paulj

wondered why the water pressure had dropped... Thanks !

Jenny has left the building, as have all the staff, by choice. It's been informative to see the variety of views of the pub, Jenny, ageism (sic) and the general state of play of pubs in general and locally in particular. My family and friends have used this pub for nigh on 40 years, pre-dating Jenny for sometime. I used to have a successful gastropub in W London and still have a licence... I've also been on the receiving end of pubcos outlook. My biggest issue is what can this obviously experienced new landlady bring to the site that is not already there. The owners don't do gastro and the alternate offer to Jenny was amongst the lowest turnover pubs in the group of @ 40. If this lady is so talented then why is she not directed to a site that is ailing, i.e. Foxes ? Nothing to do with being near her property in Herne Hill? If they want to run it down to ease a sale then they will run the gauntlet of ACV. The underhand methods that have been used are despicable and ruined Jenny and her family's life. A weeks notice..? I won't give my money to such a company I thank her for the service and friendship over the years and wish her clan all the best for the future.

They believe they can take loads more money. Don't know how, it's a sports bar and the amount of regulars who'll walk away will be replaced with the number of barred druggies that Jenny kept clear... company politics too.. Whilst they had manager meetings there, it appears that several of them were jostling for the spot and Jenny was the last to know.. No respect for loyalty

Jenny Rubie, the manager of the Castle in Crystal Palace Road, has been forced out by her brewery and leaves next Tuesday. She has been there for 11 years as manager and 5 more before that. She was given a week's notice. A 65 year old woman who is not from anywhere near here and has been with the company for 5 years and had 4 different pubs is coming.. This is a community, traditional pub, the only one left in ED and the loss of a lynchpin of the area is a disgrace. She was offered the Foxes pub in Sydenham, a known druggie pub that takes less than half in turnover compared to the Castle. It was a derisory, insulting offer that could not be countenanced. A petition has been started and signed by over 150 people in a week. Please register a protest with: [email protected]

I really hope it's only been whitewashed to make way for a new mural.. otherwise it's an act of vandalism

I'd like to pass on the details of an excellent chippie: Steve of Craft Carpentry @ 07958-690885. He's local, has a workshop, is reasonably priced and adaptive. Friends of mine stated that he custom built some great alcoves, went on to flooring and took time to explain... a rare find, as he lived up to the billing. PM me if you want.

For the newcomers to the ED P Rye area - the Irish community have been the pre-dominant 'ethnic' group in the area for over 40 years. The majority of contributors to the festival are charities, volunteers and those receiving expenses only. It has been part of the summer culture for decades. Big Society ?