tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post8077507766740476114..comments2024-03-09T04:57:25.956+00:00Comments on HardKnott Dave's blog about stuff: I'm Dave, I'm a snobAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11319272987951077205noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-61563631004367409642011-07-18T12:01:15.506+01:002011-07-18T12:01:15.506+01:00Dave, I'm also a beer snob (and proud of it!),...Dave, I'm also a beer snob (and proud of it!), i'm wondering what your opinions on the post brewing process are? <br />I feel that when a pint is poured, almost as importantly as the taste is the texture, the temperature (this sort of thing: http://www.wesureservegoodbeer.com/pouring_the_perfect_pint.cfm)<br /><br />I am interested in how the right sort of atmosphere around the pint is created e.g. how a pint of beer complements the food etc and vice versa.Will Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07378028305699828846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-57809892439844282092011-07-16T12:36:17.423+01:002011-07-16T12:36:17.423+01:00Dave, I'm not a food person as such, but I sha...Dave, I'm not a food person as such, but I share your snobbery and I maintain that this kind of snobbery is a good thing. I used to run an alehouse in Bristol which did lunchtime food, and we has the same kind of attitude. Why buy plastic chips, when a 25k bag of spuds only costs eight quid. I'm not really an adequate chef but I employed people to make as much as possible ourselves. It is very much the way forward. I like the key word being honesty. I don't eat buy pub chips nowadays unless they are handmade. Why should I ? I'm not paying nearly three quid for some reconstituted potato and flour mix that a minimum wage employee has chucked into a fryer. <br /><br />I'm taking this attitude into my new venture, and if more of us did the same, our food and drinks culture would be much, much better.Saga Of Nailshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08891668833405154713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-17144560606959992742009-09-07T10:39:46.288+01:002009-09-07T10:39:46.288+01:00Tyson, I'm not against ketchup per se. I did u...Tyson, I'm not against ketchup per se. I did used to make my own, as I said, but got fed up of doing so when there was a clear correlation between the demand for it and the people just wanting a bowl of chips. I felt my ketchup was worth more than the chips, but seemed to be treated as a freebie by the punter and then wanting a free bun as well to put the chips in. My bread is home made as well and worth paying for.<br /><br />So, I stopped making chips and tomato sauce. Perhaps I was wrong and should have charged extra for the tomato sauce. Perhaps I might even do that in the future. Probably not though.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11319272987951077205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-23589332634557296902009-09-07T01:17:36.391+01:002009-09-07T01:17:36.391+01:00Spot on Dave! Your experience with brown sauce an...Spot on Dave! Your experience with brown sauce and ketchup mirrors our own here at BUL180 with Ranch Dressing. "Ranch" as it is referred to is so ubiquitous that our decision <i>not</i> to serve it takes many customers aback. "How can you not have Ranch?" is the common question. It is its absence that sets BUL180 apart from say The Corner Bar. What is so maddening is not the complaints, but the <i>assumption</i> that we will have it. <br /><br />We make all of our dressings from scratch and on the whole they are well received. It is the fact that people will base their judgment on something as trivial as a partially hydrogenated oil and chemical "flavoring" substance that is so maddening. Going out is a chance to experience something out of the ordinary. Why now try something different?!They say I'm Bitter and Cynical, I prefer well Hoppedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635948959932678231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-13239866611332779162009-09-06T23:04:52.652+01:002009-09-06T23:04:52.652+01:00I too am slightly confused over the tomato ketchup...I too am slightly confused over the tomato ketchup situation. I won't walk out over it but I think it's overkill. As has been said, there are other options and I myself have been known to splash out for the organic option.Sat In A Pubhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08123038980796000837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-11016248551702159292009-09-06T22:29:50.085+01:002009-09-06T22:29:50.085+01:00I haven't got yet whether you're opposed t...I haven't got yet whether you're opposed to ketchup and brown sauce per se or the companies that produce them. If it's the latter, there are upmarket versions available.Rob Sterowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07870233673933087794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-1595673163194594522009-09-06T19:48:29.855+01:002009-09-06T19:48:29.855+01:00Bailey's got it spot on, a clear statement of ...Bailey's got it spot on, a clear statement of intent feels like a good idea and this blog post is a good start. But as Velky points out, businesses can be too confrontational with their values.<br /><br />It's great that you won't compromise on your product choices but as a customer I would want to put my own mark on what I'm paying for too and would be disappointed if I couldn't get the occasional lemonade top on my pint. If I was asking you to pop out the back and top it up with R Whites I could understand but if what I want is to mix and match the products you've so carefully selected for me is that such a bad thing???Kristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02641030168757305205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-82543066968112393142009-09-06T18:42:27.415+01:002009-09-06T18:42:27.415+01:00I think the essence of what you're trying (? -...I think the essence of what you're trying (? - succeeding?) to achieve is admirable - but I'd be interested to know level of covers you do....? <br /><br />Is your menu on-line - cos now I want to have a proper nose at what you do.... lol :) <br /><br />LizLizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13555494469629782198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-31254204091885378852009-09-06T18:29:41.025+01:002009-09-06T18:29:41.025+01:00I really want to visit now...
There's plenty ...I really want to visit now...<br /><br />There's plenty of pubs that serve microwaved, pre-prepared food (did you see the morning advertiser feature on Bisto-bouillon this week? bleuurgh). If you want cheap and crap, get the 2 for 1 deal at your local Enterprise inn. Unfortunately, you're not a snob, you just apply your love of food to what you serve.<br />There's something very reassuring about the smell of a stock pot wafting into a pub, rather the smell of vinegar (see all wetherspoons). <br /><br />Good on you Mr.Dominicnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-78006730419694219332009-09-06T17:19:17.229+01:002009-09-06T17:19:17.229+01:00Curmudgeon, there is a burger van about halfway be...Curmudgeon, there is a burger van about halfway between here and the M6. It's good because it is open when The Price of Wales, just around the corner, is closed.<br /><br />Claire, who runs the van, does a great cheese burger. Good price and a good breakfast stop if we've have an early getaway from here. I always reach for the BBQ sauce. It's horses for courses. I think everybody is entitled to their own choices. It's down to me to choose what I want to sell and up to people to decide if they want to buy it.<br /><br />I use Burger Krap or MacRubbish or Pizza Shed if it suits. I'll even suffer skinny chips if the mood takes me, unashamedly as well.<br /><br />Pretentiousness will always surround the top quality products be they a Nissan 4x4, fine dinning, fine wine, quality beer, holiday destinations or over snobby pubs. You might not enjoy my food, although it would be fun to find out, but that would be your opinion, and I respect that.<br /><br />I'm just trying to work out how to set out my stall, now I'm confident about the products within it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11319272987951077205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-23217759889879241732009-09-06T15:59:51.446+01:002009-09-06T15:59:51.446+01:00So no HP sauce, but there is brown sauce for the s...So no HP sauce, but there is brown sauce for the sausages, just home made brown sauce? Ummm might be able to live with that, if its as good as HP that is.Cooking Lagerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02830924433230427226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-72484315787343536462009-09-06T15:34:38.962+01:002009-09-06T15:34:38.962+01:00I have to say my approach to food very much mirror...I have to say my approach to food very much mirrors that of Cooking Lager's to beer. I can appreciate the good stuff, but feel it's surrounded by a ludicrous amount of snobbery and pretentiousness, and I'm not afraid to say I enjoy a Burger King or a packet of Seabrook's from time to time.Curmudgeonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02558747878308766840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-71079725973505261722009-09-06T12:58:48.129+01:002009-09-06T12:58:48.129+01:00Bailey, absolutely agree with you there. Negativit...Bailey, absolutely agree with you there. Negativity in advertising is... well, negative.<br /><br />The lager thing is a case in point. There are some people who appreciate good lager, I'd like to think we have reasonable lager that has a level of provenance about it.<br /><br />I'm having a problem with kit trucks - I'll have to settle for an airfix kit for Christmas I think. So much for Mr Pickthall's ideasAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11319272987951077205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-76913952037984362532009-09-06T11:25:34.656+01:002009-09-06T11:25:34.656+01:00I think Al has hit the nail on the head: no-one go...I think Al has hit the nail on the head: no-one goes into a fish and chip shop and demands, say, truffle oil, because that's not what a chip shop's about. You've got 'brand values' which you shouldn't feel ashamed to state in writing on the menu. Not everyone will like it, and you might lose some custom (dilemma: can you afford to?) but there will be others who are drawn in precisely because they buy into your values.<br /><br />Stroppy signs are not the best way, though. A nice positive, statement of intention on the back of the menu should do the job. And, yeah, this blog post sets it out quite clearly and would make an excellent first draft.Baileyhttp://boakandbailey.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-34910351315519899222009-09-06T10:47:48.295+01:002009-09-06T10:47:48.295+01:00You could start with a link on your website to thi...You could start with a link on your website to this blog post, or maybe edit a version for the website to explain your values.<br /><br />They are good values and I enjoyed being "subjected to them" for two nights.<br /><br />Keep it up.Reuben Gray - TaleOfAlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15948722985150698273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-7173078445216235592009-09-06T10:24:58.440+01:002009-09-06T10:24:58.440+01:00Jeff, that hurt, I love my big thirsty monster veh...Jeff, that hurt, I love my big thirsty monster vehicle.<br /><br />Mind you, building my own, there's an idea...just Googling "kit trucks"....Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11319272987951077205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-17942479832548861352009-09-06T10:12:32.448+01:002009-09-06T10:12:32.448+01:00Next you'll be telling Nissan where to go r.e....Next you'll be telling Nissan where to go r.e. your monster truck and building your own!Jeff Pickthallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06343140031285101096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-86070840024291096942009-09-06T10:12:16.769+01:002009-09-06T10:12:16.769+01:00Ben, so do I
Velky Al, I need to work out how to ...Ben, so do I<br /><br />Velky Al, I need to work out how to better portray what we do. I agree very much with what you say.<br /><br />BUL180, you've previously mentioned that you sell Fentimans. I wondered where it was made. I could get to think that you are just copying me - ah, but imagine taking ketchup away from your customers.......<br /><br />Gazza, I'd so much like to put a sign up that says exactly what you've suggested. I'd probably like to do so without the censoring as well. The trouble is it would put off the nice people I'm actually trying to attract.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11319272987951077205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-17443743413509553842009-09-06T09:59:23.042+01:002009-09-06T09:59:23.042+01:00How about a big sign outside saying something like...How about a big sign outside saying something like "if you're a consumerist clone who eats McScum and drinks lager then f**k off".<br /><br />Maybe phrase it more politely, but that's the general message.<br /><br />And I love your stand on these things, if only more pubs had the integrity and cajonas to tell multinationals where to go.Gazza Prescotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11834776854227668409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-71795727006564167112009-09-06T04:20:59.956+01:002009-09-06T04:20:59.956+01:00We've started stocking the Fentimans products ...We've started stocking the Fentimans products at the pub, and they are doing well. Interestingly enough, here they are brewed in Canada under license.Brewers Union Local 180https://www.blogger.com/profile/05786517873195170945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-23481979992436131982009-09-06T03:04:21.133+01:002009-09-06T03:04:21.133+01:00I think the fact that you are open and honest with...I think the fact that you are open and honest with your choices for suppliers is a breath of fresh air. And as I have said many, many times, it is your place and you have the right to run it as you see fit.<br /><br />If someone ups and leaves because of the absence of tomato ketchup then are they really the kind of people who are likely to be repeat business anyway? I do like a drop of brown sauce with food at times, but not to the point that its non-presence would be a factor.<br /><br />I do think however that some businesses are too confrontational about their "values", without having previously stated in their advertising materials (whether that is an online presence or otherwise) that they don't do certain things. In not making that effort to explain the vision of the business then misunderstandings are unavoidable.Velky Alhttp://www.fuggled.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2446074078505386356.post-52398306300337746852009-09-06T01:07:14.592+01:002009-09-06T01:07:14.592+01:00I wish and hope more pubs follow your line.
Ben
Li...I wish and hope more pubs follow your line.<br />Ben<br />LiverpoolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com