Kings Arms, Cookham

Where is the modern pub going? Went to see the new version and i got depressed... is this the future of Britain's pubs?
We tried the front door it was locked. After a while of pushing the glass we saw a sign to go round the side entrance. It was Friday night and busy. There was only one ale pump... but they had none available. These corporate pubs (M&B plc) have no care towards the customers - understaffed and mechanical service. The menu is based on supermarket take home meals assembled in the kitchen and decorated to template for people who do not want to cook at home and do not care what they eat. They are turning our traditional pubs into something of medium 'that will do' quality for unaware punters. This is the Americanisation of our pub heritage. Pubs like this chain are diluting pub goers� expectations of what was good about pubs. Like the supermarkets have killed off high street local food shops, these will do the same for traditional pubs. Why can't they put real food and drink back into these pubs? - A French eating model - brasserie. Does it always have to be the nice American plastic version?
Only one ale pump fitted in the bar suggests M&B plc have given up on real ale, is this because there are no skills amongst their organisation? Is it simply too costly in staff time to look after it? Or will there be too much waste if you do not know how to serve it? No more ale in pubs?! They are making mediocre motorway restaurants placed in the shell of pub buildings. Are we being conned by corporate designers into losing our locals and our heritage?
Will authentic pubs be a thing of the past?
Perhaps in 10 years time corporate salary person will come up with the idea to convert these modern 'pubs' back into traditional pub concept that sells craft made real ale.

24 Apr 2007 16:44