reeko

Jeepers. I have been in the Herne when the noise from the kids screeching round the garden rivalled a 747 taking off. I have seen multiple examples of jaw dropping neglectful parenting (e.g. mummy and daddy getting pissed whilst Timmy and Molly go drink sharking) that have never been challenged by staff. So either they have suddenly decided to take a hard line with rowdy kids (about time), or you and your kids were beyond the pale. We shall never know.

Tbh you are going to struggle in those areas looking for a 2 bed on your budget, your choice may be limited. If you are hoping for an area on the up, look for good housing stock( even if much is not in good nick), decent and improving transport links, at least one pub/deli/shop that wouldnt look out of place in ed. Stratford is all very new build. The olympic park is amazing, and hackney wick has a vibrant arts scene, but housing stock not great. You will struggle on your budget in wanstead, plaistow more likely. Imo west ham has a long way to go. Really scruffy high street and you will be very dependent on the tube. Good luck!

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That is not the point dj. We have all frequented the Cherry Tree and the vale as it was, we have all given the place more than a fair shake, but when you are asked on average about three times a year to come and meet the new chef/manager, and they always end up leaving within a few weeks why should I give the place my custom? Even if what the new chef has done is amazing, I have no reason to believe that it will be any different than the last five or six chefs/managers and that it won't end in a hasty retreat. There are other places in ed more deserving of custom.

Witnessing this reincarnation and the effect on the regulars would be about the only thing that would tempt me back in there (or missing my train and having more than 15 minutes to wait - I am fickle like that). Gary in a cod-piece - don't bear thinking about.

Popped in few weeks ago as just missed a train. Usual prospects propping up the bar, massive telly on full blast - showing the news not sport, lighting wayyyy to bright, no food on, about five regular punters, felt more like a wake than a pub. I have lost count of the number of chefs/managers who have been through these doors in the last two years - must be between 5 and 8. Certainly won't be getting excited about what is almost certain to be a temporary burger offering.

I say ban people from the roads who cannot puncutate and who are totally unaware of grammar.

Just to be crystal clear when you say staff get tips do you mean they get the 12.5% service charge, or only the tips above and beyond this. If they do then I would say policy and charge is fairly standard.

OP - do you know for definite that tips do not go to staff. You say "I bet" and "apparently" in your last post. Have you had the conversation as you describe with a member of staff? If not I think I will reserve judgment until this has been confirmed.

20% is a huge mark up - to be honest I think I would refuse to pay that mark up for a pub lunch anyways. For that not to be going to the staff is awful. I had thought this practice had been outlawed a year or two after a general outcry.

Have you tried to get watchdog involved? I reckon they would lap this story up, massive over charging and then sitting on your funds. Proper dodgy.

All the best of luck to you Ryan, judging by the revolving door management at the Cherry Tree you will need it. People do not have a problem with this establishment, it is specifically the owners and how they seem to treat their staff and customers that people have an issue with. I am afraid that I for one will not be setting foot in the Cherry Tree until the current owners have sold the place. I would not be happy for any of my dosh to line their pockets. All the best reeko

That's how I read it - corrupt individuals in the council, overpaying presumably in return for backhanders. Given the astronomical charges SOuthwark (and other councils) have been making for works, to me this appears to be corruption in plain sight - just very dificult to prove. Having a national newspaper on the case will hopefully have a bearing. Good luck all - I hope this makes your battles a little bit easier

Sorry PR - I was using my tablet app, which does not give you a web address. I reckoned people would figure it out - an lo and behold you have, and you are welcome.