Of course you are allowed to change your mind. And of course good things go rotten. But the sad tale of The Old Nick is one worth considering for all the pub trade. Back in the mists of time (2004) The Old Nick opened: a refurb of a smaller, single fronted pub opened out and sympathetically decorated. Badger beers and Hoffbrau made it an occasional favourite of ours too, it was the final pub in the Holborn Hexagon at Christmas. The team at Fancyapint were so impressed they gave it a pub of the year award in 2004.
But time rolls on, and they went back in April. And things were a bit different. All the beers off, doors wedged open and cold, and frankly unfriendly bar staff. In discussing this yesterday the fact it was a weekend, and pubs round here are either dead or closed at the weekend, was brought up. But on further reflection this is no excuse. As mentioned half the pubs in the area are closed at the weekend. And I would rather be closed that do a bad job, if the custom barely pays the wages of the staff – shut. Surely, bored staff are a big pub no-no. So well done Fancyapint slapping them on the wrists. Even if it isn’t the average Old Nick week night experience (which still seems fine).
Unfortunately planning applications have also been re-evaluated and the Oakdale Arms in the middle of “Seven Sister’s no-mans-land” days are unfortunately numbered. Planning permission has been granted to knock it down and build flats. Not sure when that will happen, but hopefully a few pints of Milton will be sunk before it goes. Though on Beer-In-The-Evening, a message from almost two months ago suggesting there may be a temporary reprieve…