SE23.com - The Official Forum for Forest Hill & Honor Oak, London SE23
Online since 2002   11,000+ members   72,000+ posts

Home | SE23 Topics | Businesses & Services | Wider Topics | Offered/Wanted/Lost/Found | About SE23.com | Advertising | Contact | |
 Armstrong & Co Solicitors



Post Reply  Post Topic 
The Honor Oak
Author Message
admin
Administrator

Posts: 424
Joined: Dec 2002
Post: #1
24-10-2007 02:19 PM

Most recent posts from the previous forum ...
(Click here for the complete archive of this thread up to 12 Oct 2007)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
Posted on Wednesday, 21 March, 2007 - 03:10 pm:


Bit of generalisation there I think. There's lots of bars and pubs where children are welcomed in the UK - the Honor Oak is one of them. And conversely when I've holidayed and worked in Spain and France I've been to a lot of bars where children are no-where to be seen!

I do think that good behaviour is the key - when I've taken my neices and nephews out with me in the past, I've not enjoyed myself when they've been shouting/whining/running around, so god only knows how other people felt about it. Basically - if it's not acceptable behaviour (in that environment) from an adult, why should it be acceptable from a younger person?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth25
Joined 04-03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 21 March, 2007 - 04:30 pm:


You do get some people who dislike children--well behaved or otherwise. My son has mis-behaved in public (which usually results in me packing up and heading home) but more often than not, he has also behaved very well in public. I agree with Jane2, good behaviour is learned by getting used to eating in public and copying how adults act (sitting at the table, not screaming etc.)

An 8:00 pm curfew is perfectly reasonable for young children. I am sure most parents would not object to that type of restriction.

However, there are some people (purely experienced-based observances) who get extremely huffy whenever a pram comes into view in a resturant or a pub--even when it containes a sleeping baby making no sound.

We should be more tolerant of everyone who patronises pubs and resturants. That means parents should control children who are bothering other customers--and likewise, child-less groups and individuals should accept children are allowed to venture out in mixed-aged establishments from time to time.

Restricted areas are not the answer. Curfews are more reasonable.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jane2
Joined 24-01-2007
Posted on Wednesday, 21 March, 2007 - 04:33 pm:


My response wasn't meant completely seriously, in the spirit of the previous posts...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jane2
Joined 24-01-2007
Posted on Wednesday, 21 March, 2007 - 04:40 pm:


Sorry Elizabeth we cross-posted that wasn't in response to you!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tersie
Joined 04-02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, 21 March, 2007 - 05:27 pm:


Hi Jane2 and Elizebeth and all. Sorry it looks like I have opened a can a worms here by starting this particular strand of Honor Oak thread! Anyway I agree with what you are saying that childen need to learn to respect environments and behave when in mixed age environments and as I stated earlier in the thread of course families should fully enjoy the pub. The reason I made a point in the first place is because the HO seems to be family friendly in the day and early evening, which is fine but I have noticed that families with kids are staying later in the bar and the HO is losing some other business due to this fact. It is alienating some people who want to have a childfree drink and environment. I do not think I am wrong in thinking some parents would be included in this group of folk - Elizabeth you mentioned that 8.00pm is a reasonable curfew for children in bars but I have to say I disagree and would say 5.30 or 6 would be more realistic as pretty much 100% of evening trade is made up of adults. But it would be good to get Jamie's thoughts as he would decide on what (if any) boundaries there should be in this respect.
Any more thoughts?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roz
Joined 17-03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 21 March, 2007 - 09:53 pm:


I think the discussion should also take into account the needs of parents who would like to do what ' normal' adults do and go for a drink in the evening with other adults around as well as their kids. Granted that the kids should be supervised and well behaved and not running around screaming as this is not acceptable. Otherwise its a curfew on parents too which may lead to isolation. However as Michael has said, the smoking ban will produce interesting outcomes.
We have family in France and go to stay with them a lot, and it does seem true that French children are better behaved in restaurants and cafes- the kids benefit from greater inclusion. One theory is that French children are better socialised, ie they learn early on how to behave in adult social environments, which is what a pub is, rather than being indulged with toys, games etc as can be the case here. It doesnt hurt for children to learn that pubs are not adventure playgrounds.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tersie
Joined 04-02-2007
Posted on Wednesday, 21 March, 2007 - 11:08 pm:


Hi Roz - The points I and others have made are not suggesting that adults cannot go out in the evening for a drink with other adults and kids, the main point is whether a pub is a suitable venue for such outings after a certain hour, whereas family freindly restaurants and cafe's may be better suited for such outings as they are not mainly geared up for selling high volumes of alcohol. I totally agree that the culture on the continent is different to the UK and most families tend to go to cafes and restaurants, not bars. I get the feeling that the lovely HO is trying to be more of a cafe bar in the day and lively bar by night. Indeed when the smoking ban comes in July it might change things and give families more smoke free options. Overall I do not think the points outlined are unreasonable - I think it is more about finding a balance.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth25
Joined 04-03-2005
Posted on Thursday, 22 March, 2007 - 09:31 am:


How about we compromise on the curfew and say 7:00 pm? :-) However, feedback from Jamie would be good as well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domc
Joined 17-03-2005
Posted on Thursday, 22 March, 2007 - 11:10 am:


Problem with curfew - what do you do at 7pm? Throw them all out or not serve them or remind them of rules - either one is not a great option for the person who has to do it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth25
Joined 04-03-2005
Posted on Thursday, 22 March, 2007 - 11:48 am:


I think it is more about guildlines, than draconian rules. A sign up saying something like "Curfew for young children is 7:00 pm"

But really, this is more about market forces. If The Honor Oak has presented an environment that is comfortable for people with children,and attracts that clientel, than that is what the market dictaes.

(Sorry to Jamie, for discussing what your pub's policies may or may not be. But, in any intellectual discussion, it is easier to comprehend if there is a real world example.)

But I do agree July's smoking ban will change the playing field a bit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sherwood
Joined 30-03-2005
Posted on Thursday, 22 March, 2007 - 01:29 pm:


I suspect that economics will dictate the policy. If adults do not come in while children are there, the landlord is likely to choose the more profiable clientele.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth25
Joined 04-03-2005
Posted on Thursday, 22 March, 2007 - 02:10 pm:


Are people with children not profitable clientele?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
Posted on Thursday, 22 March, 2007 - 02:43 pm:


They may well drink less

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
Posted on Thursday, 22 March, 2007 - 02:58 pm:


I think both my sisters started drinking more. Especially when the kids hit their "terrible twos". Smile

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sherwood
Joined 30-03-2005
Posted on Thursday, 22 March, 2007 - 05:05 pm:


I think generally men are the most profitable customers.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Les
Joined 28-01-2004
Posted on Thursday, 22 March, 2007 - 06:58 pm:


Nah - men don't eat when they drink. Food is more profitable every time. Bet the Herne makes buck with all the families with kids eating. Much better to make a few quid a dish than a few pence a pint. I know nothing about this business by the way!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tersie
Joined 04-02-2007
Posted on Friday, 23 March, 2007 - 08:43 am:


Hi Les and all,
Wet sales (i.e booze) has the highest mark up overall however a reasonable amount of take will also come from diners too (and it is also used as a tool to get people to have drinks which drives up profit)but there are more overheads related with serving food that have to be taken into account(I have ran bars over the years and this is my experience - maybe others disagree?) Anyway the point is having such a lovely place in the locality is great for everyone all ages and we salute Jamie for all his hard work. I think if the HO were ever to have a curfew it would probably be more in loose terms, this curfew time would allow time for them to prepare for other clients that would use the pub after work and onwards into the evening. i.e clearing tables, stocking up, washing, lighting candles....anyway Jamie knows the score on this I am not telling him how to run his business.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Friday, 23 March, 2007 - 04:44 pm:


Dear all,

We have always had a 'curfew' of 8pm for children which is noted on our licence and is made clear to anyone who asks, or indeed comes in with children after about 6pm. We also inform people with children that the children will have to leave if they have not done so by 8pm.

Whilst this discussion has made interesting reading, and I don't think a point has been made which is not valid, to some extent we take the view that we have always wished to have a child-friendly pub, at least during the day, and that there really shouldn't be any reason why children and grown-ups shouldn't co-exist reasonably happily.

We understand that those people wishing to turn up at 12pm every day and drink three pints of Stella an hour until close may feel uncomfortable doing so when surrounded by children - but equally this has never been the clientele we have aimed to attract, nor that I gather would apply or appeal to the majority of you. Arguably, the fact that children are not appealing to this type of drinker is no bad thing for everyone else!

Civilised drinking should not be interrupted by well-behaved children, and it is maybe here that we have the true issue- namely that a minority of people have perhaps begun to take our attempts to offer a family-friendly pub for granted. In the first weeks, although we are aware that some people voiced concerns about the admission of children at all, there were few (if any) actual complaints about their presence. Equally, then people were asking if children were permitted within the pub, and when told that they were, ensuring that they remained seated, keeping them entertained, and in the case of young children, taking them outside if they started to disturb others.

In the last couple of weeks, we have had a couple of issues with children being allowed to quite literally run around whilst their parents drank and ate, apparently oblivious to it.

Our policy, perhaps clarified here for the first time, is that we wish to have a family-friendly pub. We don't have much time for objections against the principle of children being in the pub during the day (when people are mainly eating or drinking coffee) but equally we have little tolerance for parents who do not respect those people without children enough to appreciate that the majority visiting us wish to interact only with eachother and a pint of lager; not someone else's kids. We think it would be a great shame to lose the atmosphere that children and families have contributed to The Honor Oak and have no intention of changing the current child-friendly status. But we will be asking those parents who do not do so of their own accord to treat their children appropriately whilst in this adult environment - not least because aside from the affect on other customers, it is not safe to have children running around a pub unsupervised, nor, fundamentally, is it fair on the children themselves.

As far as the space is concerned, it is difficult to see how the bar could be divided to provide a segregated space for families, and to be honest we do wish to stay rather more on the adult side of the fence, and do not intend to create any sort of creche etc. However with the function room now open, and the beer garden soon to be furnished, we are confident that with the help of the parents who are visiting us there will be enough space to find a middle ground that represents an adult environment which welcomes children without them being too overwhelming.

As far as profits go, Tersie is right that we make far less profit from food than we do drink, as the overheads are very high. But I should clarify that our policy on children, or anything else, is not dictated simply by figures. The Honor Oak, although by no means buying us any holidays this year, appears to be working as a concept. We hope that we need only tweak it to improve it for people, rather than change how we operate based on pounds and percentages. We created the pub based on what we, as local residents, thought would be good for the area rather than what the figures said, and that approach has thankfully - and thanks to many of you - so far served us well. We would rather follow your guidance and our own instincts than try to build the pub around margins... hopefully if we get the pub right at heart, the margins will follow!

Thank you all for your continuing support and advice. If you have any specific problems with children or anything else in future please let one of us know at the time so as we can proacvitely deal with it, and then review the situation (doubtless on this forum) in the coming weeks.

With best wishes,

Jamie, James & Rupert

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Friday, 23 March, 2007 - 04:45 pm:


On a completely separate note, you can now book for our next wine tasting on 4th April online at http://www.thehonoroak.com. Robin returns, this time with white wines - try 10 for ?12 from 8pm!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth25
Joined 04-03-2005
Posted on Friday, 23 March, 2007 - 04:48 pm:


Thanks Jamie!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tersie
Joined 04-02-2007
Posted on Saturday, 24 March, 2007 - 12:36 pm:


Hi Jamie, James, Rupert and all.
Good to get some clarification here on what your feelings are as you say the more people are aware of what is acceptable or not the better. I think it is good that this has come to your attention as it is something that needs monitoring on an ongoing basis. At least all will now know that after 8pm is definately a childfree zone and if we come in before this time that points have been taken on board and hopefully parents with kids will ensure the balance is met. I look forward to seeing you soon - think will book for the wine tasting too, sounds good!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toffeejim
Joined 27-11-2004
Posted on Saturday, 24 March, 2007 - 01:19 pm:


I happened to stumble into this place the other night when I unaccountably couldn't get served at my local the Swiss Cottage.

It?s a very odd place. A bar, as opposed to a pub, that happens to be sited in what was a pub and employing a few pub-related themes to disorientate the punters and make them think they might actually be in one. A sort of a virtual reality game.

The first thing that hits you is the wallpaper. This is the best thing about the place and it immediately took me back to the Winchester Club circa 1980, an impression strongly reinforced when I received my beer in an old-fashioned, chunky glass - these days normally to be found only in backwater country villages and the Port Stanley Hotel (my thanks to Trev for the latter).

But any anticipation that I might be about to see Terry and Arthur walk in was swiftly knocked on the head when I noted the sad lack of Hamlets, Castellas or indeed any other kind of smoking material behind the bar.

The choice of beer was further designed to confuse. There were two types available, strong or stronger: a philosophical conundrum for an old-fashioned drinking man like myself. What I really wanted was a normal pint of beer. But clearly this was a test of manliness. Do I admit that really all I want is a normal pint and come across as a jessie or do I take the strong stuff with a knowing nod, drink the one pint and then leave for another pub that sold normal beer? I took the latter course, although not least because the choice of beer was so uninspired: Broadside and Old Speckled Hen (does anybody, anywhere ever order Old Speckled Hen when there is a choice available to them?). The beer was kept adequately, no more.

And then, whilst I was sipping on my pint reflecting on these matters, something else confusing happened. I'd just seen a couple of young women go outside for a cigarette when a staff member came around and put an ashtray on my table. Well this was odd. Unfortunately I didn't have any cigarettes on me and, as well as the lack of cigars behind the bar, couldn't see a cigarette machine in evidence either. A pity because the person who had put out the ashtrays then came round and put a little tea light inside them. A nice touch for those who have forgotten their lighters I thought.

As I say an odd experience. Pub wallpaper and pub glasses but no proper beer. Excellent smoking facilities without any tobacco on sale. Clearly all some form of irony. Perhaps the whole thing is meant to be an organically-based work by a Young British Artist and will reap great plaudits at this year's Turner Prize exhibition. But personally I've always preferred figurative works to Duchamp-inspired surrealism so I think I'll stick to Forest Hill's existing array of honest old-fashioned boozers in future.

One final thought: the music they were playing rather blew their cover. Had the bar had the imagination to put on something a bit more retro-challenging (I'm thinking the Court of the Crimson King, something by Hawkwind or even the Velvet Underground) this might have been enough to keep me guessing. But the fact that it was endlessly derivative and totally unengaging modern nonsense suggested that the Honor Oak is actually just the type of middle-class poseurs palace I suspected it of being all along.

Of course Forest Hill is a diverse community and the young and moneyed middle classes deserve to be catered for as a distinct sub-community within that. Many of them believe this pub gives them just what they want and need. Perhaps it does although, of course, perhaps not ? and its just what they think they want and need (and a thread discussing Marx?s thoughts on commodity fetishism or Engels on false consciousness perhaps goes slightly beyond the bounds of this forum).

But what is clear is that it seems to be a case of East Dulwich/Clapham/Islington (take your pick) here we come.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Saturday, 24 March, 2007 - 04:34 pm:


Dear ToffeeJim,

I confess to a slight error in this week's ale selection, as I bowed to a number of requests for Old Speckled Hen without considering its strength next to the Broadside - my apologies.

The next ale to be on will be Bombardier, until after St. George's Day, when I think we will revert to the Black Sheep for a while as it is one of my personal favourites and proved rather popular. I will try to post when these changes occur so as you are aware of the state of play here should you again be refused service at your local for some reason.

As I have posted several times before, the ale selection is guided by the people drinking it. If there is something you think would go down well, please let me know and I will happily try it out if it features on the list of beers that I am able to purchase.

Best wishes,
James

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toffeejim
Joined 27-11-2004
Posted on Saturday, 24 March, 2007 - 05:40 pm:


James

I doff my cap to so civillised reply to my old-school rant. As you rightly infer I do think that well chosen and well served ale should lie at the very heart of what any bar or pub is about. After all, good beer is one of England's very few claims to gastronomic greatness.

You've mentioned before that you're tied by Punch into a rather limited selection of beers. It's such a shame as it contrasts disappointingly with the decent wine list and bottled Belgian choices you had available. Are you really irrevocably tied to this? My spies tell me that the most excellent management team of the (I'm told) Punch-run Gowlett Arms have been seen in your establishment. They seem to get by this problem somehow and stock a good selection of guest ales.

The real golden chalice though would be for you to stock guest beers from the flourishing microbrewery sector. This would even have old sceptics like me joining the raving crowds. I'm told that many pubco's are now happy to sanction the stocking of microbrewed ale, especially now that doing so has been made so much more practical (and profitable) through the Society of Independent Brewers' Direct Delivery Scheme. Of course, agreement from the area manager is required - but it seems to me that you have an excellent case to make. Surely in a market of increasing diversity this is where the future lies.

I hope you can get somewhere with this. I think it would serve your venture well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pat
Joined 12-11-2006
Posted on Monday, 26 March, 2007 - 12:20 pm:


And a repeated request for small glasses of wine for those who can't drink a bucket-full, please...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evanick
Joined 29-09-2006
Posted on Thursday, 29 March, 2007 - 12:24 pm:


yes, smaller glasses would be handy. i have no problems obtaining smaller glasses of wine in the newly opened bar near my work in Camberwell.

Also I find music too loud in Honor Oak. It is difficult to have a proper conversation as you have to shout.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Simod_the_bod
Joined 28-11-2006
Posted on Thursday, 29 March, 2007 - 12:45 pm:


Got to disagree with you on the last point Evanick.
If anything, for the majority of the early evening it is too low. However, it is understandable as this is the peak time for the servery of food.

I have found that on occasions, thankfully the volume is increased a little after food stops at 9pm, but never enough for me to shout.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annie
Joined 27-06-2006
Posted on Thursday, 29 March, 2007 - 02:18 pm:


On our first visit we walked straight out again as the music was too loud - the second time we went earlier in the evening but then it got turned up so we left again. We would like to give the HO another go so maybe the regulars could suggest a time / day when the music is more in the background please?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laura
Joined 19-07-2006
Posted on Thursday, 29 March, 2007 - 03:46 pm:


In a pub, for me the music counts as too loud if a group of people (say around four or five) can't have a conversation together because they have to shout to be heard above the music in order for everyone to join in.

This has only happened to me once at THO, thank god. Otherwise it turns into a nightclub: which is what a function room is for!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
Posted on Thursday, 29 March, 2007 - 04:40 pm:


I agree whilst I am not against music in pubs I go in a pub for conversation with friends. If you , or they , have to shout then time to leave.
I have not yet neen to THO so no idea how loud their music is.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baggydave
Joined 19-05-2004
Posted on Thursday, 29 March, 2007 - 07:22 pm:


There are at least nine pubs and two wine bars in SE23. If we don't like the music/beer/food then we have plenty of choice. Jamie has a winning formula but it may not be to everyone's tastes. Why are we trying to run this pub by consensus? If you have a problem lean over the counter and tell him, sure he will welcome this.

Meanwhile if you have a view on what makes the perfect pub revert to my thread. You will find the Moor Park Tavern very quiet. Getting a drink is another issue though.......

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toffeejim
Joined 27-11-2004
Posted on Thursday, 29 March, 2007 - 11:55 pm:


11 pubs, 3 bars (not sure where the "wine" tag comes in) and one Turner Prize entry.

Back to your yurt BD.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Friday, 30 March, 2007 - 11:19 am:


As a general rule, I think it is only Friday and Saturday later evenings when the music rises above what one might reasonably call background levels. I persnally cannot stand to be in a pub where one is aware of music being present but it is not properly audible - I find myself straining to make it out, and it becomes far more of a distraction than it would be were it louder. I know that I am not alone in this, and a balance needs to be struck between 'too loud' and 'too quiet' in order to keep everyone happy!

I am aware that there have been occasions where the music has been 'turned up' as the bar has got busier, and then not made its way back down promptly enough as people have left - needless to say, the more bodies in the room and the more people talking, the louder the music has to be in order to maintain the same audibility (if that's even a word). This is quite a tricky thing to manage, especially on busy nights, but we will work on it. We are certainly not aiming to run a nightclub - but then nor are we a Wetherspoons, and we do think that music makes quite a significant contribution to the atmosphere of the bar.

I concur with most of the points made, in that if you cannot talk over the music comfortably then it is too loud. That said, we have quite a good PA system in the main bar, and the music should be able to reach a reasonable level evenly throughout the pub without causing too many problems.

Ultimately the staff need to maintain a good middle-ground on volume levels - as Baggydave points out, if you do find that you are having difficulty talking over the music, it would be far more productive just to let one of the bar staff know and then they can make a judgement. Chances are they have just become used to the volume level from a busier time in the evening and need some fresh ears to help them out!

Best wishes,
James

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baggydave
Joined 19-05-2004
Posted on Monday, 02 April, 2007 - 04:58 pm:


Jamie, you are getting the reputation of being the hub of the local community! This got me thinking about the great Western musical ?Paint Your Wagon? where the locals decided on what their Western Saloon should have on offer. Taking a similar lead from your engagement with the community, have you any plans to put on ?dancing girls?? If not perhaps other residents may suggest other pubs that may be suitable.

Perhaps we could have ?Paint your Wagon? (or Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Oklahoma etc) theme nights. Now that would bring the punters in. For our younger readers see http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064782/ ,I particularly like the reference to uproarious drinking and carousing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toffeejim
Joined 27-11-2004
Posted on Monday, 02 April, 2007 - 05:07 pm:


Racy theme BD. But I suppose the Bird in Hand comes to mind as a possible alternative. Unless of course a branch of All Bare One moved to the area.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy
Joined 23-02-2005
Posted on Tuesday, 03 April, 2007 - 08:33 am:


Just go to 'The Commitments' night in the BHT. Oh sorry, that's every night.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sherwood
Joined 30-03-2005
Posted on Tuesday, 03 April, 2007 - 12:06 pm:


Or how about saloon girls at The Honor Oak?
Just like the wild west saloons?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pat
Joined 12-11-2006
Posted on Tuesday, 03 April, 2007 - 01:38 pm:


I have noticed that most of the bar staff in the HO - male and female - are very attractive, I think dancing girls and boys would keep a lot of the customers happy!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tersie
Joined 04-02-2007
Posted on Thursday, 05 April, 2007 - 12:54 am:


Just got back from a top evening at the 'white' wine tasing session at the HO, with lovely cheese and port afterwards ;-) (My head may be a bit sore in the morn! ;-o) Robin was a great and very informative character and many thanks for Jamie, James and rupert for putting this event on, great for all to meet up and to put some faces to names on here...also tis a great way to promote the community feel of the bar. I really enjoyed meeting ya'll.....till next time! T

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
Posted on Thursday, 05 April, 2007 - 11:37 pm:


Racy theme indeed BD. The Hob would only have to change one letter to suggest provision of the sort of service available in real wild west saloons.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toffeejim
Joined 27-11-2004
Posted on Saturday, 28 April, 2007 - 11:48 pm:


James - any update to report on the beer front? Have you convinced Punch to let you support an exciting micro-brewery or three?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robwinton
Joined 07-06-2006
Posted on Sunday, 29 April, 2007 - 08:12 am:


Considering that Punch has just spent millions buying 50% of one of the biggest national distributors of beers, wines and spirits, and will be looking to recoup their investment, I imagine the opposite. I would guess there will be severe pressure to switch to much more standard offerings. James/Jamie, and news on that front or is it too early?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toffeejim
Joined 27-11-2004
Posted on Sunday, 29 April, 2007 - 10:56 am:


Perhaps - but I understand the recently gastro'd (and Punch-run) Prince Regent in Herne Hill subscribes to the SIBA Direct Delivery Scheme so there is a local precedent. That place was recently written up by the Observer food critic - although this might have been influened by his slight penchant for wrting about places near to his Brixton home!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Monday, 30 April, 2007 - 01:02 pm:


Hi everyone,

I'm afraid there hasn't been any indication of possible changes on the beer front, but I can't honestly say we have too much hope of that happening - it is how Punch truly make their money out of us.

We will bring it up at our next meeting with them, however. There is, apparently, the possibility of being released from tie for certain products but with increased lease costs being the payoff.

No pressure to standardise on other fronts really as yet, although we do already buy our spirits from Matthew Clark so have noted Punch's aquisition with interest. In truth, a condition of our lease is that we are free to buy wines and spirits from whomever we choose, so there is relatively little they can do on those fronts for the next 9 1/2 years!

On a related note, our next wine tasting is scheduled for Wednesday 9th May, and booking is now open on our website at http://www.thehonoroak.com. This month Robin will be looking at 8 Bordeaux reds.

Best wishes,
James

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coolhandluke
Joined 08-05-2007
Posted on Wednesday, 09 May, 2007 - 09:00 am:


Jamie, I just wanted to say how excellent the Honor Oak is. Not just because its my local but in general its just a fantastic pub. I rave about the food to anyone who will listen. I went in on Bank Holiday Monday and had haddock and my friend had mozzarella salad and it came to ?10, and excellent deal: weatherspoons prices for Gordon Ramsey food. The cider, beer and spirits selection is excellent, with real care taken in preparing the cocktails. A young family came in when I was in there and the staff made every effort to make sure they were welcome; giving the young child a book to play with and making sure they had a 'very trendy' high-chair. I also love the pictures on the wall, my personal favourite is the monkey. Well Done all the landlords and the staff on an unpretentious good value, good quality pub.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth25
Joined 04-03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 09 May, 2007 - 12:25 pm:


We were in the Honor Oak on bank holiday Monday for lunch, with our young son. He did sit in a high chair and he was given a book to read by the waiter. We had a good time. But I just wanted to say, thank you for calling us young. If it was us, it looks like the grey hair isn't as noticable as I thought!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coolhandluke
Joined 08-05-2007
Posted on Wednesday, 09 May, 2007 - 03:09 pm:


No problem Elizabeth 25. We were the two people sat in the sofas by the door. I thought the barman who served you and us, was very polite and attentive. In the words of Bob Dylan, it was a good place to 'shelter from the storm'. I'm trying to make it my local, so I can go in and say 'my usual' and they know to get me a pint of Addlestones. Surely that is every person's dream! Nice high chairs I thought too.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Les
Joined 28-01-2004
Posted on Saturday, 19 May, 2007 - 11:21 pm:


The last wine tasting (on the 9th May) was excellent, covering Southern French reds. I took my father in law, who loves the area having lived in Bordeaux for a while, and he thought it was terrific too.

I now know the difference between Bandol and Banyul which is quite an achievement for me.

I would recommend the tastings to anyone - even on a school night.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baggydave
Joined 19-05-2004
Posted on Sunday, 20 May, 2007 - 10:35 pm:


Jamie, this truly is the most fantastic pub I have ever been to in my life, how we ever managed without this truly fantastic pub I don't know. Please do excuse those such as Toffee Jim who insist on trying to tell you how to run the place and don't recognise this as a truly fantastic pub.

And well done for putting a thread up on this site so we can all heap our praises on you.

Whilst you are at it there is potentially a truly fantastic pub on Wood Vale, close to where there used to be a brewery, and very convenient for the cemetary. Should Punch Taverns decide to buy it, well they'd actually have to buy all the flats which people had selfishly bought up, this could also be a truly fantastic pub. What a shame that Punch and you were not on the scene when this was closed down a few years ago.

Mischievious? Moi??

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth25
Joined 04-03-2005
Posted on Monday, 21 May, 2007 - 12:41 pm:


Yes, this forum should only be for people who bitch and moan. Stop being happy and liking SE23 establishments. Go home, eat cold porridge and grumble about pubs long gone. Shame on you. you happy people!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Thursday, 31 May, 2007 - 04:18 pm:


Hello everyone!

Hope you are all well. I realise this may be a little redundant to those of you posting here, but I thought I would let you know that we have opened a survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Y1...ofrA%3d%3d in a bid to get an idea of how we're doing and to help us plan for the coming months. If you've got the time to fill it in, you'll be entered into a draw to win a bottle of champagne to enjoy at the pub.

Also, our next wine tasting will take place on 13th June. This time it's white wines - old world vs new world. Booking is now open on http://www.thehonoroak.com.

Thanks and best wishes,
James

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ghis
Joined 02-01-2007
Posted on Thursday, 31 May, 2007 - 04:43 pm:


I could not find where to book the wine tasting? When you click on wines at the moment you get an empty page on the right of the screen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas
Joined 14-03-2007
Posted on Friday, 01 June, 2007 - 01:08 pm:


There is a ticker at the bottom of the page, which you need to click on to start the booking process. You also need to make your payment via paypal, so you will need to have an account with them set up. James: is there any way of booking without going through paypal?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ghis
Joined 02-01-2007
Posted on Friday, 01 June, 2007 - 03:15 pm:


Cool. Working now. I can see the ticker.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Friday, 15 June, 2007 - 03:58 pm:


In a bid to insert The Honor Oak's fingers into yet another pie, we are pleased to announce comedy every Monday in July...

South East London's famous Happy Mondays comedy club relocates to The Honor Oak for our season of Edinburgh previews. Every Monday we have 2 full shows from Britain's top comics. That's 2 shows for the price of less-than-half! ?6/?4

July 2nd
Phil Nichol
If.Comeddies Award Winner for Best Show 2006
Wil Hodgson
Perrier Award Winner for Best Newcomer 2004

July 9th
Richard Herring
of Lee and Herring Fame
Mark Watson
If.Comeddies Award Winner for Spirit of the Fringe 2006

July 16th
Andy Zaltzman
If.Comeddies Award Nominee for Best Show 2006, Melbourne Festival Comedians Award Winner 2007.
Paul Sinha
If.Comeddies Award Nominee for Best Show 2006

July 23rd
Stewart Lee
Officially the 41st Best Stand Up Ever
Tony Law
Melbourne Festival Comedians Award Winner 2005

July 30th
Josie Long
If.Comeddies Award Winner for Best Newcomer 2006
Pappy's Fun Club
Chortle Award Nominee for Best Newcomer 2007


...and cabaret on 5th July - visit http://www.standnotamazed.com/quircus/index.htm for info.

Also, in a final shameless plug, booking is now open on our website for the Don Weller gig on 28 June. We expect to have a full house for this one, so please book early if you want to come.

Thanks, and hope to see you soon,

James

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baggydave
Joined 19-05-2004
Posted on Monday, 18 June, 2007 - 08:59 pm:


A word of warning, be careful about mentioning Phil Nichol as you may get youe postings removed as this could offend some sensitive souls

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Friday, 06 July, 2007 - 10:14 am:


This week's events at 'YOHO'...

HAPPY MONDAY July 9th
Comedy in the St. Germain Suite

Richard Herring
of Lee and Herring Fame
Mark Watson
If.Comeddies Award Winner for Spirit of the Fringe 2006

Doors open 7.15pm
Admission ?6 / ?4 NUS

JAZZ July 12
HENRY LOWTHER and JOHN HORLER TRIO
A fine trumpeter and a fine pianist for your pleasure.
Book online at http://www.thehonoroak.com
?3.50 advance / ?5 door / ?15 with dinner


Come along if anything tickles your fancy!

Best wishes,
James

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baggydave
Joined 19-05-2004
Posted on Friday, 06 July, 2007 - 07:38 pm:


Don't let Phil Nichol tickle your fancy Jamie, or if he gets his kit off (as he did in his last Edinburgh show) you tickle his.
If you go to my favourite Redneck pub, the Jolly Woodman in Beckenham, you will see that they feature Morris Dancers in the summer. Now there's a challenge! See: http://www.ravensbourne.org/Programme.asp

Also: http://www.tradgames.org.uk/features/pub-games.htm

You may tempt Toffee Jim back who still laments the loss of the bar billiards in the DA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robwinton
Joined 07-06-2006
Posted on Friday, 06 July, 2007 - 07:49 pm:


I am hoping that one of Lewisham's leading lights (of the Morris Dancing scene anyway) will be gracing the sofas of YOHO on Friday 13th. I'll let you know whether he decides to come back with his mates and their bells BD.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Thursday, 06 September, 2007 - 04:09 pm:


Hello everyone. Hope you are all well and enjoyed the summer (!).

A little bit of shameless advertising....

Autumn Events
-------------

Thursday 13th September
Honor Oak Acoustic
Free live music in the function room with
Laurel Sills, Matt Hart, Amy Wilkinson

Monday 17th September
Happy Mondays - Comedy
Jo Neary and Tom Wrigglesworth
?6 / ?4, pay on the door

Wednesday 19th September
Wine Tasting
Reds : The Winter Warmers
?12, book online at http://www.thehonoroak.com

Thursday 20th September
Honor Oak Acoustic:
Pete Greenwood, Nathan Hinchliffe, Joe Bentley

Thursday 27th September
Honor Oak Acoustic:
Nila Raja, David Simon, Jonny Hoyle

Wednesday 10th October
Wine Tasting
Whites: Off The Beaten Track
?12, book online

Monday 15th October
Flavours of Tuscany
An evening of preparing and eating real Italian food hosted by Rupert's brother and his Italian wife!
?15, book online

Monday 22nd October
Happy Mondays Comedy Club
Ivan Brackenbury and Ginger and Black
?6 / ?4, pay on the door

More to follow... more info and booking at http://www.thehonoroak.com, or email us at hello@thehonoroak.com!

Cheers,
James

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baggydave
Joined 19-05-2004
Posted on Friday, 07 September, 2007 - 07:54 pm:


Where is the traditional pub games and Morris dancing Jamie - and the 'nerdy' games as well

Do you not learn anything from his Baggyness?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Friday, 07 September, 2007 - 08:04 pm:


We did offer the back room for the nerdy games....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamie
Joined 31-10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, 10 October, 2007 - 12:19 pm:


Hi everyone,

I've just finalised and sent to print our events listings until Christmas, and we were thinking that now might be a good time to ask people what they'd like from us come the New Year.

As many of you know, we've had a go at music, wine tasting, comedy and even one cabaret night. Some of them have been successful, others less so - but in truth many of the ones that have worked have been suggested or contributed to by our 'regulars' and people who use this site.

So - over to you. In the coming months we've got some more comedy and wine tasting, acoustic nights and an 'all-new' disco on the last Friday of the month. What do you want next year? More of the same, or something different?

Even Morris Dancing will be considered if enough people vote for it.

James

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roz
Joined 17-03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 10 October, 2007 - 01:15 pm:


How about a traditional Scottish/Irish ceilidh? It might be novel enough to attract quite a few people. St Patricks night in March?

Burns Night is another one in January when its cold and dark and not a lot going on - haggis and poetry etc- all can be done with variations on the same theme.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael
Joined 04-03-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 10 October, 2007 - 01:34 pm:


St Patricks night is really for the Blythe Hill Tavern but I like the idea of a Burns Night. I have some vague memories from Burns Nights in Edinburgh.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 10 October, 2007 - 10:43 pm:


I miss the Jazz. It was top quality. Shame the beer never reached the same heights but you can't have everything...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nevermodern
Joined 09-02-2007
Posted on Thursday, 11 October, 2007 - 07:54 pm:


Alternative cabaret would be fun - like a straight RVT Smile

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Mrjamon


Posts: 46
Joined: Jun 2007
Post: #2
24-10-2007 03:41 PM

REAL TAPAS SERVED WITH DELICIOUS SHERRYS PLEASE!
Unlike tapastry in Honor Oak.
Mmmm!

Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply

Friends of Blythe Hill Fields