While there is no excuse for sticky tables in a pub, aged or frayed upholstery and faded paintwork can often add to the character of a pub. The way that you brought this up suggests to me that actually you are in no way a fan of ‘shabby chic’ at all. I would rather drink in a building that has some character left rather than one that has had ALL of it’s character refurbed away over the years, such as the insipid —- —- on Glous road. A lot of people actually like tatty pubs, because of the more relaxed atmosphere that you will find in them.

I suggest to you that Thursday lunchtime is not an appropriate time to review any public house, as there is nothing to distract you from the failings of the building. If you were to go into a certain pub near the Arches when it was completely empty you couldn’t help but notice just how filthy the floor and other areas are. But pop in again on an evening and you simply will not notice the dirt, for all the people, chat and atmosphere within. This is true for ALL pubs in the city, and it simply is not fair to review a pub when you are the only one in it.

This is an unfair review.

The pub doesn’t have Sky, so I’m surprised that you brought up the point about the cricket – surely being able to listen to it is better than nothing?

Em