Interesting read on Sam Smiths and their eccentric owner. The last time I was in Sheffield, I went for a pint in the Brown Bear - on Norfolk Street - as it used be the pub we used in sixth form and felt I was having a pint in a free presbyterian church of Scotland. Now I know why. link
Loads of their pubs are lying empty because he can't find anyone to run them, such is his reputation as an employer.
Shoulder of Mutton, centre of Bradford, an old, traditional, wonderful place and the favourite pub of my lifetime lies empty, thanks to this fella.
Got refused in York for having my phone in my hand, landlady would not budge and fetched bouncer from next door. He was bemused to say the least
When I was drinking I spent an afternoon on a Sam Smiths pub crawl in London before a gig, some absolutely amazing buildings. If you ever get the chance go to the Cittie of Yorke in Holburn, what a boozer. Don't remember much of the gig, but I remember that place.
I had a similar experience in Lincoln. I put my phone on the table as I was expecting a call from a relative as my dad was in hospital, and they'd been to visit. I was told by the landlord, who was about 19 years old, to leave the premises or he'd have me ejected from the premises immediately. My emotions were already high, based on my dad being in hospital. So let's just say that I left quietly in this instance, and leave it at that.
The guys a *****. Treats his staff and customers like *****. I hope they fold. I would never set foot in one of his pubs
There is a pub on Scarborough sea front called the Golden Ball. Prime spot near the harbour, been there around 100 years. It's been shut about five year guess who owns it?
Got thrown out and barred from one about 20 odd years ago for swearing on a Saturday night. Wasn't even that bad, just lads having a few pints around the table. Landlord rang police and two police cars and a van turned up. Coppers thought it was hilarious and told us to get on the next bus into Tarn.
The Princess Louise - also in Holborn - was the local to the London office at current employer. One the rare occasions I've been down there, we've usually stopped in for a drink before heading to Kings Cross. Its also worth a visit. Edit: Both pubs are ~600m apart on opposite sides of High Holborn (A40).
They have some cracking real estate, but the ones I went in years gone by were all needing attention and largely empty. The two I went in most were the one in Wapping and one in Kingston, both on the river. The sad thing is they do the best British wheat beer bar none. And likewise their raspberry fruit beers are as close to mort subite as I've tasted. As for Brewdog, a more morally bankrupt 'co founder' you'll struggle to find. Though the Pimlico plumbers owner is trying his best.
There was a lovely Sam Smiths pub in an old monastery in extensive parks next to the river to the north of Derby (Darley Abbey). It closed down just before COVID and has never opened since but remains shuttered. I often wondered why. Edit; it's reopened apparently and still Sam Smiths, it's called The Abbey. Been a while since I've been up that way https://maps.app.goo.gl/MnBWMD1eDxX9VAY98