If someone is gonna put a poll on, at this moment in time, mark me down for the Wharton and the Grapes.

It seems there the only two i go too in any great numbers now. When i'm in Bedlington that is.

I think we would get pretty short odds on the community centre at the moment! There are another 3-4 which might attract very slightly better odds!

The only one missed off the list is the Bank Top isn't it?

The above chart of numbers for each pub are more relative to the number of pints each pub has sold in the last 12 months- ghost town! Give it another 20 years and they may get up to triple figures.

In 20yrs the tumble weed will be the only thing on Bedlington front street

In 20yrs the tumble weed will be the only thing on Bedlington front street

Hmmmmmmmm,

There is possibly a clue on the boards adorning some of these establishments!

It would seem the breweries have lost their little enough grasp on realties and imposed massive rent hikes.

They have indeed, and it's becoming even worse. When you consider that Punch Taverns - which owns the Tavern (currently shut) the Grapes, and I think the Monkey plus a couple at the station - owes billions of pounds at the moment there is little chance of anyone getting a deal that makes it worthwhile for them to run a pub as a Punch tied house. The problem is exaggerated by the fact that Punch is unwilling to sell the buildings outright in some cases as their entire borrowing capacity is based up valuing the pubs as a proerty portfolio. Without the noose around the neck that is brewery rents and beer prices a public house is actually quite a decent business proposition; with it it's commercial suicide.

They have indeed, and it's becoming even worse. When you consider that Punch Taverns - which owns the Tavern (currently shut) the Grapes, and I think the Monkey plus a couple at the station - owes billions of pounds at the moment there is little chance of anyone getting a deal that makes it worthwhile for them to run a pub as a Punch tied house. The problem is exaggerated by the fact that Punch is unwilling to sell the buildings outright in some cases as their entire borrowing capacity is based up valuing the pubs as a proerty portfolio. Without the noose around the neck that is brewery rents and beer prices a public house is actually quite a decent business proposition; with it it's commercial suicide.

Been thinking along those same lines Merc.

Are there still large capacity breweries willing to supply or do you have to go down the 'real ale' route?

Course there is also the rates licensed premises attract.

Maybe a poncy wine bar for Bedders????

made your picture look a bit more authentic!

Nice Monsta,

photoshop?

Hows this for a pub Aussie styleMy link

Can't read the stuff on the side of the pub Brian? Anyone got a spare set of goggles?

Been thinking along those same lines Merc.

Are there still large capacity breweries willing to supply or do you have to go down the 'real ale' route?

Course there is also the rates licensed premises attract.

Maybe a poncy wine bar for Bedders????

Good questions all. Poncey wine bar in bedlington? No chance, wouldn't work - there'd only be Monsta in it!

There are large capacity breweries willing to supply, and at much better prices than the tied house versions.

On a positive note - and again this is one for Monsta - the Market Tavern has been given a new lease of life and will be opening under new management in the not too distant future. That's one saved from becoming a poncey wine bar or a block of flats.

Any idea who it is who's taken it?

Can't read the stuff on the side of the pub Brian? Anyone got a spare set of goggles?

Is this any better Mal ? My link

Edited February 13, 201016 yr by Brian Cross

Is that your local Brian in the picture

Edited February 13, 201016 yr by Pete

That's better Brian; I guess the Aussies don't have a trade's description act? :lol:

Anyone imagine the hassle if that went up on the Red Lion!

Any idea who it is who's taken it?

I do, but until the full routine's been processed it's best not to say. I don't think it's anyone you know Mr Darn.

Is that your local Brian in the picture

No it is not my local Pete i have been in there a few times when i am driving back from Brisbane they have the best pie shop in the world in one of the shops there it is a theme pub there are a number of them thru Aust.