Punch Pubs in Portobello

by **Sue Allen** » 21 Mar 2005, 14:26

I've been invited into the Forum as I am Operations Director for Punch Taverns PLC and we own a number of pubs in Portobello... I'd really like your input on issues....

Firstly, the Tides Inn down at the bottom of Kings Road - RE-OPENS THIS WEEKEND - FRIDAY 25th... Please go down there and see what you think.. We've spent money and hopefully it's a better localpub for it. Any feedback on email...

Secondly, the Old Pier is about to have an investment to take this to a more upmarket pub with great food! Watch this space for the launch date!

Now a problem we have - the FIGGATE WHINS in the High Street. I have read residents' comments and understand what a problem this pub has been in the past.. Punch have not long bought the site (it was part of the Pubmaster pub group).. Noise and control issues I understand....

Well the people have now left and we're going to spend money again. My thoughts are to make it more female-friendly with some sort of food offer. Sadly, there's no kitchen, so it would just have to be soup, paninis, baguettes etc... but to open the place up and upgrade it.. What do you think? Comments onto the forum or email me if you wish...

Also, do you know anyone interested in taking this pub as a lease? If so, can they contact Elaine Edwards, our recruitment Manager, on 07768 142744...

by DG » 21 Mar 2005, 17:00

Sue, your plans for the Figgate Whins and the other pubs sound great. I'm really glad you've taken over the Figgate Whins and are taking the comments of local residents seriously. I have already shared my views with you by e-mail but welcome to the forum and well done

DG

by **Maria** » 21 Mar 2005, 19:47

I'd just like to echo DG's words of welcome Sue. If you've ever visited Portobello then you'll appreciate the potential that lies here both in terms of local and passing trade. Unfortunately I don't know of anyone who is interested in a pub tenancy, but will follow developments with interest.
Paninis and a welcoming, clean exterior and interior would get the thumbs up from me :thumbright:

by **mr magnolia** » 21 Mar 2005, 20:17

by **Poppy** » 21 Mar 2005, 20:25

by **ecm** » 21 Mar 2005, 20:27

by **Poppy** » 21 Mar 2005, 20:31

by **Epykat** » 21 Mar 2005, 20:32

by **Poppy** » 21 Mar 2005, 20:37

by **Epykat** » 21 Mar 2005, 20:44

by **mr magnolia** » 21 Mar 2005, 20:52

by **Poppy** » 21 Mar 2005, 20:56

by **Epykat** » 21 Mar 2005, 21:01

by **Sandra** » 21 Mar 2005, 22:09

by **Bob Jefferson** » 21 Mar 2005, 22:11

by **mr magnolia** » 21 Mar 2005, 22:31

by **Bob Jefferson** » 21 Mar 2005, 22:39

by **Dadaist** » 21 Mar 2005, 23:35

by **Sue Allen** » 22 Mar 2005, 09:59

Don't know who "Dadaist" is, but just to cheer him up this morning - Punch in Scotland runs a little differently than England and Wales - we have a separate management team and an office in Stirling.
And I'm all FOR cask ales in Scotland... We work closely with Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh and are continually talking to other breweries to use their products. We run a "Finest Cask" list which gives a lot more choice.. With 450 pubs in Scotland, the issue for the very small brewery is quantity and delivery - but we keep talking.

We'll make sure some of these ales reach Portobello Sir!!

so give us a chance and don't knock us when we're trying to help..let's be positive eh?

by **Poppy** » 22 Mar 2005, 10:22

by **Dadaist** » 22 Mar 2005, 15:24

by **Brian McCrow** » 22 Mar 2005, 17:54

by **Dadaist** » 22 Mar 2005, 20:42

by **Maria** » 22 Mar 2005, 21:36

by **mr magnolia** » 22 Mar 2005, 23:00

by **Epykat** » 22 Mar 2005, 23:52

by **Gedge** » 23 Mar 2005, 14:41

by **mr magnolia** » 23 Mar 2005, 14:47

by **Poppy** » 23 Mar 2005, 14:59

Gedge and Mr M, I quite agree with the two of you.

As far as the wine goes, for me it would be nice of there was a small but quite good selection to choose from to buy by the bottle as well as by the glass.

I think that a place like the Figgy would be what Punch Pubs would call "Chameleon" premises - mostly coffee and snacks during the day for casual trade and local workers [esp if Pheonix House is re-let] and a 'local' at night/weekends.

by **Dadaist** » 23 Mar 2005, 15:23

by **Poppy** » 23 Mar 2005, 15:41

I really don't think this is the place to air your 'grievances' about the politics, or whatever you want to call it, of Punch Pubs, Dada. And I think it's very discourteous to challenge Ms Allen in this way. I work for the government - does that mean I have to defend the government's actions?

If you don't like the way PP do business, just don't visit their pubs!

And take up your grievances with them in a more appropriate 'forum'. Please.

by **Brian McCrow** » 23 Mar 2005, 16:27

Poppy,

I agree wholeheartedly with you re. the Dadaist's negative comments. Perhaps he needs to find a good pub so he can chill out.

On a positive note, if we could have a Barony type bar that would be excellent. It's one of my favourite bars up town. Good beer, good service, great atmosphere and a very varied clientele.

by **Epykat** » 23 Mar 2005, 17:48

by **Brian McCrow** » 23 Mar 2005, 18:17

by **Poppy** » 23 Mar 2005, 18:23

Punch Pubs in Portobello - come to a new opening !

Punch Pubs in Portobello - come to a new opening !

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Re: Punch Pubs in Portobello

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