Darfield & Dodworth info required

I am looking at a couple of pubs that Punch Taverns have available.

Longbow, Darfield
Gate, Dodworth

both have extensive re-furbs planned.

Question is, would they make good pubs all spammed up with introduction of food, modern facilities etc, or are they dead dogs?

Both seem to be in quite good locations with plenty of "chimney pots" but have been crap for years. Can they be ressurected?

Any local knowledge appreciated.

The Bridge at Darfield is going to be a "posh" Indian restaurant btw.

 

Darfield's full of c.nts if that helps.</p>

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Having spent time in both over the years, I'd say the Longbow has the most potential, it used to be a really good pub when I was a regular there 17 years ago. It has two distinct markets in the tap ole and the best side, and never the twain shall meet!

 

the gate has shut once again due to the landlady doing a runner

If you grab it by the balls as they say, it is a good pub. But it does need someone who is commited and have time to build the trade back up

 

The Longbow definatly has the potential. There no other boozers up that end of Darfield, and it needs a good one.</p>

i would imagine a good chef would draw people in for the snap.</p>

and one more thing, they need to sort out the football team again. it used to be packed on sundays in theer.</p>

 

Longbow

I've supped more pints of stones in The Longbow over the years than I have in any other pub. And I'm alcoholic. It's a big place and it was a great pub when red faced Mick was in charge. I'm talking 20+ years ago though. Went downhill recently and even though my parents live a stones throw away (see what i did there?) we/they wouldn't ever think of going in it 'cos it went allsh1t. However the potential is definitely there I'd say.</p>

Georgie Ryder on the piano - you'd have to bring him back. Think OldTimer.</p>

Interesting fact: me and my dad won the first ever pub quiz there circa 1983.</p>

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Pubs in Darfield....................

Up to a few years ago there were 4 clubs and 10 pubs in Darfield.
And there aint a good pub or club among them.
Why - because there aint anybody with enough zip in these boozers to make them work
And its mostly the fault of the breweries strangle hold on the pubs
Longbow was good when Mick Nolan had it - but he was a proper landlord

I tried to buy the Bridge but got turned down by the brewery - this particular pub is potentially one of the best pubs in the Barnsley district - for one reason really - location location location

But the right landlord and bar staff at the longbow and it should work
However, a warning - many have thought they could do it - all failed
A tip, you never see a good landlord working behind the bar

 

A few pubs in Dodworth have closed down

in the last few years.

I think the Travellers is the only one that now serves food, it also has (or had) rooms to let.

The Gate Inn has a very small carpark and is on the main road, which is not as busy now that the bypass has opened.

With two Indian restaurants, a Chinese take-away and two chip shops ( the one near the gate opens most days at lunchtime, teatime and evening), would a pub serving food make money?

 

If it was Italian / Pizzeria then the Gate would sell loads, as no real pizza place near.

Foz

 

gate inn has had its share of poor attendance recently but, it is a prime location for a catering pub ( been tried in past) and if refurb is quality then I reckon its a chance....
You would have to compete with new eatery pubs that are springing up nearby but they all have brewsters type menus so make sure yours are better, also try to attract the clientel you want!

 

Forgot about Bluebell Inn

they serve food.

Also I think they are building another hotel/motel near the bypass so that will be Brooklands, Bluebell Inn and the new one to compete with as well as the Travellers.

 

Thanks everyone

all useful info, if anyone else has more info, all welcome!

I'll let you know if we decide to go for either pub

 

Longbow

was good until a few years ago when they stopped serving food


could very easily be good though, when nearest competition is the WMC right down the hill

 

RE: Longbow

owned by punch taverns....notorious for not spending money but hiking up rents...

3 landlords in as many years......all with big ideas about food......

 

RE: Thanks everyone

Having said all that, it's about time Dodworth had a decent pub (never mind food) as attendances at all of them are woeful. I think Dodworth needs something completely different to attract people in from the larger rural area and town. Something attention grabbing. Otherwise, you're onto a loser. (shithappens)

 

all the last 3 landlords have been gimps. any1 with some get up and go that will grab it by the scruff of the neck and really gets stuck in could make a go of it. It has fallen by the wayside before and was picked back up. but they didnt carry on and just let it ruin itself again. Once a new person comes in people do go to see what the new landlords like. Trick is to keep em coming

good old dodworth people would rather have an old pub where you feel welcome. even people who stopped at brooklands went up to the gate so there isn't much competition from them. only the snobs are welcome there

so at the end of the day it all depends on if you have fight in you to make it happen cos it wouldn't be an easy ride, but it would be worthwhile