SeanMacGabhann

ooh do I not like being called inarticulate.... I think I have said before that I am not black and white on the issue. But being local-shop biased (rather than anti-chain) has nothing whatsoever to do with an anti-capitalist stance and to portray it as such is at best cheeky and at worst... well very bad indeed ;-) And it also needs stating that we are in agreement on local business not necessarily being any good. Some are god-awful Also a point that needs clarifying - independant versus chain. Another blind alley.... Yes business start off small and expand to other outlets so they are in effect a chain. But for the sake of my argument, by chain-store I mean the mega-big, ubiquitous operations.. k? k So why am I reluctant to embrace them? Even if they can do somethings better. Many reason 1) - any town where they dominate. Many of us have lived in these places. And left. Because they aren't nice places - with the life sucked out of them and the blandalanda aspect of each and every highstreet 2) And this might sound anti-capitalistic but isn't. The mega stores are very efficient at sucking money out of producers/suppliers and local communities and syphoning up to Offshore Tax Haven #57575677 (or, if you prefer tax dodging welfare parasites) and also explains why the rest of us are left scrabbling for loose change (in wages for example) I want people to make money - but I want it to be you, me, that woman down the road with the interesting ideas on Reiki This Warehouse business that's opening up seems like a good example (of the Good variety) 3) A bad local business is bad but responsible to the local community. A bad HQ based business has no link whatsoever. Nor does a good HQ based business for that matter 4) Chains are stifling competition not promoting or aiding it. See my comment about most high streets in the country for proof. ED ain't perfect but we take what we have for granted at our peril

Fraid I won't be making it aht and abaht on Saturday evening - but good luck to both sides! (and you'll never see me with a pint of Guinness! Even if I drank stout, as a Corkonian I would be on The Murphy's or Beamish)

One in the "dark half" One in the "big window by the front" and one in the conservatory I think This is sounding like Cluedo now

They have put tellies in (nice old -skool ones too) dotted around the place. But I haven't seen them in action They struck me as a rather civilised option

I guess the good news about the recent spate of activity is that it's not some across-the-board rise in a youths-gone-wild scenario, but the same culprits. When they are dealt with things will seem a lot calmer

Your local is the recently refurbed Forest Hill Tavern - about 5 mins walk away. Pretty decent place the few times I've been in there. Next to that is Omrith curry house which comes recommended from many of us forumites. And a pretty good grocers I understand is on that strip as well

Thanks for the update WorriedMum - hope your daughter isn't too upset I've got the ref # in my phone now (and they hang out up my neck of the woods do they.... ? hmmmm)

Come on Mo don't do a hit and run... *Bob* made the very good point (which rarely gets any coverage in the meeja) - at least counter it - that it just isn't the norm for people to be living the life of reilly on benefit. Or anything like it (for benefit see also minimum wage)

tis a bit more than just a re-brand I would say. I mean they changed the name of the Goose back to The Plough for a while - that was a re-brand (for all the good it did) i know the current incarnation is from an M&B template but it isn't even remotely similar to what was there (service could be quicker tho I agree)

I know a puddy-tat who might dispute the "pretty good effort" ;-)

* coughs * Hasn't made you any better at Halo 3 tho has it ;-)

And Mogs is very quiet today!

Large multi-national company?? those companies are on HUUUUGE amounts of benefit Otherwise they will take their ball and play somewhere else. Apparently

Best place to listen to GOOD music on a system that actually makes you feel it - Inside 72 Best Place that used to be shite but is now pretty good beyond expectation even though it's owned by a chain - Plough Best place that is pulling out all the stops to give people what they want - EDT Best place for the quality of clientele and barstaff - CPT Best Place to Avoid - the Vale Best Place that fits the is it a pub or isn't it - The Drum Best place that allows me to bring any food I want but I've never tried it and oh the wines are lovely - G&B

How interesting Android....

definitely not!! I still play that one at least once a month...Awesome game First game I ever finished in the Arcade No wait - that was Phoenix.

hmmm - I loved it in it's day but having downloaded it on XBOX Arcade.... oh dear oh dear. It hasn't aged well at all...

Let's not say anything rash!

indeed Mark, indeed I'm always amused by the used of the word "them" in phrases like this as well

better off getting the 63 or walking to Peckham Rye station from there. Plus you get more choice of destination Bus from Rye Dale to Ed station? None that are straightforward

I know - that's what I'm saying. rather than have Hotdogs can't we have "the better version"

but come on Anna - meet enough of us and you might start to think we're alright I mean I met another Liverpool fan yesterday who was lovely. VERY LIVELY but lovely

Sean-eile Depends how you feel about a bit of a walk - 10 mins from there down Forest Hill Rd/Peckham Rye will take you to the 12 Not too bad I would say (on a busy day it might be worth getting off the 12 going in to town at Trafalgar Square and walking mind you)

ho ho AD For those that haven't been http://www.fleecegigs.co.uk/ Just the sort of place I'd like here

oooh oooh and I'm off work!! Gor bless you MP, sir