The Palmerston

Hi. Apologies if this post is in the wrong section. We're looking for a few additional stall holders for The Herne Summer Fair which will be happening on the 21st and 22nd of July. It will be a family summer fete kind of thing with lots of traditional fun and games for the kids (coconut shy type stuff) so stalls should be in keeping with that kind of theme. We're looking for people selling kids toys, plants and boutiquie things rather than boot sale. There are also a few pitches available for local (to East Dulwich and Surrounding areas) artists to sell items within the barn. Pitches are available for 1 or 2 days which run from midday (set up from 11am) until 5/6pm. There will be a small cost for pitches, please contact us for prices or more information. We expect to be very busy and hope it will provide a great opportunity for stall holders to make some money. Contact Manu at The Herne on 020 8299 9521 ([email protected]) or Will at The Palmerston on 020 8693 1629 ([email protected]) for more details or to register your interest. Thanks for reading.

In addition to this, we now have our baby and toddler play area set up, and kids eat free* on a Monday to Friday. http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s320x320/396027_10150520763042809_285164392808_8793163_76844586_n.jpg NOTE: If any other similar groups are looking for a room to use, please contact The Herne on 020 8299 9521 *1 free kids main course with each adult main course ordered

We have been told that a porsche hit a UPS truck opposite the Mag and veered off ending up in the front of the house across the road. There is also apparently a gas leak as a result. Best avoided.

Santa and an elf will be visiting The Herne on Sunday the 18th of December between 12 and 5pm. All good girls and boys get a present. No reindeer I'm afraid. When Santa leaves there will be a brass band and Christmas Carols until 6:30pm then in the evening the Christmas Quiz will take place from 7:30pm. Check theherne.net for details.

ibilly99 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > BTW Palmerston you need to paint your upstairs > windows they're looking a bit shabby. You're not wrong. Plans are in motion to tidy up the outside of The Palmerston. The upstairs being a priority.

ibilly99 I'm not sure we can be accused of throwing stones. Simply raising our concerns and asking for other's opinions. I'm sorry you see it that way. With regards to the seating on the pavement. Our boundary extends to the point at which the seating ends (You'll notice our cellar hatch and difference in paving marks this point. That's why the seating is narrower than standard benches so as not to protrude further than the boundary allows. I'm not going to address the smoking issue because it's ridiculous to level that at us when it's the same for every establishment. Otta I was unaware of the proposed advertising plans at The Bishop. That's not to say that others in the company were not, I personally cannot comment though. Sorry.

Hello James. I wonder if you could take the time to look at this thread: East Dulwich forum - Advertising on Londis' wall - North Cross Road and advise on who I should speak to with regards to our concerns. Many thanks

Thanks for your input this far. I'll contact James and the council planning department. Great advice.

Brilliant. Thanks.

Thanks Cidered. I think it might prove a little too costly to buy all of the advertising space. Forgive my ignorance but who is James Barber?

Hi Girl82. we try to keep the noise to a reasonable level. We have a garden policy which means that no one should be outside after 11pm. From time to time we have the odd event which may be audible, but it shouldn't ever be a noise nuisance, rather the noise of people or occasionally music. It never goes on for very long. If you do move in and have any issues please call The Herne on 020 82999 521 and ask to speak to Darral or Manuel. They are the managers and will do anything they can to assist and assure. Cheers.

Hi all. We're a little concerned about the increasing amount of advertising on the wall of Londis on North Cross Road. Originally there was a general advertisement. Next came a Panther Cars one. We've nothing against Panther Cars, we use them as our primary cab company. Now there's an even bigger Glazer Delmar advertisement. We've been told by a reliable source that it is expected that the entire wall will be sold as advertising space. We understand that companies on North Cross Road need exposure but at what point will these adverts become an eye sore? We'd like to know residents' and other business' view on this matter. We're concerned that very soon, all you'll be able to see from the windows of The Palmerston is advertising. The wall is no thing of beauty but it's rather more appealing that a wall of adverts. Your views, pro, anti or indifferent please. Thanks,

For those who choose to: Foie gras ballotine with onion confit and toast. Vegetarian options are available.

cate Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I would like to ask Will at the Palmerston why the > side dishes for the set lunch are extra. Went > there recently and had to pay extra for > vegetables. The set lunch at The Herne includes a > side dish of chips in the case of the hamburger. In simple terms, They are different establishments catering for different markets. The Herne is a family pub serving food that is simpler, more traditional pub food. The Palmerston offers high quality food served in an informal environment. I'm afraid I don't have the chefs costings to hand but I'm sure that the it is more cost effective to serve chips with a burger at the Herne than it would be to serve Jersey Royals, for example, with the Sea Bass at the Palmerston. Although run by the same people, the two pubs are actually run as seperate companies and as such there is a level of independence. > I wanted the fish on the menu at the Palmerston > and the one advertised had finished so was offered > sea bass. It was good but the portion was tiny. > I only had two courses, starter and entree, and > went home hungry which has never happened at The > Herne when I have their set 2 course lunch. The Lunch menu still offers great value for money, but it is designed as a light meal rather than a full on feed. The main market at that time of day is for people out shopping of people on their lunch break who require something quick and light. Our A'la Carte menu is availble for those after something a bit more substantial. It's a balancing act really, trying to offer fast, good food at a competetive price. Usually I think people are satisfied. > I looked on the Palmerston website recently and the > menus have not been updated since April. The > prices for the side dishes are also lower than > they are now. But the cost for the set lunch has > gone down by 50p. So set lunch price down, but > side orders up. I'm certain the set lunch price is the same now as it was then. We've only raised the price once in the time I've been with the company (4 years) but the price of side dishes will vary, but not by much. I think everything is around ?3 except for chips which are cheaper and Jersey Royals which are more expensive. But they always are. > Surely a set lunch should mean > necessary side dishes should come with the main > dish as necessary ie fish and new potatoes; steak > and chips. If we included the veg with the dishes the price would have to rise to compensate. I think many people enjoy the choice of sides and like to share as most of them are suitable for two people. It's never going to be to everyone's expectations. The most encouraging thing about your post is that we are able to satisfy most peoples needs. If they don't like the Palmerston the chances are they will like the Herne and vice versa. We would much rather offer people something different at each establishment rather than roll out the same formula everywhere we go. I hope you continue to enjoy your experiences at the Herne. Will.

The twitter comments have been noted. Sadly it's rather undermined the validity of the original post. I feel no need to comment further.

FoodStories Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Palmerston - Nope. I never described myself as an > aspiring critic. Apology accepted. I stand corrected. > You implied that my opinion was less important by > saying 'I'm glad to say that fortunately for us > the professional critics tend to have a different > opinion to you.' It would be unfortunate for us if critics from Time Out, Hardens, Restaurant Magazine, Zagat etc did agree with you. Your opinion is as valid as any other and I have stated that all feedback, good or bad is welcomed so that we may improve. I feel that you've taken offense to comments within my original post that were not aimed at you. I did say that I would like to address some of the points raised in the thread. Not in the review. I think it's fair that I am able to come onto these boards and address issues raised in the same way that anyone else can and offer people the option of approaching me directly if they have not had a good experience so that I can ensure that improvements are made.

schmoofaloof Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Wow - what a patronising response. I think you've misjudged the tone of the post and certainly the main focus of it. Which was not the review by foodstories, but more the other posts within the thread. > So, because FoodStories isn't a 'professional' you > don't care? Unless I've misunderstood, that is > what it sounds like. Nice to know you're really > catering to the locals there. > You might like to bear in mind that food blogs get > many, many hits a day. Also, many bloggers become > professionals. > > I'm afraid CheeseandBiscuits has hit the nail on > the head - get with the times. It wasn't my intention to offend the blogging community. > (By the way, no one was contesting lack of signage > for the menus; its the meagre portion sizes that > are the issue). I have addressed this in my first post, and once more that comment was not aimed at foodstories.

CheeseAndBiscuits Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Two points, Will: > > 1. If she's paid for the food, why the bloody hell > should she have to ask your permission to take > pictures of it? She's not selling the damn things > in an art gallery. I didn't say that she should. Most reviewers do, it also gives us an opportunity to read the review ourselves. Good or bad. > 2. The issue isn't that she didn't know how much > her dinner was going to cost, it was that the > portions were too small. Again, I addressed that in my first post. I was trying to respond to other posters in the thread, not so much towards foodstories in particular. > It seems like this cozy relationship with the > traditional media has worked very well for you in > the past. What can I say -welcome to the 21st > century. We have an internet connection. The future is in our hands! ;)

FoodStories Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Thanks for your feedback Palmerston. I would > however be careful about the line you are drawing > between bloggers and 'professional critics' as > some bloggers are now moving on to become > professionals, e.g for The Times and The Guardian. > I am not sure what you mean by this anyway. I believe you described yourself as an aspiring critic? Apologies if I'm wrong. I took that to mean amateur. > Are > you saying that my opinion is somehow less > important to you? I am a paying customer. That > makes my opinion important. I stated that our customers are the most important thing to us. I havn't implied that your opinions are not. I said that your review was an interesting read and that we accept feedback, both positive and negative. It's important for us to improve. > As for the photos - it seems you are not at all > familiar with the London food blogging community! > There are hundreds of blogs out there which do the > same and are well respected. There are also many > restaurants in London which recognise and actually > take advantage of this fact rather than being > defensive like yourselves. It is polite to ask to publish pictures and also give us a chance to read the review. It is not an obligation. > I know that the prices are advertised outside but > I can't see the portion sizes before I eat can I? > That is what I had a problem with I have addressed that in my original post. > Nice one on the > service charge but I didn't even mention it. I also said that I would like to address some points raised in the thread. Somone mentioned about the price before service charge.

An interesting read FoodStories. With any business in our industry there will be good and bad reviews, it's par for the course and we welcome all feedback good or bad. I'm glad to say that fortunately for us the professional critics tend to have a different opinion to you. They also tend to ask if they can publish pictures of our food before they make their reviews available to the public. I've only skimmed this thread and I certainly don't want to put people off making honest comments, good or bad, regarding The Palmerston. I'd like to address a couple of points brought up though. Our prices are clearly advertised both on the front and side of the pub and at the tables where our menus are placed. This obviously doesn't mean that everyone will agree that what they get is value for money, but we can't be any more transparent with what your meal will cost. Our service charge is optional (this is stated), and set at 10% rather than the standard 12% you'll find many places. I've posted this on here before, but, our beer prices are governed not so much by tax increases but more the fact that as with most of the drinks industry we are tied to a pubco for our supply. Please check http://www.fairpint.org/ for the latest information on the fight to get beer prices down. I can assure all that we strive to maintain the high standards that The Palmerston has become known for. Our customers are the most important part of our business and making them happy time and time again is our goal. Occasionally people have a bad experience with us. If they come to us directly we can resolve the problem. Mostly our customers are happy. Feel free to contact me, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Will [email protected]

Ted Max Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Well done, Will - good post. If you can bear to > read the rest of this thread (and I wouldn't blame > you if you couldn't), you'll see the original > poster didn't get very far. And they were only > asking (so nicely, as well) anyway. And now they > have their answer. > > PS Declaration of interest: I once had a couple of > pints in The Palmerston. It was nice. I have read the rest of the thread and I pass my thanks to all those that reasoned with common sense. I would emplore anyone who has any concerns about our service to simply pick up the phone and call us or email at [email protected]

kuntama Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Hi. I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this > event I witnessed today. > I'd just wandered into a pub opposite the > postoffice on Lordship Lane. A lady with her two > little children came in and asked if there were > any unreserved tables. The pathetic excuse of a > human being behind the bar, told her there were > none and then wouldn't accomodate her by moving a > few chairs or tables around. > This occurred just after midday today. > The first thought that occured to me was their > faces didn't quite fit - I mean colour-wise. > However, I'm keen for people to disabuse me of > this notion as I really really would like to give > this idiot of a barman the benefit of the doubt. > Interestingly, none of the other patrons (some > with children) bothered to tell her there were > seats outside - which I discovered after ordering > my drinks. > I feel rather disppointed and let down by a > gnawing suspicion that I had witnessed overt > racism. > Come on guys, disabuse me. > xx Hi. This message has just been brought to my attention and I felt that I must address it as the allegation you make is a serious one that we do not take lightly. Clearly the pub you are referring to is The Palmerston. I honestly feel that you are way off the mark with any suggestion of racism. I'd like to point out that in our current employment we have staff from the following countries outside of the UK: Italy, Brazil, Mali, Hungary, New Zealand and The Ivory Coast and in the past we have employed people from just about every corner of the world. Racism simply would not be accepted at our establishment. As for Saturday the 21st of February: We had a party of 38 people who had booked our entire rear dining room from 1pm to 4pm. We were fully booked in our front dining room with a table of 4 another table of 3 another of 10 plus children and a solitary table of 2. We were simply fully booked. We had no more room. I fully understand that if you are in the establishment at 12 midday it may look like we are empty but as one of the more popular establishments on the Lane I assure you that we get booked up in advance. If we had space for the lady you mention we certainly would have accomodated her regardless of skin colour. You are correct that we have outside tables but we do not serve food to these and it is on a busy part of North Cross Road. Perhaps not appropriate for children. I offer you the opportunity to come and visit us. In fact I beg of you to come and meet me and (I quote) "The pathetic excuse of a human being behind the bar". Because I can assure you that your comments have offended our staff who work very hard to ensure that everyone that visits us has a nice experience. Call me, come and see me and I'll show you the reservation sheet for the day which shows us as fully booked. I'll show you the till receipts for every table booked and you can put your point across face to face rather than as an anonymous, faceless critic on a message board. I hope you take this opportunity. My name is Will, my number is 0208 693 1629 and I am available Monday to Friday from 9 to 6. If you want to come at a weekend, I'll make sure I'm here. I hope this clears up the matter.

If I may I'll comment on this briefly. As is the case with half of Britain's pubs many of the pubs in East Dulwich will be tied to their supplier making it impossible to avoid the price increases which have come thick and fast over the last three or four years. The options are to pass the increase onto the customer or sell at a loss. It's a predicament. However there is now a group which is campaigning against this monopoly by the Pubco's. For more information visit www.fairpint.org.uk we wait to see how successfull their actions will be and hopefully we'll all be enjoying a fairer priced pint in the near future.

I'm pretty sure that it's not an All Bar One, it's hardly the type of prime location they tend to look for. I have heard through the rumour mill that they will continue to serve pizzas. This is purely a rumour of course and I have no facts.

Since the closure of The Magdala (Sorry I have no info on who has taken over) the Sunday night quiz hosted by Pietro Herrera and co will be moving to The Herne Tavern starting from August the 10th at 7:30pm. It will then take place every Sunday at the same time. I hope fans of the quiz will join us there. The quiz will continue in the same style as the Mag's and the popular game similar to 'Play your cards right' will feature. Hopefully some of the regulars and locals at the Herne will give the regular quiz goers a run for their money. Hope to see you there. Will (The Palmerston & The Herne)