DovertheRoad

I'm delighted. It's a good way to make use of neglected land. They've done a brilliant job of letting themselves in and locking up behind them.

This is a disaster. Pubs need to be profitable but sometimes an unpolished diamond-in-the-rough landlord comes along who creates something that's more about people, atmosphere and experience. Johnny is one of those. And the Gowlett was one of those rarities not seen locally since Inside72. Whilst he's probably hurting right now I'm sure he'll be back. He'll certainly have an army of supporters for his next venture. My gut says they'll re-open but that things may be a little different. Let's hope that pizza oven fires up again soon. In the meantime - thanks for all the good times.

May be a step forward in fraud protection and durability. But... - They stick together really badly and - Are super smooth but springy - so they jump out of your pocket really easily. I've lost a few. And I've found a few. A bit like umbrellas. Discuss.

As someone who has been falsely accused of something previously - it's not fun. It can destroy you. In my case it was someone I didn't even know. Whom I'd met twice briefly for a few seconds and said a brief hello to. At first I thought it was a joke - then it dawns on you that it's real. When you are 100% innocent and a decent, respectful, upstanding human it's beyond awful. And you're confused. Why would someone do this? The answers aren't always rational: - Money - Angry at the world, men/women in general and just want to get someone - History of mental illness or personality disorder When you're innocent, whatever you do, you can't win. You can follow "the process" and air a load of stuff publicly which can destroy your reputation, you can pay out (which as we've seen can still destroy your reputation - if it comes out down the line it's seen as an admission of guilt) or...there isn't really another decent option. You're screwed. In my case it just went away. But for those who had to be involved there's always a whiff. You're tarnished. I also suspect a number of the allegations are true, and welcome the sea change this should bring. But don't forget that amongst all this will be a significant % of innocent people who for whatever reason get targeted by opportunists looking for cash or just to settle some score in their head.

The best advice on this thread was to go down to Lidl. Got some more from there this year and they 're great value and very decent esp for kids. And quite a step on from the selection boxes of the early 1980s.

Totally understand the estates need to continue developing their assets. To monetise. But to do so at the expense of real, daily amenity value would be a disaster. We get our paper delivered from here and it's about the only place to buy a pint of milk left. Would anyone from the Dulwich Estate care to make a statement here re their consideration of amenity in their commercial leasing and planning policy?

It basically means that when you're in business and the world is changing around you, possibly to your detriment,? you have a choice:? You can be reflective on your own strengths and weaknesses and adopt a positive/ proactive approach. Or remain passive, negative and reactive. And hope it will pass. People make up all kinds of unsubstantiated rumours when they're in the latter camp. Examples - Back cab drivers: " Uber drivers are rapists, on illegal visas and only go untouched because their UK exec is mates with David Cameron".? Rather than organising themselves better at union level. Or creating an app and commercial model much earlier. Or through smart lobbying for cheaper, cleaner vehicles. Or whatever. Or... The Lordship Lane coffee shop that didn't like how local internet publicised their poor service / attitude and tried to stop all online reviews with legal action. Everyone posting these reviews was mad they said and "The internet is damaging my business".? Rather than? engage positively with social channels, self reflect on their weaknesses and fix it.? Etc etc? There are so many more examples. This Deliveroo rumour that they've got some evil masterplan to steal the specific food concept / forumula created by skilled independent restaurants, replicate it - consistently and, critically, at the same quality? scale...just feels like sour grapes. Fear driven. And off the mark.? People will still want to sit in decent independent restaurants to eat good food. Lots of dishes will never travel well or lend themselves to Deliveroo. Smart people realise the difference between something created locally on a small scale with great time skill and attention. Versus mass produced or reheated in a portacabin. Deliveroo will not take over the world. And even if they did, someone else would pop up with an indie friendly alternative. I'm not sure where you heard this rumour from Seabag. Is it possible that restaurant X's wood fired chicken concept? just didn't sell?? That's ok. Sometimes that happens. But don't blame Deliveroo. Reflect and try something else that does. Or stick to a great core business.

Nope. It comes from a Guardian journalist. The Guardian have always questioned Deliveroo's employnent ethics. But Seabags "Deliveroo will "take over" an independent trader" rumour is like one of those "Uber will soon control our minds" stories. Usually created by someone on the wrong end of a disruptive business model. Im a big fan of the mighty Franklins but I doubt they were selling enough wood fired chickens anyway. They were ok but not a patch on The Signal in Forest Hill.

They're far from offering ethical business. But that doesn't sound quite right Seabag. As it kills the UVP that made their model successful "your favourite local restaurants food, brought to your door". And have you experienced how their "dark kitchens" mangle and destroy concept after concept? Just try comparing Busaba Eathai from their se22 menu with...Busaba Eathai in Soho. Like polystyrene by comparison. You of all people know what it takes in skill,craft and proper kit in building a local name over time. Sure there will be some who can't tell Franklin's wood fired chicken from something knocked up in a portacabin. But no different to now. VC funded businesses don't have talk some shit to show how they might scale to appease investors. Can't see "taking over" local businesses as one of them.

0730 and I'm also at my desk. By about 9am when I pop out for breakfast I contra-flow the pinched, harried faces of the 08.37 commute crowd scuttling in and huffing about their train being crowded and late. Kids at that time are fine except perhaps Sunday mornings when it's a bit inconsiderate. Far worse is the angle grinder, born from the loft/kitchen extension and paid for by said wage slave job.

Good point re. having a freeholder as a Shareholder. I see the roadshow is run by a company with a vested interest in helping leaseholders and I suspect their fees are far higher in a compulsory freehold purchase versus the ?500 they'd get to facilitate RTM.

Lots of full stops up there... The freeholder is essentially a family business with several thousand freeholds across London. They build long term portfolio value from capital appreciation in the freehold value and lease extensions. And they generate short term revenue (cash) through application of management charges and fees relating to enforcing lease requirements. As such their interests (maximise costs) are wholly misaligned with leaseholders (reduce costs). They operate (mostly) legally although their Trustpilot reviews suggest otherwise. I'm pretty clued up and have spent years challenging their costs and usually succeeding. We needed a new roof - they quoted ?40k, I challenged and got it done for ?15k. They wanted ?7k to repaint the exterior timber. We got it done for ?1.8k. Basically that x 10 over the past 15 years. They're just wearing me down now. Which is why many people in this situation just swallow it vs hassle to do something. Right to Manage looks like it costs as little as approx ?500 and I'm comfortable with the admin of running a small ltd co. All leaseholders get on and keen to do it. And it looks like we'll save ?500-?800 per year if it proceeds unchallenged. Just curious as to why more people aren't doing it. And keen to hear from those who have re. above points.

It's a grand location, a decent refurb and you'd almost feel ok paying their current food prices if the staff were actually trained and the food was more than average. The burger (?14.50) is a prime example of how diners at the Dog are helping to financially subsidise M&B's unit losses during refit /closure. The exact same burger can be had at The Phoenix, Denmark Hill for ?11.95. A difference of over 20%. I'd add that the staff at The Phoenix are helpful, proactive, seem to know their own name, what day it is and where the menus are. Baffling how they could get this site so wrong.

Dealing with our freeholder is death by a thousand cuts and I've finally got fed up with getting stiffed on spurious or inflated charges. The LVT is a hassle too so finally looking at Right to Manage. I'm pretty up to speed with what's involved but wanted to hear from anyone who has done it as to (i) was it as straightforward as expected? (ii) any regrets? (iii) what did it cost? Cheers Dover

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Mick Mac Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Any, more positive feedback on the Dog. Looked > super busy today as I cycled past, seems to be > thriving. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

Is that the hairdresser? I feel ya sister.

Last week we took the kids to the Dog for Sunday lunch. On arrival we asked one of the restaurant staff if they had a menu. This caused confusion. "Oh I'm not sure...I'll need to go an ask the manager". Which was hilarious! And totally in keeping with the Dog right? Anyways, two average roasts, a shared kids meal and a ?59 bill later we left and as we headed back down Village way a flustered looking guy came and asked where he could get a pint of milk. Martins had closed. And I was left badly pointing the way to Sainsbo's at the Plough. "You say East Dulwich...is that in the next suburb?" "Um yes, kind of. Sorry". How the F&&% can you not buy a pint of milk in Dulwich Village anymore. Or bread. Or any useful basics for that matter. Can we start a campaign for a general store. Or do none of you care because you live up East with your fancy ice cream parlours and f$%^^% organic butcher / fish /muti-cheese shop combo. Like ?$%$% off! All we want down this end is basic shit. Not Italian tiles or a kids art clothes or oysters.... Thought: Perhaps the Estate could give some thought to the concept of useful amenity and subsidise a commercial rent accordingly ( reference: Howard De Walden estate, Marylebone).

Yank coming over for next 10 days is really keen to see a premiership game but trying to get tickets through official routes not easy from NY. What's the best way for him to see a game? Ideally without having to barter with Frank Butcher on a corner? Thank you. Edit: Spurs Chelsea at Wembley on 20th preferred....

Last Chance U - on Netflix - college football real life docudrama with a blues and soul soundtrack. Beautifully filmed.

I've just had a look at their feedback form - it asks specific questions about service and gives plenty of room to share the feedback - tell 'em people! http://tellus.thecrownandgreyhound.co.uk/

It trades ok because it is the only option in it's immediate catchment. It's a nice old building with heritage, a decent place to sit outside and it's hard to screw up a pint. So we live with it's shortcomings whilst moaning about what it could be if M&B gave a $hit. They're a big group and you'd have thought they'd have a premium type sub group for properties in prime locations with an affluent-ish local demographic. But no...its all Bernie Inn Keepers lodge carvery, pre-packaged food and a low cost, poorly trained staffing policy.

This has basically become a resurrection of ye olde Dog moan thread hasn't it? Summary - nothing has changed. We hate it and we like it being there all at once.