote:It's dilapidated and in no fit state to open. If they hadn't applied for planning permission I wouldn't be surprised if the council had taken action against them for letting a listed building fall into such a state of disrepair. Sad.
Originally posted by Dude
So has it re-opened yet?
Reply ID 46629
quote:What were the other two?
Originally posted by Dudequote:Thats such a shame. And to think that in the late 80's it was a jewel and one of the three most popular pubs in town!
Originally posted by Stevequote:It's dilapidated and in no fit state to open. If they hadn't applied for planning permission I wouldn't be surprised if the council had taken action against them for letting a listed building fall into such a state of disrepair. Sad.
Originally posted by Dude
So has it re-opened yet?
Reply ID 46633
quote:I am going 4 the Woolpack and Warehouse
Originally posted by Tiggerquote:What were the other two?
Originally posted by Dudequote:Thats such a shame. And to think that in the late 80's it was a jewel and one of the three most popular pubs in town!
Originally posted by Stevequote:It's dilapidated and in no fit state to open. If they hadn't applied for planning permission I wouldn't be surprised if the council had taken action against them for letting a listed building fall into such a state of disrepair. Sad.
Originally posted by Dude
So has it re-opened yet?
Reply ID 46635
quote:I would say that the Duncombe was one of them (I think it was still a two bar pub then?)
Originally posted by Tigger What were the other two?
Reply ID 46637
The Duncombe was a fairly quiet pub with a bar-billiard table and dartboard in one bar.The Barge and The John 'o' Gaunt always used to be overflowing at the weekends
Reply ID 46645
I suppose it depends what year! The Warehouse closed in, what, 87? From then till 90 the three most packed pubs must have been The Woolpack, The Barge and The Sportman. You couldn't move in them on a Friday or Saturday! In that period, the Duncombe and the White Hart were faily quiet in comparison.