The Devonshire Arms, Camden

Am I the only person who wishes they would just put the Dev (anyone who ever went there regularly will never recognise it as the Hobgoblin) out of it's misery and refurbish and re-launch it as a yuppy wine bar/gastro pub.

Its like watching an old friend die slowly of cancer. The Dev was a wonderful place years ago, and I have spent many a happy night there but regular changes of management are not doing anything new with it, and the 'dive rock bar' concept isn't working.

The place is either empty or full of people who are not spending money and really could use a shower. That might match the edgy atmosphere aims of consecutive managers but its not providing a living for anyone.

I will agree that the goth only door policy of a few years ago was a step too far, but anyone can see that the rock bar concept isn't working either. Nor can it seemingly provide enough punters through the door to sustain its profits.

People who want an alternative bar, go to Big Red where the music is great, the beer selection is fine (personally would love to see some real ales on but hey you can't have everything), the food is wholesome and the mix of people makes for a lively atmosphere.

Compare that to the Dev where the bar looks filthy there is never a full range of beers (god knows how long some of the stock has been sitting in the cellar), and ice is something that has been forgotten. I mean where are you going to choose to sample your adult beverage of choice? Seriously.

Enough already, close it and let someone else try something new with it. They might even hit on a good idea that makes them money.

17 Sep 2009 12:09