The Publican's Beer Matters initiative continues to celebrate the best drinks service. It's also important to draw attention to the worst.
This is a cautionary tale about an experience I had last weekend at a pub pouring its chances of repeat custom away with its ullage. The central London managed site had recently had a high-profile re-opening by its pubco owner. But no amount of expensive fixtures and fittings can make up for the exorbitantly priced yet mediocre quality drinks and lazy, disorganised service I encountered.
First up was a 20-minute wait at the bar (to order my sole drink of the afternoon, I should point out, lest you should doubt my impartial sobriety). Glass collectors out-numbered bartenders at a peak trading period five to one. Most of them could be glimpsed having a water fight in a back room.
Finally catching the lone barman, I asked how much a G&T would cost. Around £5, he replied. Imagine my surprise then when I was asked for £7.40 for the completed drink. A drink comprised of a single serve of Gordon's, three ice cubes, slimline tonic and a miserable slice of lemon. So much for perfect serves justifying premium prices.
This is shoddy service that could very easily have been improved. The pub in question is in a tourist hotspot. Perhaps its management is complacent, satisfied at their ability to take the guaranteed flow of tourists coming through its doors for a ride. However, it beggars belief that any pub operator today could afford to throw away trade as this one has.