Pubs are recession-beaters

Posted on | January 19, 2012 | No Comments

Over the last few days some of the UK’s biggest pub operators have posted really very strong figures. JD Wetherspoon and Greene King have both reported that people are still going to the pub and spending money. They may even be going more and spending more that normal.

Although both are wary about the future – and frankly who isn’t? – they both agree that during a recession, whilst people may be cutting back on big ticket luxuries, the may even increase their spending on the smaller more affordable pleasures in life.

In the worst recession(s) in a generation, this has to be good news for pubs. Perhaps one of the good things that often comes out of troubled times is a stronger sense of community – and the pub is proving once again to be right at the heart of local people pulling together for the greater good.

So come on DC – take note, pubs can play a crucial role in getting us out of this mess. Help them and they will help us all rise to the challenge.

Useyourlocal.com Shop – open for business

Posted on | January 12, 2012 | 1 Comment

We’re not planning a retail empire, not yet anyway, but we have had plenty of people ask us where we got our “I LOVE PUBS” T-shirts from. So, here you go, our T-shirts (and a few other fun bits and pieces) available to buy online at www.cafepress.com/useyourlocal

Go on, treat yourself, you will look cool – honest!

Cheers!

Cheers to 2011, bring on 2012!

Posted on | December 29, 2011 | No Comments

The end of every year is not only a time to look back but also to look forward.

We know that 2011 has been a tough year and 2012 looks like being a tricky one too, but it also brings with it a host of opportunities for pubs, from the Olympics & Paralympics in our capital city to the Queen’s Jubilee, from Euro 2012 to a long hot summer!!??

Pubs may not be able to solve Italy’s debt crisis or climate change, but they are the breeding ground for great ideas, community spirit and a good old raising of morale.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters, visitors, publicans, parcel senders and pub reviewers in 2011. We enter 2012 better, faster and more excited than ever. We are committed to trying to help pubs cement their place at the heart of local community. Pubs have never been more important to the fabric of our great nation.

2012 – Bring it on!

Cheers.

Meat Wagon at the Rye

Posted on | October 25, 2011 | No Comments

Having missed out on the legendary Meat Wagon when it was at its original home in New Cross I decided I must sample it when I discovered they had set up a kitchen down the road at one of my locals, The Rye on Peckham Rye Common, and find out whether the rumours were true and whether it is the best and meatiest burger around.

The Rye itself had a very relaxed atmosphere and on entering we were greeted by friendly staff at the small bar. The décor was certainly going for the ‘shabby chic’ look with purposeful distressed wallpaper on the walls and rubbed down paint surfaces on the bar and floor. There was a mixture of styles with the table and chairs, which were quite crammed together but this gave it an intimate feel. There is a massive beer garden at the back, had it not been a cold day we would have been out there but the roaring fire inside was more appealing.

I thought I should try a local ale and was instantly attracted to one called the Beaver. The bartender was kind enough to let me sample some and I was sold on it straight away. It definitely had a fruity flavour to it, which is probably why I was a fan. I should probably comment here that I am not an experienced ale drinker just like the occasional dabble. I discovered that this beer was brewed locally in one of their sister pubs The Florence, in Herne Hill. It was described on the pump as ‘fresh, floral, slightly spicy and a little satsumery,’ it was certainly refreshing and was a good accompaniment to wash down the burger.

I was not very adventurous in my choice of burger. I went for the bacon cheeseburger and my boyfriend went for the ‘Dead Hippie,’ which is apparently their take on the ‘Big Mac.’ I have to admit I was a bit feeble in that I ate it with a knife and fork but I wanted to sample every layer together. The meat was thick and tender and cooked perfectly for me being red in the middle. It crumbled and melted in the mouth. The cheese was properly melted to the burger. I did struggle though to taste the bacon. My boyfriend seemed to enjoy his ‘Dead Hippie,’ as it was quickly demolished, although apparently it was not as good as the original ‘Big Mac’ (I hope he was joking).

We ordered chips and coleslaw on the side. The chips were just the way I like them, thin and crispy and were a generous portion, unlike in other Burger joints. The coleslaw was delicious and was crunchy and mustardy.

Overall was definitely one of the best burgers I have had and lived up to the hype. It was all served in a white metal plates with blue rim, which made the experience more primal as burger eating should be, rather than delivered as a gourmet dish. The Rye’s vibe seems to be the perfect location for this food ethic to be housed.

By @immyshephard