Donning my Victor Meldrew mode, there are a couple of things in modern society that are increasingly beginning to irritate me. First, it seems to be impossible to go into a pub or shop these days without someone trying to force you to buy things you don’t want.
You can’t buy a simple drink in a pub anywhere in the land without the barman or barmaid asking “Do you want anything else?” Usually, I just growl “No thank you,” but when feeling particularly grumpy I have been moved to reply: “If I had wanted something else I’d have asked for it!”
Giving this response to a foreign barmaid at Euston Station the other night - London doesn’t seem to have a single British bar assistant any more - who had asked me if I wanted some crisps, she apologised and said it was the manager’s instructions that the staff had to ask every customer if there was anything else they wanted. Clearly, the manager of every pub in Britain has issued this edict, since it happens everywhere, even in buffets on trains.
A while ago, I found myself in a late-night queue at a W H Smith’s bookstall at Waterloo, counting the minutes I had to get to Euston to catch my train to Watford. The queue was moving appallingly slowly because the only assistant was trying to palm off onto everyone who appeared before him an offer of half-price chocolate. When I complained about the delay and being offered something I didn‘t want, he muttered “Well, it’s a promotion, I have to do it.”
Don’t these idiot managers realise that this kind of pressured selling is annoying, and probably counter productive to their firm’s reputation, since it only puts customers’ backs up?
And the other thing I object to? I am frequently badgered by charities, both on the phone and by post, trying to get me to make a donation, take out a direct debit or help with their collections. They are becoming as big a nuisance as the double-glazing and timeshare sharks.
When I protest that I am registered with the Telephone Preference Service and don’t accept cold calls, I get the reply that charities are exempt from adhering to the TPS code. Whatever for? They should be made to observe it, just like commercial companies, and not pester people.
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth at 10:50pm on Mon 17 Mar 08
Well, the days of the traditional pub are already sadly behind us.
Having worked in the pub trade for seventeen years from the mid eighties to the nineties, I have noticed the decline from what was once a professional and admirable trade to what I have see in some cases, just downright rudeness.
The same goes for most of the existing so called "services" industry.
People just don't take pride in delivering "customer service" anymore, instead we are made to feel like we are doing them a favour.
Well, the days of the traditional pub are already sadly behind us.
Having worked in the pub trade for seventeen years from the mid eighties to the nineties, I have noticed the decline from what was once a professional and admirable trade to what I have see in some cases, just downright rudeness.
The same goes for most of the existing so called "services" industry.
People just don't take pride in delivering "customer service" anymore, instead we are made to feel like we are doing them a favour.
Posted by: Roy Stockdill at 1:01pm on Tue 18 Mar 08
Agreed, Plinth of Darkneth! Moreover, have you also noticed that pubs and restaurants don't seem to train their staff properly any more about the drinks they are supposed to be selling? I am sometimes partial to a nice bourbon on the rocks, but when I ask what bourbons they have I am usually met with blank looks and uncomprehension. Explain that bourbon is American whisky and the barman/maid then usually offers me Bell's or Johnny Walker or Famous Grouse! So many bar staff seem to have no idea of the difference between American rye whisky and Scotch. And as for asking for a glass of Merlot or Chiraz.....!
Agreed, Plinth of Darkneth! Moreover, have you also noticed that pubs and restaurants don't seem to train their staff properly any more about the drinks they are supposed to be selling? I am sometimes partial to a nice bourbon on the rocks, but when I ask what bourbons they have I am usually met with blank looks and uncomprehension. Explain that bourbon is American whisky and the barman/maid then usually offers me Bell's or Johnny Walker or Famous Grouse! So many bar staff seem to have no idea of the difference between American rye whisky and Scotch. And as for asking for a glass of Merlot or Chiraz.....!
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth at 7:27pm on Tue 18 Mar 08
Well, it seems apparent that the reason there is a lack of professionalism in the industry is quite simple: breweries and other high street chains that own these establishments are clearly focussed on one factor and that is maximising profits.
And let's face it, the only method available is to hire unskilled staff at the lowest rate of pay.
The result of that is a fall in professionalism and standards of service.
It's a shame as the public house is, and I am sure will continue to be, the fabric of social life in this country.
Whenever you plan to meet a group of friends, what is the first suggestion that springs to mind?... more times than not it will be a pub or bar.
Sadly, public houses like The White Lion or The Estcourt Arms are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
Wouldn't it be refreshing to find a boozer from the past right on your doorstep?... zero music - zero quiz/fruit machines and zero blinding light.
Let's face it - public houses had remained untouched pretty much until the last fifteen years ago for many centuries... a place where you'd find a cheery landlord and a throng of chatty punters.
Some people reading may think that I am an old fashioned codger, but believe it or not I am 38 years old, and nevertheless I am certain that the recipe for success when it comes to running a great pub is simple - keep in line with tradition.
If you ever have the good fortune of stumbling across The Holly Bush in Potter's Crouch, you will be met with the utopia of what I have been talking about.
It is quite simply the perfect example.
Well, it seems apparent that the reason there is a lack of professionalism in the industry is quite simple: breweries and other high street chains that own these establishments are clearly focussed on one factor and that is maximising profits.
And let's face it, the only method available is to hire unskilled staff at the lowest rate of pay.
The result of that is a fall in professionalism and standards of service.
It's a shame as the public house is, and I am sure will continue to be, the fabric of social life in this country.
Whenever you plan to meet a group of friends, what is the first suggestion that springs to mind?... more times than not it will be a pub or bar.
Sadly, public houses like The White Lion or The Estcourt Arms are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
Wouldn't it be refreshing to find a boozer from the past right on your doorstep?... zero music - zero quiz/fruit machines and zero blinding light.
Let's face it - public houses had remained untouched pretty much until the last fifteen years ago for many centuries... a place where you'd find a cheery landlord and a throng of chatty punters.
Some people reading may think that I am an old fashioned codger, but believe it or not I am 38 years old, and nevertheless I am certain that the recipe for success when it comes to running a great pub is simple - keep in line with tradition.
If you ever have the good fortune of stumbling across The Holly Bush in Potter's Crouch, you will be met with the utopia of what I have been talking about.
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth at 7:41pm on Tue 18 Mar 08
Well, it seems apparent that the reason there is a lack of professionalism in the industry is quite simple: breweries and other high street chains that own these establishments are clearly focussed on one factor and that is maximising profits.
And let's face it, the only method available is to hire unskilled staff at the lowest rate of pay.
The result of that is a fall in professionalism and standards of service.
It's a shame as the public house is, and I am sure will continue to be, the fabric of social life in this country.
Whenever you plan to meet a group of friends, what is the first suggestion that springs to mind?... more times than not it will be a pub or bar.
Sadly, public houses like The White Lion or The Estcourt Arms are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
Wouldn't it be refreshing to find a boozer from the past right on your doorstep?... zero music - zero quiz/fruit machines and zero blinding light.
Let's face it - public houses had remained untouched pretty much until the last fifteen years ago for many centuries... a place where you'd find a cheery landlord and a throng of chatty punters.
Some people reading may think that I am an old fashioned codger, but believe it or not I am 38 years old, and nevertheless I am certain that the recipe for success when it comes to running a great pub is simple - keep in line with tradition.
If you ever have the good fortune of stumbling across The Holly Bush in Potter's Crouch, you will be met with the utopia of what I have been talking about.
It is quite simply the perfect example.
Well, it seems apparent that the reason there is a lack of professionalism in the industry is quite simple: breweries and other high street chains that own these establishments are clearly focussed on one factor and that is maximising profits.
And let's face it, the only method available is to hire unskilled staff at the lowest rate of pay.
The result of that is a fall in professionalism and standards of service.
It's a shame as the public house is, and I am sure will continue to be, the fabric of social life in this country.
Whenever you plan to meet a group of friends, what is the first suggestion that springs to mind?... more times than not it will be a pub or bar.
Sadly, public houses like The White Lion or The Estcourt Arms are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
Wouldn't it be refreshing to find a boozer from the past right on your doorstep?... zero music - zero quiz/fruit machines and zero blinding light.
Let's face it - public houses had remained untouched pretty much until the last fifteen years ago for many centuries... a place where you'd find a cheery landlord and a throng of chatty punters.
Some people reading may think that I am an old fashioned codger, but believe it or not I am 38 years old, and nevertheless I am certain that the recipe for success when it comes to running a great pub is simple - keep in line with tradition.
If you ever have the good fortune of stumbling across The Holly Bush in Potter's Crouch, you will be met with the utopia of what I have been talking about.
Posted by: Roy Stockdill at 10:20pm on Tue 18 Mar 08
Actually, I stumbled across The Holly Bush when I first came to Watford over 40 years ago. I was introduced to it by a mate on the old West Herts Post, now long gone. We used to go there and the Clarendon Arms at Chandlers Cross. Haven't been to either for donkeys' years, since, of course, all my drinking was done in London and mostly Fleet Street for 30 years or so. I have dropped out of the habit of drinking in Watford since I retired, but I presume The Old Fox on Bricket Wood Common is still going. That's a modest walk from my house. I used to pop into The Three Horseshoes now and then but that was ruined when it became a Harvester.
Actually, I stumbled across The Holly Bush when I first came to Watford over 40 years ago. I was introduced to it by a mate on the old West Herts Post, now long gone. We used to go there and the Clarendon Arms at Chandlers Cross. Haven't been to either for donkeys' years, since, of course, all my drinking was done in London and mostly Fleet Street for 30 years or so. I have dropped out of the habit of drinking in Watford since I retired, but I presume The Old Fox on Bricket Wood Common is still going. That's a modest walk from my house. I used to pop into The Three Horseshoes now and then but that was ruined when it became a Harvester.
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth at 11:09pm on Tue 18 Mar 08
Well, the pubs you mention above are all great, so naturally I tip my hat to you sir...
Apart, of course, from The Three Horseshoes, which as you know is now a soulless, generic, "could be anywhere in the UK" style of pub.
And to make matters worse, it smells like a really bad chip shop.
What is the world coming to?
Well, the pubs you mention above are all great, so naturally I tip my hat to you sir...
Apart, of course, from The Three Horseshoes, which as you know is now a soulless, generic, "could be anywhere in the UK" style of pub.
And to make matters worse, it smells like a really bad chip shop.
Alcohol has done a lot of harm to our society. I think that a Cafe or Restaurant would make a better venue for meeting friends or business acquaitances.
Alcohol has done a lot of harm to our society. I think that a Cafe or Restaurant would make a better venue for meeting friends or business acquaitances.
Posted by: Roy Stockdill at 3:40pm on Wed 19 Mar 08
It's not alcohol that damages society, it is the people who are unable to cope with it and unable to drink sensibly because they are weak and undisciplined. Everybody has a different tolerance level to alcohol and the secret is for each person to know what theirs is and to only drink accordingly. In any event, the vast majority of restaurants of my acquaintance all serve alcohol and, of course, all pubs serve non-alcoholic soft drinks also, so you have a choice.
If you wish to expand on the puritanical theme of your argument, why not suggest banning all motor vehicles since they are one of the great causes of death and injury of all?
It's not alcohol that damages society, it is the people who are unable to cope with it and unable to drink sensibly because they are weak and undisciplined. Everybody has a different tolerance level to alcohol and the secret is for each person to know what theirs is and to only drink accordingly. In any event, the vast majority of restaurants of my acquaintance all serve alcohol and, of course, all pubs serve non-alcoholic soft drinks also, so you have a choice.
If you wish to expand on the puritanical theme of your argument, why not suggest banning all motor vehicles since they are one of the great causes of death and injury of all?
Posted by: John Howard Norfolk at 5:08pm on Thu 20 Mar 08
This is supposed to be about nuisances of modern living not pub nostalgia (although I did love the Clarendon Arms when Mr Bateman was running it - and ironically offering Bateman's Ales).
My moan is about unnecessary noise - so called "musak" in a restaurant or shop, and hot hatches driving slowly through town with their boom boxes belting out the bass notes.
And while we are at it may I add another modern day nuisance moan? How about street lights? Have we all forgotten how lovely darkness is?
This is supposed to be about nuisances of modern living not pub nostalgia (although I did love the Clarendon Arms when Mr Bateman was running it - and ironically offering Bateman's Ales).
My moan is about unnecessary noise - so called "musak" in a restaurant or shop, and hot hatches driving slowly through town with their boom boxes belting out the bass notes.
And while we are at it may I add another modern day nuisance moan? How about street lights? Have we all forgotten how lovely darkness is?
Posted by: The Plinth of Darkneth at 9:04pm on Wed 2 Apr 08
[quote][bold]John Howard Norfolk[/bold] wrote:
This is supposed to be about nuisances of modern living not pub nostalgia (although I did love the Clarendon Arms when Mr Bateman was running it - and ironically offering Bateman's Ales).
My moan is about unnecessary noise - so called "musak" in a restaurant or shop, and hot hatches driving slowly through town with their boom boxes belting out the bass notes.
And while we are at it may I add another modern day nuisance moan? How about street lights? Have we all forgotten how lovely darkness is?[/quote] Well said John ( my word you really must miss Watford, my old friend ).
Sadly, as a consequence of our modern society where children are allowed to run amok, we shall never see an end to the Hot Hatch Hotheads that seem to be so prolific on our roads today.
Clearly a result of an ill disciplined upbringing.
As for street lights, there clearly is an argument there as people tend to feel safer these days knowing that a form of light should deter any wannabe mugger or assailant.
But I do sympathise with your opinion, it would enhance a more traditional neighbourhood, but then of course that would only get the PC brigade out in their masses.
Anyhow, how on earth would I find my way home safely after a night on the ale, my friend? :)
John Howard Norfolk wrote:
This is supposed to be about nuisances of modern living not pub nostalgia (although I did love the Clarendon Arms when Mr Bateman was running it - and ironically offering Bateman's Ales).
My moan is about unnecessary noise - so called "musak" in a restaurant or shop, and hot hatches driving slowly through town with their boom boxes belting out the bass notes.
And while we are at it may I add another modern day nuisance moan? How about street lights? Have we all forgotten how lovely darkness is?
Well said John ( my word you really must miss Watford, my old friend ).
Sadly, as a consequence of our modern society where children are allowed to run amok, we shall never see an end to the Hot Hatch Hotheads that seem to be so prolific on our roads today.
Clearly a result of an ill disciplined upbringing.
As for street lights, there clearly is an argument there as people tend to feel safer these days knowing that a form of light should deter any wannabe mugger or assailant.
But I do sympathise with your opinion, it would enhance a more traditional neighbourhood, but then of course that would only get the PC brigade out in their masses.
Anyhow, how on earth would I find my way home safely after a night on the ale, my friend? :)
Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use.
The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated.
But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention.
If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here.
