Marple Website Community Calendar
Archive => Archived Boards => Recommended Pubs & Restaurants => Topic started by: Dave on January 30, 2010, 06:20:56 PM
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Passing the Oddfellows in Moor End earlier today, I noticed a 'to let' sign has appeared outside.
A sad day for what was once a well-loved local and the best foodie pub in the area - people used to drive for miles to eat there, and it was a regular in all the good pub guides. Then it was bought by Enterprise Inns, and since then there's been a succession of landlords, none of whom have lasted long.
It makes you wonder whether Enterprise Inns are deliberately trying to run it down, so that they can then apply to Stockport MBC for permission to change its use to domestic, arguing that it is no longer a viable business. Then they can sell it off for a few hundred thousand as a nice big stone house. And another pub bites the dust.
Just a thought. (Cynical, moi......?) >:(
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Yes Dave, youre probably right. They also like pubs with huge car parks.You probably know Enterprise inns are millions of pounds in debt.They hoodwink starry eyed first timers to follow the "Run your own country pub dream" They promise them unnatainable potential profits. They employ so called troubleshooters to put up the takings by using loss leading tactics, so they can show potential tenants false takings. A lot of the properties they own have lots of land in greenbelt areas that currently would not get planning permission, But one day you never know. I personally think Enterprise inns will go bust in the not to distant future.I was involved in the pub trade for 13 years and still have a keen interest in this sadly dying trade. There will always be pubs, but there will not be much choice as more and more are boarded up. Who thought the day would come when Frederic Robinson actually puts their pubs up for sale to any buyer that wants them.I will wind this reply up now or I will be ranting on all night, and I dont want to "BOAR" anyone so I will be "GONE" ;)
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Who thought the day would come when Frederic Robinson actually puts their pubs up for sale to any buyer that wants them
Are Robbies selling off pubs then?
.I will wind this reply up now or I will be ranting on all night, and I dont want to "BOAR" anyone so I will be "GONE" ;)
:D :D :D
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yes they are,The Printers in Thornsett is for sale.That could be turned back to cottages as mentioned in the sales pitch. cant remember where I saw it advertised,There is the Sportsman in Bredbury and two more in Hyde and quite a few more I have seen on my travels, These pubs are probably nohopers in the current economic climate. I have been told Robinsons have bought some new pubs that are more attractive and have good food trade.Hopefully the young Robinsons who I believe have more input these days can move their still multi million empire on with the times.Many of the Robbies pubs have had an exterior facelift that makes them look more attractive from the outside,but many of the insides are quite grotty.Many landlords/ladies that are tenants not managers ,just cant afford expensive refits to attract new customers.Look at the pub situation in central Marple. Every one has come up for, or has recently been relet. Their is very little confidence in the pub trade. Many Tenants are barely keeping a roof over their heads. The overheads in a pub are tremendous, Gas and electric from morning till night is being used even when there are no customers. Every drop of water has to be paid for. rent,business rates, council tax for the living quarters, various licences and staff if you can afford them etc etc. Topped off with the ever increasing beer prices it is a very risky business. :(
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Drove past the Oddies yesterday - there's now a sign at the entrance to the car park saying 're-opening soon - staff wanted'. Good news, obviously, but remembering how long recent tenants have lasted, you wonder how long the next lot will be able to keep it going. :-\
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Recent tenants have lasted for as long as the Enterprise "Honeymoon" intro rents and barrel discounts last. I really hope the next tenant of the Oddfellows makes a success of it in these difficult trading conditions and the additional overhead of being in thrall to Enterprise.
On the positive side, the pub is almost a free house with tenants able to buy from a wide choice of Independent brewers ( albeit at relatively high prices ) Whilst I like Robinsons beers , they do dominate our area and the opportunity to drink something different will bring in custom ( I have been known to give even the Midland money for that privilege ) The pub also had a great repuation for food and that lives on , if not in reality, but certainly in many guide books as recently as a year ago. I often used to amuse myself reading about Spanish fish stews , Robert's legacy from 2005, still apparently available ! The pub was also in the Good Beer Guide for many years and like food guides , potential customers are not always reading the latest editions.
The pub is very picturesque and has low beams and real fires. It also has a refurbished restaurant upstairs. Stockport as an area has few quality restaurants and a good number of potential customers prefer to go to Manchester and beyond to eat well.
Now ( IMHO ) for a few suggestions on how it could succeed, based on experience of all the last tenants and their efforts:
1. Dont assume that because Mellor and Marple are relatively wealthy areas that you can "price" accordingly. Many of your potential customers may indeed have higher incomes but many too do not enjoy being ripped off or given poor value for money ( £2.50 for a tea !! from the last lot)
2. Keep your menu short and the quality up. You can only succeed as a destination pub if you offer something worth travelling for ( The first "Enterprisers" on the first weekend they opened gave us Roast Beef of such poor quality, its only use was as a replacement shoe sole. His explanation was that the chef had not turned in ! Exit stage right for the Devonshire)
3. Whilst Meals for two at £60 to £70 can be achieved at weekend, even the most well heeled will not pay this on a regular basis on other nights. Offer some value at less busy times. You cannot sell yesterday's empty table !
4. Further to point 3, If you are paying to staff a Kitchen make it work for you. There has been virtually no lunchtime trade ( other than Sundays ) in the Oddfellows since the "Enterprisers" arrived. Compare and contrast with somewhere like " Dowds" in Glossop, where the husband and wife team can fill the place on Wednesday through saturday lunchtimes with their outstanding value lunches using freshly made ingredients cleverly sourced from seasonal produce ( forget Turbot, think Coley ! and add seasonal vegetables ) Even the last people's "Award winning" Chef couldnt seem to do that. at first glance , selling 3 course lunches at £8.95 may seem like suicide but , you have the overhead anyway and the bill will double with drinks. You also get repeats and increased goodwill. The Oddies may begin to rebuild its former customer base.
5.....and finally check for misspellings on any Web Site , you want people to admire your Mural by a local artist not laugh at any Muriels on Hilda Ogden's Wall.
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6. Anyone dropping in to the Oddfellows please mention that it can do the new landlord no harm to provide some new details for the Marple Website Pubguide at http://www.marple-uk.com/pubguide/oddies.htm
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A well put together message, Moorendman. Good luck to whoever takes on the tenancy. Don't forget to take full advantage of local advertising and offer real value for money. And with the summer coming up (we hope!!) you may do very well. :D
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Well said, Moorendman. More than one serving publican would do well to note your points
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Very good post moorendman - let's hope the new people at the Oddies read and note it.
Re your comment:
Exit stage right for the Devonshire
...yes, the Devvy is rightly doing well, but its menus have always been a bit different from those of the Oddies, and the two pubs co-existed successfully for many years - hopefully they will do so again. But the real challenge for the new people at the Oddies is to win back the business which has been lost to the Hare and Hounds in Mill Brow, which over the past couple of years has successfully filled the gap left by the Oddies with imaginative menus and quality ingredients.
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It neednt be increasing custom at the expense of other local pubs. There is room for all, just earn the money now being spent in other places like Manchester, Glossop,Stockport etc
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It neednt be increasing custom at the expense of other local pubs. There is room for all, just earn the money now being spent in other places like Manchester, Glossop,Stockport etc
Absolutely. But the fact remains that there's a hard core of locals who used to eat at the Oddies from time to time (us included), but we now go to the H&H. And the Oddies will have to be pretty good to tempt us back :P
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The Oddfellows in Mellor has reopened following a period of refurbishment. A new look to the place and a different ambience. ( Can you play a grand piano ? ) The bar menu is available now and both it and the a la carte ( available in a week or so ) look very interesting if the quality of the cooking matches the originality of the menu.
Prices are not cheap but neither do they seem outrageous. Not the cheapest pint around but the quality of the beer and wine was good. Cannot comment on the food yet but will do so when sampled.
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Yes, I dropped by today to have a look at the menu - it's still very limited, but I was told that in due course there will be a full menu. Real ale on the bar (Taylor's Landlord).
As usual, it's had another makeover, of course - every time they do that at the Oddies, it feels less like a pub and more like a wine bar! But good luck to the new people - let's hope they make a go of it this time round.
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Recent tenants have lasted for as long as the Enterprise "Honeymoon" intro rents and barrel discounts last. I really hope the next tenant of the Oddfellows makes a success of it in these difficult trading conditions and the additional overhead of being in thrall to Enterprise.
On the positive side, the pub is almost a free house with tenants able to buy from a wide choice of Independent brewers ( albeit at relatively high prices ) Whilst I like Robinsons beers , they do dominate our area and the opportunity to drink something different will bring in custom ( I have been known to give even the Midland money for that privilege ) The pub also had a great repuation for food and that lives on , if not in reality, but certainly in many guide books as recently as a year ago. I often used to amuse myself reading about Spanish fish stews , Robert's legacy from 2005, still apparently available ! The pub was also in the Good Beer Guide for many years and like food guides , potential customers are not always reading the latest editions.
The pub is very picturesque and has low beams and real fires. It also has a refurbished restaurant upstairs. Stockport as an area has few quality restaurants and a good number of potential customers prefer to go to Manchester and beyond to eat well.
Now ( IMHO ) for a few suggestions on how it could succeed, based on experience of all the last tenants and their efforts:
1. Dont assume that because Mellor and Marple are relatively wealthy areas that you can "price" accordingly. Many of your potential customers may indeed have higher incomes but many too do not enjoy being ripped off or given poor value for money ( £2.50 for a tea !! from the last lot)
2. Keep your menu short and the quality up. You can only succeed as a destination pub if you offer something worth travelling for ( The first "Enterprisers" on the first weekend they opened gave us Roast Beef of such poor quality, its only use was as a replacement shoe sole. His explanation was that the chef had not turned in ! Exit stage right for the Devonshire)
3. Whilst Meals for two at £60 to £70 can be achieved at weekend, even the most well heeled will not pay this on a regular basis on other nights. Offer some value at less busy times. You cannot sell yesterday's empty table !
4. Further to point 3, If you are paying to staff a Kitchen make it work for you. There has been virtually no lunchtime trade ( other than Sundays ) in the Oddfellows since the "Enterprisers" arrived. Compare and contrast with somewhere like " Dowds" in Glossop, where the husband and wife team can fill the place on Wednesday through saturday lunchtimes with their outstanding value lunches using freshly made ingredients cleverly sourced from seasonal produce ( forget Turbot, think Coley ! and add seasonal vegetables ) Even the last people's "Award winning" Chef couldnt seem to do that. at first glance , selling 3 course lunches at £8.95 may seem like suicide but , you have the overhead anyway and the bill will double with drinks. You also get repeats and increased goodwill. The Oddies may begin to rebuild its former customer base.
5.....and finally check for misspellings on any Web Site , you want people to admire your Mural by a local artist not laugh at any Muriels on Hilda Ogden's Wall.
I wonder if fashion has anything to do with the decline of the traditional pub? I was driven down the A6 through Hazel Grove the other day and noticed how many "bars" had been set up in former shop premises. Presumably these are aimed at the younger end of the trade (which probably has more money and less sense to spend in a pub than older customers) but it isn't helping the traditional trade. By the time kids are ready to move on to pubs like the Oddies there won't be any left
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Funnily enough, the Oddies is getting less like a pub and more like a bar! ::)
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Pushing this back up a bit, we have been to Oddfellows quite a few times recently and really loved it. The quirky owner is very entertaining and we were properly catered for when we went, completely off menu we were served a delightful sunday roast! Worth a visit if you haven't been since it re-opened.
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Funnily enough, the Oddies is getting less like a pub and more like a bar! ::)
Not sure what you mean? The food is excellent, in a pub environment.
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We called in last weekend while out walking and were very impressed, the pub has been very nicley decorated and re-arranged and the beer is very nice. Might have to go back to try the food at some point soon
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As reletively new to Marple I've tried a few places to eat. Peruga is rather expensive, Red Lion's reputation seems stronger than their food, Midland is cooking by numbers, the Edge was Ok but I don't understand why downstairs is not used which leaves little atmosphere. I think Oddfellows is the only exceptional experience and very good value for money.
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Funnily enough, the Oddies is getting less like a pub and more like a bar! ::)
Not sure what you mean? The food is excellent, in a pub environment.
It's hard to explain, but a pub and a bar are different places. The Oddies has had a few makeovers in the past two or three years, and the clammy fingers of the brewers' architects and designers are all over it. The pot plants, the standard lamps, the grand piano, the paintings of Venice, etc etc etc. And the place settings instead of beer mats - it just doesn't feel like a real pub any longer. But I'm not knocking it - the beer is good, and reasonably priced (Taylor's Landlord at £2.80 a pint is not bad nowadays).
Duke Fame, try the Hare and Hounds in Mill Brow. :P
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Duke Fame, try the Hare and Hounds in Mill Brow. :P
Have to endorse this comment, we had our Friends of the Park "Christmas" dinner there yesterday. The food is superb and the beer (I was on Robbies Dissy Blonde) was excellent.
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Phil at the Oddies is really starting to find his feet now. The food is excellent, in particular the Sunday Lunch is top notch and great value at less than a tenner!
Check out this recent review from one of Manchesters prominent critics:
http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/Pubs/The-Oddfellows-of-Mellor-review_16606.asp
I agree with all the comments regards the H & H which is first rate but lets also support someone trying to revive this great little pub!
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lets also support someone trying to revive this great little pub!
Agreed, although when we popped in for a quiet pint last night, that's exactly what we got - a very quiet pint indeed. I reckon there were only about 5 or 6 people in when we left at about 8.30 pm. And that was on a Saturday night. :'( It was a really delicious pint of Landlord, by the way!
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Agreed, although when we popped in for a quiet pint last night, that's exactly what we got - a very quiet pint indeed. I reckon there were only about 5 or 6 people in when we left at about 8.30 pm. And that was on a Saturday night. :'( It was a really delicious pint of Landlord, by the way!
Although we went on Friday night and it was full and had another amazing meal.
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Is anyone going to the Burns night dinner tomorrow, I was speaking to Phil the guy who runs it, sounds like he's really pushing the boat out.
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Went up to the Oddies last Friday night, the beer (TT Landlord) was reasonably presentable (not the best I've had) but was £3 a pint and £1.75 a half :o , which perhaps explains why it was very quiet. It was ok but won't be rushing back soon.
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Keeps the riff-raff out ;)
not been in for years!
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Went up to the Oddies last Friday night, the beer (TT Landlord) was reasonably presentable (not the best I've had) but was £3 a pint
I distinctly remember it was £2.80 when I was last there three weeks ago. Given that the Oddies needs to work hard to recapture some lost business, whacking the price up doesn't look like the smartest move just now :-[
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I distinctly remember it was £2.80 when I was last there three weeks ago. Given that the Oddies needs to work hard to recapture some lost business, whacking the price up doesn't look like the smartest move just now :-[
Had a wonderful pork belly last week with a bread & butter pudding that was out of this world. I'm not sure £3 is particually expensive for a pint now, as I drive 20p on a nice evening isn't so bad. Given the meal was only £10 a head for 2 courses including everything, it's really very reasonable.
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Sadly hear Oddfellows has closed, has anyone else heard anything similar?
It's a shame as Phil was producing some excellent food which in my own micro experience appeared to be the best around.
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It was certainly closed when I passed yesterday afternoon. Can't say I'm surprised after hearing a report concerning the standard of service on Mothering Sunday.
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As moorendman forecast last year:
Recent tenants have lasted for as long as the Enterprise "Honeymoon" intro rents and barrel discounts last.
.....and no doubt that is what has happened yet again. And I believe the government has recently relaxed the planning regulations covering change of use, which might allow Enterprise Inns to sell off the building for residential purposes? (although it's hard to see it fetching much with no garden). That would be a sad day. :'(
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I think that one of the reasons it may have failed is the lack of local people supporting the business, I posted earlier in this thread regarding our fab experiences there, however there were lot of negative comments that followed which would have likely dampened positive recommendations.
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As moorendman forecast last year:
Recent tenants have lasted for as long as the Enterprise "Honeymoon" intro rents and barrel discounts last.
.....and no doubt that is what has happened yet again. And I believe the government has recently relaxed the planning regulations covering change of use, which might allow Enterprise Inns to sell off the building for residential purposes? (although it's hard to see it fetching much with no garden). That would be a sad day. :'(
To be honest, there has to be a change of use for pubs. Yes, we may rue the day for beutiful pubs like the oddies but there has been a sea change in attitude to drinking & going out. Pubs can't survive.
As i've said, when Phil was on form, his food was way above anything in the area but I think it's a difficult think to get right & th eproblem is the local area couldn't support it
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there were lot of negative comments that followed which would have likely dampened positive recommendations.
People tend to make negative comments for a reason. Could it be that not everyone was so impressed?
I think it's a difficult think to get right & th eproblem is the local area couldn't support it
But the local area used to support it - what's changed? And the local area supports other pubs such as the Devvy and the Hare and Hounds very well. Maybe it's no coincidence that the two most recent casualties among local pubs, the Oddies and the Norfolk Arms, are both owned by huge 'pubcos', Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns respectively.
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And the local area supports other pubs such as the Devvy and the Hare and Hounds very well.
I think you'll find that the Devvy has recently changed hands because it wasn't doing well.
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Yes it would appear that the pub has closed ( or at least Phil has left .....a year is up! ) Just to put in my twopennorth regarding some of the comments on this thread.
The first reason is undoubtedly the pubco ownership issue, every local closure is a pubco situation , Spring Gardens, Lane Ends, Norfolk Arms, Rock tavern and the Oddies
Secondly , Phil was a good chef but an amateur when it came to running the whole thing, the service was often shambolic and you cant afford that when you are trying to rebuild the business.
Thirdly , the area can certainly support a quality dining pub ( yes another one ) just because they are not eating in the Oddfellows does not mean that they are not eating out. They are on the train to Manchester, trying somewhere new in Heaton Moor, Disley or Glossop or even driving the 7 miles to Kettleshulme to pay homage to Robert Cloughley, the ex-owner of the Oddies pre Enterprise Inns. The Midland seems to do OK and their food comes in a refrigerated catering van and isn't bought in from a farmers market!!
Finally negative comments on websites don't put pubs out of business, indeed the Oddies had some great reviews on the Manchester Confidential web site: http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/Pubs/The-Oddfellows-of-Mellor-review_16606.asp but word of mouth is very powerful and Marple/Mellor is not a massive place. I was interested to see that Mothering Sunday was a debacle as he seemed to have a full car park. Locals do support good places , the Hare and Hounds deserves all it's success, the Devvy still had plenty of custom but had started to get a little stale. The only changes seen on the menu in the last couple of years were the prices.
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I was fairly gentle with my comments after our visit back in February as I like people to make up their own minds but it doesn't make much difference now if it has closed anyway. We went that night because of the positive comments (about the beer) on here but it just wasn't up to scratch for what we were looking for, which was primarily well-kept real ale. The beer was just about acceptable but that was all. We were also a little disappointed that the the landlord came over to us (the only people in the pub at the time) and asked if we minded him putting some music on. We said that was fine if we would still be able to hear each other talk, so he put it on quietly - great. Shortly after he started playing the piano spasmodically and very loudly and drowned out both the music and our conversation ???
I've also received some comments by email today from a person telling me that the Oddies has closed and that I need to update the pub guide. He goes on to say "Hopefully the next tenant will know how to run a pub! We really don't need another idiot who lays even the table closest to the bar with cutlery and white table cloths."
It's hard to please all the people all the time..........
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Enterprise Inns have finally admitted defeat with teh Oddfellows. Its Freehold is now for sale at £245,000 ( or offers ) This is a bargain really-lets hope some experienced opearor sees it as such.
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I see the Lane Ends is also up for sale at a similar price
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For Sale sign has gone and work is going on inside.
Rumours abound so I wont speculate but if the rumours are on the right track it is good news for this special little pub.
Fingers crossed!
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For Sale sign has gone and work is going on inside.
Rumours abound so I wont speculate but if the rumours are on the right track it is good news for this special little pub.
Fingers crossed!
Know the people that have bought it . [ will give it six months ]
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give it Six Months
:o Thats a bit cynical isnt it? I think I would only make a comment like that after it had been open for a while. I sincerely wish anyone all the best luck in opening somewhere new and investing money in these difficult times. The fact that The Oddfellows is now no longer owned by Enterprise Inns should give them a fair chance and the rest of us hope.
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Agreed. If the above means that it is going to re-open as a pub, and not be converted into a 'desirable' residence, then that's good news. As Guy has shown at the Hare and Hounds in Mill Brow, if you have a good chef and decent beer, and sensible prices, people will beat a path to your door, even if you are a bit out of the way.
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give it Six Months
:o That's a bit cynical isn't it? I think I would only make a comment like that after it had been open for a while. I sincerely wish anyone all the best luck in opening somewhere new and investing money in these difficult times. The fact that The Oddfellows is now no longer owned by Enterprise Inns should give them a fair chance and the rest of us hope.
OK Will apologise for that .
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For Sale sign has gone and work is going on inside.
Rumours abound so I wont speculate but if the rumours are on the right track it is good news for this special little pub.
Fingers crossed!
Any ideas when it is looking to reopen?
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For Sale sign has gone and work is going on inside.
Rumours abound so I wont speculate but if the rumours are on the right track it is good news for this special little pub.
Fingers crossed!
Any ideas when it is looking to reopen?
workmen are also in at the norfolk . Marple bridge
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Any ideas when it is looking to reopen?
A notice in the window says November. The good news is that it seems to have been prised out of the grip of Enterprise Inns, so maybe there's a chance it might actually survive this time......
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A new sign has appeared, describing the Oddies as an 'Ale House and Dining Room'. Oh dear... :-(
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A new sign has appeared, describing the Oddies as an 'Ale House and Dining Room'. Oh dear... :-(
See My earlyer post .
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Strewth, I can scarcely believe this article!
http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Sleuth/Sleuth-21-10-2011 (http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Sleuth/Sleuth-21-10-2011)
You heard it here first!
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Not bad..... only 15mins after I posted it here the article has been re-written to exclude the links to Mark Hix, litigation threats were quick off the mark methinks ;)
Still, Bryn is a top notch chef, should be interesting although undoubtedly not the straightforward pub grub that some were hoping for...
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what did the original manchester confidential article say?
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A new sign has appeared, describing the Oddies as an 'Ale House and Dining Room'. Oh dear... :-(
Why "Oh dear"? Another great place to eat is excellent news and Rhubarb has an excellent reputation.
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what did the original manchester confidential article say?
The original article said that Bryn would be partenered by Mark Hix, goodness knows where they got that one from!
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The new owner is a local guy who has a family connection to Mark Hix, so that is probably the basis of the story.
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Cripes, the new Oddies may or may not turn out to be 'a great place to eat', but one thing is certain: if it's called an Ale House and Dining Room the beer will be over 3 quid a pint :-(
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Busiest pub in the area at weekends is without doubt the Midland in Marple Bridge, the real ale in there this weekend ranged in price from £3.00 to £3.45. The things you have to do to have a change from Robbies !
Still, I'm sure that when Asda arrives, there will be some bargain beer in bottles to be had.
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The Oddies has reopened - it was about a week ago. Haven't tried the food yet. Had a drink there and the beer was good, and an interesting selection if you want a change from Robbies, Moorendman. :P
Can't comment on the all-important issue of the price of a pint - I'll have to go back and check that (what a shame!). :'(
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Yes, already got the T shirt from a visit on Saturday night. Phoenix Arizona, marstons, Bollington and Marble Brewery beers all available. Why cant you comment on the price, Dave ? Was someone else paying? As my wife is like the Quen as far as cash is concerned i can confirm that the more exotic real ales are priced in line with The Midland ( ie all over £3 ) apart from teh Marstons which is £2.90 i understand. A couple of acquaintances had eaten and all said the food was very good. All the owners were in and working hard to ensure everyone was being looked after.
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Why cant you comment on the price, Dave ? Was someone else paying?
Sadly no, but it was a mixed round of beer and wine and I didn't bother to work out what each drink cost. But my well-developed instinct for these matters, honed over years of beers, suggests that the Oddies pint is indeed above the £3 mark.
In other less fortunate parts of the country (for example London and the south-east), people would fall about laughing at the notion that £3 is too much for a pint! But I still find it mildly distressing to have to pay that much in these more civilised parts. :(
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Cripes, the new Oddies may or may not turn out to be 'a great place to eat', but one thing is certain: if it's called an Ale House and Dining Room the beer will be over 3 quid a pint :-(
It's also in the wealthiest part of the area, I'd have thought with you politic, you'd have considered it a tax on the rich.
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I love it :-) Only you, Duke, could turn the price of a pint into a political debate!
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Cripes, the new Oddies may or may not turn out to be 'a great place to eat', but one thing is certain: if it's called an Ale House and Dining Room the beer will be over 3 quid a pint :-(
It's also in the wealthiest part of the area, I'd have thought with you politic, you'd have considered it a tax on the rich.
They still wont pay 3 pound a pint no matter how rich you say they are in that area .
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We tried the new Oddies last week and the set up is much improved. It no longer looks like Elton Johns boudoir. The menu is a little unadventurous but we expect that will improve over time as the kitchen gets up to speed. A couple of very positive aspects to report:
1. No 'pressure' on you to eat. If you just want a drink then you are made welcome.
2. We would have liked to see more fish choice (in fact any fish choice) on the menu but again we are sure that will come later
3. The Hare and Hounds chips are better at this stage and the H&H menu is more diverse.
4. There is a discretionary 10% service charge added which also includes any drinks taken as part of the meal (including beer). That is a bit naughty.
Overall it is very good and we wish them the best of luck and yes, we will be going back.
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Thanks noni - that's encouraging, and I'll take Mrs Dave there for a meal pretty soon.
There is a discretionary 10% service charge added which also includes any drinks taken as part of the meal (including beer). That is a bit naughty.
Agreed - but then what do you expect from an 'Ale House and Dining Room'...... ::)
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The Oddies have been in touch and provided some new information for the web site pub guide:
http://www.marple-uk.com/pubguide/oddies.htm
I've asked them to let me know about the most important bit (the beer! )
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Interesting that they are closed Sunday evenings and all day Mondays and Tuesdays. Maybe this reinforces the concern that they do not plan to run it like a proper pub? Still, it's early days, and let's hope they can make it work this time. :P
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Interesting that they are closed Sunday evenings and all day Mondays and Tuesdays. Maybe this reinforces the concern that they do not plan to run it like a proper pub? Still, it's early days, and let's hope they can make it work this time. :P
Before they opened i did say wont last six months read post earlier [september 21st ]
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Interesting that they are closed Sunday evenings and all day Mondays and Tuesdays. Maybe this reinforces the concern that they do not plan to run it like a proper pub? Still, it's early days, and let's hope they can make it work this time. :P
Before they opened i did say wont last six months read post earlier [september 21st ]
I'm surprised that you want to draw attention to such a negative post, although alarmingly you seem quite proud. Let's hope they prove you wrong.
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Interesting that they are closed Sunday evenings and all day Mondays and Tuesdays. Maybe this reinforces the concern that they do not plan to run it like a proper pub? Still, it's early days, and let's hope they can make it work this time. :P
Before they opened i did say wont last six months read post earlier [september 21st ]
I'm surprised that you want to draw attention to such a negative post, although alarmingly you seem quite proud. Let's hope they prove you wrong.
im not really icant tell you the reason why i dont think it will be work . maybe when it closes .
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Interesting that they are closed Sunday evenings and all day Mondays and Tuesdays. Maybe this reinforces the concern that they do not plan to run it like a proper pub? Still, it's early days, and let's hope they can make it work this time. :P
Before they opened i did say wont last six months read post earlier [september 21st ]
I'm surprised that you want to draw attention to such a negative post, although alarmingly you seem quite proud. Let's hope they prove you wrong.
im not really icant tell you the reason why i dont think it will be work . maybe when it closes .
Lordy, that's a encouraging line. I think what did for Phil beforehand was the rent shot up after a year and he only really started to get going in the last 6 months of his tenure so never got to a stage to prove it as a going concern. I understood the current owner's bought the place so i'd not think that was an issue.
I know some were put of by his [Phil's] eccentricity but for myself and the Duchess of fame, that was part of the charm and of course, when he was on his game, he was an excellent chef.
I went in over Christmas for a quick bite. I had a steak which was excellent and good value, the Duchess had a cheese and onion pie which was acceptable but rather overpriced for a simple dish.
The pint I had was very nice + reasonable.
I can understand it not being open on a Monday + Tuesday, they have to have a break at some point and because most visitors have to drive, they are not going to sell a lot of Beer on those days and let's be honest, Mellor-dwellers are the sort to spend every day propping up the bar.
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It's taken a while, but we have at last got round to eating at the Oddies, for the first time since the arrival of the new management. It was excellent. The menu is not too long, but a sensible mix of interesting dishes (Scallops, braised ox cheek) alongside a few more predictable ones for the less adventurous (steak, fish and chips etc). And the really good news is that it's not unduly pricy. Starters at £6 or £7, most mains around £12 - this is pretty reasonable for this quality of cooking round here. It was deservedly busy the night we were there, upstairs and down. The only problem with the Oddies, we find, is that the bar can get very noisy when it's busy - a combination of a few locals on their seventh pint and a low ceiling which traps the boom of their voices! But overall the new Oddies is warmly recommended. :P
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Yep I had a great meal in there last night cheap but not at all nasty ! I will be going again. Good stuff
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Went for a meal for the first time this week at the Oddfellows and can report that the food was fantastic!
I couldn't swear to it, but it certainly appeared that every element appeared to be made from fresh - no frozen meals!
Nice to see that most of the tables were busy and also good to see a local business operating successfully.
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...but I do wish they would open at normal times. We dropped by about 7.00 on Sunday evening and the door was firmly locked! >:(
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For Sale sign has gone and work is going on inside.
Rumours abound so I wont speculate but if the rumours are on the right track it is good news for this special little pub.
Fingers crossed!
Know the people that have bought it . [ will give it six months ]
So, how do you like your egg? Poached or on your face?
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the oddies has had a good review in todays metro,
well done guys
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Had a good meal there a couple of evenings ago. The bar was crowded and, as others have reported, it can get extremely noisy when there are so many people in. The food was good and fair value - although I still maintain that £3.30 for a pint of bitter is too much for round here :'(.
One improvement is that they seem to have stopped doing this: There is a discretionary 10% service charge added which also includes any drinks taken as part of the meal (including beer). That is a bit naughty.
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This is great news for the Oddfellows http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Restaurant/Mellor-SK6_5PT-Oddfellows-356141-41102
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went there the other friday, well worth a visit .
great food and a very friendly welcome. will be back soon
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went there the other friday, well worth a visit .
great food and a very friendly welcome. will be back soon
Looking at the menu I think £12 for a burger and £12 for fish and chips is pushing it more than a bit!
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went there the other friday, well worth a visit .
great food and a very friendly welcome. will be back soon
Looking at the menu I think £12 for a burger and £12 for fish and chips is pushing it more than a bit!
£12 fish & Chips is reasonable, it cost about £5 for take away and £4 to make it yourself
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I agree with Duke. The Oddfellows food prices are not excessive for a place of that quality. If you check the Oddies' nearest competitor (foodwise), the Hare and Hounds at Mill Brow, you'll see the prices are very similar. No doubt they keep a close eye on one another.
Now the price of beer at the Oddies - don't get me started on that......... ::)
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Looking at the menu I think £12 for a burger and £12 for fish and chips is pushing it more than a bit!
We went along to the Oddies again last week. I'm not normally a great consumer of burgers, but I had the home made lamb burger, and honestly, it was delicious - the best burger I've ever eaten anywhere. :P At £12 it was a bargain!