| Author |
Message |
Simod_the_bod
Joined 28-11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 January, 2007 - 01:18 pm: | |
Does anybody know whether Bar Equal is closing?
I noticed in the Property section of the News shopper, that the premises was advertised for rental opportunity. |
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 January, 2007 - 01:25 pm: | |
Fingers crossed - that someone will reopen it as a bar that actually works? So much potential wasted here. |
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 January, 2007 - 01:30 pm: | |
Just out of interest, did it specify a rent or premium? |
Djnever
Joined 09-04-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 January, 2007 - 01:58 pm: | |
An excellent bar indeed, would be a real loss to the area |
Simod_the_bod
Joined 28-11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 January, 2007 - 02:10 pm: | |
From memory, I think it was £15,000 PA + a premium.
You're not looking to expand the empire already are you Jamie?! :0) |
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 January, 2007 - 02:37 pm: | |
Each to their own Djnever; I'd say "adequate, largely misconceived and misued" rather than "excellent". I pop in from time to time, mainly due to the handy location and lack of alternatives (soon to be remedied, I hope), and get more depressed by the layout, general ambience and so on with each visit. Plus last time I had to explain to the barman how to make a gin and tonic; I know we all have to start somewhere, but...!
As I said, fingers crossed that someone who knows what they are doing takes it on. |
Deanos
Joined 01-12-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 January, 2007 - 04:03 pm: | |
Too right, Laura. Jam Circus is a nice little bar, I'd love to see something more like that. I'm much more likely to go for a jar in Jamie's place these days. |
Cazuk
Joined 24-01-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, 25 January, 2007 - 10:34 pm: | |
I have been to Bar equals recently and noticed that it has been very empty especially on Saturdays.
I know it is open for a Valentine menu. |
Dotcom
Joined 21-04-2005
| | Posted on Friday, 26 January, 2007 - 11:39 am: | |
Went to Bar Equal briefly on a Saturday night a few weeks ago. Unfriendly bar person who neither cared nor had a clue, couldn't believe it when I saw people stamping cigarettes out on the floor. I don't think they know what their market is.
Went to Jam Circus last weekend, very nice atmosphere and will certainly go again. Looking forward to the opening of the Honour Oak too! |
Ghis
Joined 02-01-2007
| | Posted on Friday, 26 January, 2007 - 01:35 pm: | |
We had been going there more regularly lately on the way home from the station but I am always amazed at the lack of planing in terms of siting. You could sit so many more people with some thoughts put into sorting tables that work in such a small place rather than the alcoves. On numerous occasions we have been cold too and asked for the air conditionning to be turned down. The thing that always amaze me to are the ladies toilets. Two toilets in one cubicle? Who shares a cubicle with a friend for legal reasons and to use toilets as they were intended??? A nice little bar with proper sitting and a cosy not cold atmosphere would be another winner a la Tapastry. I like the use of space there and the cosiness. Equal would benefit from aiming for a proper cocktails + pints bar atmosphere without trying too hard to be quirky. Good beers on tap. Simple but good coktails, more sitting to encourage people to come in groups etc. |
Ghis
Joined 02-01-2007
| | Posted on Friday, 26 January, 2007 - 01:43 pm: | |
By the way the video shop premises, Visualeyes are for rent as well. |
Orangutan100
Joined 05-11-2006
| | Posted on Friday, 26 January, 2007 - 03:24 pm: | |
[Abusive comments removed - Webmaster]
The bar has massive potential for the post work drinking crowd (HOP has no real need for a late bar) and I sincerely hope someone takes it on and brings it into the 21st century. |
Bosco
Joined 16-07-2004
| | Posted on Friday, 26 January, 2007 - 04:57 pm: | |
wondered how long it would take for Orangutan's post to get censored!! |
Jbird
Joined 13-02-2006
| | Posted on Friday, 26 January, 2007 - 06:16 pm: | |
Why, what did he say?
(Only joking) |
Hoppy
Joined 05-12-2005
| | Posted on Friday, 26 January, 2007 - 07:47 pm: | |
many he stroke she said what i've heard |
Ghis
Joined 02-01-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, 27 January, 2007 - 12:30 pm: | |
Oh. Hope the abusive comment was not a reaction to my toilet comment. I mean that I was not impling that anything "untoward" happens in the toilets at Equal. |
Robwinton
Joined 07-06-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, 27 January, 2007 - 03:17 pm: | |
No, I read it and it was something totally different (and levels of detail that were not strictly necessary!!) so don't worry.
I say we contact Carlsberg and get them to open one of those bars they "probably" would run if they ran bars ... lots of attractive people, catering to one's every whim, etc. Shame we'd probably have to drink the stuff though |
Roz
Joined 17-03-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 08:06 am: | |
I've just had some correspondence with the owner of Bar Equal- she is not aware that her business is closing! There must therefore be some huge mistake. Hopefully will be corrected soon. |
Michael
Joined 04-03-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 08:17 am: | |
Well something is up for sale on that site:
http://www.findaproperty.com/displayprop.aspx?edid =00&salerent=0&pid=074563&agentid=00789 |
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 10:10 am: | |
I think the clue is in the fact that it says that 15 years remains on the lease |
Bosco
Joined 16-07-2004
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 10:52 am: | |
how is that a clue? Unless what you mean is that the freehold is for sale subject to the lease? |
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 11:27 am: | |
It's a clue because the bar will be rented - on a lease - and it's the freehold that is for sale. There's no indication that the lease is to come to an end. |
Bosco
Joined 16-07-2004
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 01:22 pm: | |
Not necessarily - could be an assignment of the lease but I take your point. |
Roz
Joined 17-03-2005
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 03:29 pm: | |
Clearly having little to do today out of extreme curiosity I phoned the agent in Blackheath; they confirmed that it is indeed the Bar Equal business for sale plus goodwill. Somewhat contradicts the e-mail I received from Ana the owner yesterday but there you go- presumably she is hoping for a seamless transition if the business is sold on in its current format.
We were considering hiring this for a special event in a few months time so glad I found out now before paying a hefty deposit. |
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 04:01 pm: | |
Ah well that will be me being totally wrong then. In defence I plead having been swayed by Roz's initial evidence and the lack of clarity in the advert... although I do now see it says "£275,000 l/h"...
Can the new owner please replace the floor and do something about the layout. Feel free to plagiarise Jam Circus or Inside 72. Ta |
Simod_the_bod
Joined 28-11-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 04:03 pm: | |
Whats Inside 72?
Am I missing out? |
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 04:10 pm: | |
East Dulwich, on Lordship Lane. It's fantastic. |
Simod_the_bod
Joined 28-11-2006
| | Posted on Monday, 29 January, 2007 - 04:13 pm: | |
Hmmm. Thanks for the tip, i'll have to give it a tinkle at some point. |
Ana
Joined 30-01-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, 30 January, 2007 - 03:05 pm: | |
This is a message from the owner about Equal's supposed closure. I have recently renewed the lease for another 15 years after the lease ran out. It makes good sense to know what your business is worth in terms of goodwill and market position and I am effectively valuing my business and my efforts over the last 6 years. Every business has it's price and I would like to know what my options COULD BE!!!! I love my business and Honor Oak, but if an opportunity arises that would leave me mortgage free!!!! Well think about it - wouldn't you love to be in the same position of CHOICE!!! AS things stand EQUAL IS NOT CLOSING. |
Ana
Joined 30-01-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, 30 January, 2007 - 03:07 pm: | |
If anyone would like to ask me anything directly or indeed criticise my business then please feel free to e-mail me on info@barequal.com, it’s a lot more constructive then speculating and potentially damaging an ONGOING business that serves the community well. |
Bosco
Joined 16-07-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, 30 January, 2007 - 03:48 pm: | |
True Ana but equally, if you want to increase the value of your business' goodwill maybe you should listen to some of the constructive comments made on this thread? |
Michael
Joined 04-03-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, 30 January, 2007 - 04:28 pm: | |
It is great that this business is still successful and that there are no plans to close the bar. While not everybody's cup of tea, Bar Equal is a slightly different drinking establishment in SE23, adding to the diversity.
I think almost everybody on the forum wishes Ana all the best with her business. I have a lot of admiration for anybody who runs their own business, while I work for a large company with much more security of income.
A number of other local business owners have had some very constructive feedback from people on SE23.com, and I think it is great that people know how to provide their feedback to Ana, now that we know the business is a going concern. |
Lola
Joined 24-11-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 12:12 pm: | |
I am glad that Equal is staying open but I kinda agree with Ghis above; the aircon is usually on too high and the staff are often indifferent. Best of luck to the new owner. |
Deanos
Joined 01-12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 03:15 pm: | |
Fair play to Ana, she responded to customer feedback and started to serve pints instead of half pints and big pitchers. But community message boards are meant for discussion about local issues and places so we're bound to talk. Surely there is some useful feedback on here? I mean, my Missus finds the ladies' bogs baffling!! |
Bosco
Joined 16-07-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 03:33 pm: | |
I don't know any woman who undestands the reasoning behind the women's loos in Equal! |
Andy
Joined 23-02-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 03:44 pm: | |
For excretion perhaps? |
Bosco
Joined 16-07-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 03:59 pm: | |
indeed! |
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 04:07 pm: | |
Surely you have noticed young ladies taking trips to the loo in pairs, and going to the cubicle together? |
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 04:36 pm: | |
At Equal, that's because it's always better to know the person sat on the toilet bowl next to you. |
Deanos
Joined 01-12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 04:38 pm: | |
I always assumed that, while going to the toilets together, you did go for seperate stalls once you got there. Perhaps I've been naive!! |
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 04:44 pm: | |
For some reason, I do know women who like to take a (female) friend to the toilet with them. This seems a bit beyond me; where else can you go for a bit of peace and quiet and maybe a short kip when you're out for the night? |
Deanos
Joined 01-12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 04:48 pm: | |
Blimey. It's so much easier being a bloke. Go in, eyes forward, no eye contact, no talking. Out. |
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 - 04:53 pm: | |
Well, that's more or less like the Ladies' at Equal, then.
I appreciate that this isn't constructive - apologies to the owner. |
Dave
Joined 11-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 10:39 am: | |
Resurrecting an old thread, I see Bar Equal is being advertised for sale again.
http://www.findaproperty.com/displayprop.aspx?edid=00&salerent=0&pid=478707&agentid=11810
I wonder if Ana would like to comment - is this a valuation/estimate of goodwill? |
Ana
Joined 30-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 11:01 am: | |
Bar equal is NOT closing my earlier comments stand, the ad has been there since the start of the year, and frankly this is a little tiresome - the ad is coming off now. |
Hilltopgeneral
Joined 24-03-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 11:17 am: | |
Why, have you sold it? Property market red-hot round here at the moment. |
Ghis
Joined 02-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 11:28 am: | |
Bar Equal has really grown on me now and if you walk pass it you will notice it has applied for extended hours. Now that I have lived in HOP a bit longer (we only bought our house 1 y 1/2 ago), I am really starting to appreciate the effort that Ana at Bar Equal, Tapastry, the Deli etc are doing on the parade. Before buying our house we rented in Forest Hill and I must say I am very happy to have discovered HOP and it seems that we are getting more business setting up instead of closing down. |
Ana
Joined 30-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 12:09 pm: | |
Yes, we are going for 4am Fridays and Saturdays, also, with no smoking coming in 1st July, tables and chairs are going outside, in good time as next week HOP will also be free of the dustbins as daily collections are to be done. New signs are to also going up welcoming people to HOP , designed by a local artist, flowers are to go on the lampposts shortly. It's an exciting time for Equal and Honor Oak, we all continue to rely on your support. |
Ghis
Joined 02-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 12:34 pm: | |
Ana, brilliant news! |
Tersie
Joined 04-02-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 01:05 pm: | |
Hi Ana This sounds great - a bin free main street is a winner and having flowers and new signage would be good. Am I mistaken but I thought that the EU banned all hanging flower baskets?? Good luck with your licence extension. |
Jbird
Joined 13-02-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 01:07 pm: | |
Ana, If you've had anything to do with the dustbin issue then congratulations - that's a massive step forward. I was walking down the parade on the 'Equal' side of Honor Oak yesterday and the smell was blinkin' 'orrible, so this would be brilliant. Do you know if the bins themselves are going, or are they just going to be emptied daily? |
Ana
Joined 30-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 01:17 pm: | |
A huge victory - tenacity does pay dividends sonme time - Bins going!!! Rubbish bagged and to be left between 10am and 11am. |
Nevermodern
Joined 09-02-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 03:38 pm: | |
This sounds great and a very positive development. Now can get rid of those bins on London Road in Forest Hill outside Pizza Hut? :) Councillors? |
Ghis
Joined 02-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 04:55 pm: | |
The walk from and to the Station is going to be so much better. With more people having tables outside this summer (Deli, Tapastry and now Bar Equal) it is going to be even more lively and also will encourage people to take over the fireplace shop.
Ana, the new nice glass front window panels instead of the stainless steel, was it in prevision of the tables outside? I must say I also like the fact there is more seating inside too now. |
Ana
Joined 30-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 06 June, 2007 - 05:14 pm: | |
Yes, the bar staff will need to see the front now that tables need to be serviced outside, but apart from this I think it is so much nicer to see the world pass by. Extra table seating has been put in as a response to some of your comments. But on busier nights when dance floor is packed, we have to take them out. It's good to have the flexibility now. |
Ghis
Joined 02-01-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, 07 June, 2007 - 08:19 am: | |
This morning, I noticed the flower baskets have been put on the lamposts! It is starting to take shape. As soon as the roadworks and pavement work have been fully completed and when the bins have been removed it should start look really good. |
Theotherbrian
Joined 28-03-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, 07 June, 2007 - 05:55 pm: | |
Tersie - the EU has never banned hanging baskets - despite what the Murdock press might think up. These stories are home grown with councils fearful of litigation from the "no win- no fee" brigade and those who use them to try to make a quick killing financially. |
Tersie
Joined 04-02-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, 07 June, 2007 - 06:57 pm: | |
good to hear that is not the case - I heard it through the grapevine and thought it sounded odd. Went up the main street earlier and is def looking much better already ;-) |
Sherwood
Joined 30-03-2005
| | Posted on Friday, 08 June, 2007 - 08:37 am: | |
Here is a link that exposes health and safety myths:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/myth/index.htm |
Jbird
Joined 13-02-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, 13 June, 2007 - 07:57 am: | |
Hi Ana - any news on the dustbins? I noticed they're all still on the pavements on the Equal side of the street. |
Ana
Joined 30-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 13 June, 2007 - 08:59 am: | |
No news, but no news is good news, don't hold your breath though (unless you are passing the chippy!) |
Dave
Joined 11-01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 13 June, 2007 - 09:15 am: | |
Not sure what the reference to the chippy means - I quite like the place and have never had any complaints about their food or their service. |
Broadbeanster
Joined 12-02-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, 13 June, 2007 - 09:40 am: | |
I think she means the smell of hte bins outside... the chippy is great but the bins hum. |
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, 13 June, 2007 - 04:20 pm: | |
Can someone answer the question once and for all. Every time I enter the Forum I stare down at ( Is Bar Equal Closing )
Surely a yes or no should solve the problem |
