savvygirl

The Clock House opened on Friday 22nd March after a major make-over. It's all been done very tastefully but not sure about the tables and chairs in the front bar area as it looks a bit like a cafe. What do others think?

Thanks BrandNewGuy - that's a relief but sad for West Bromwich. There are lots of police cars screaming about, more so than usual, and I'm just off Lordship Lane. I really hope the police don't hold back now - they need some of their wonderful dogs out there barring their teeth!! That would scare some of the little b***ers!

I heard on radio 4's PM programme this evening that shop windows had been smashed in West Dulwich. Does anyone know if this is true.

Wrong choice of words maybe, Mick Mac, but you have brought a smile to my face!

All very helpful advice, thank you. I have considered cancelling the contents insurance with Saga and going elsewhere for that but I've got a sinking feeling that the contents may be tied in with the buildings policy, a combined policy I think they call it, but won't know until their customer service team call me back. They are taking 72 hours to respond to calls, so maybe they have lots of complaints to deal with!

Kidkruger, that's what I couldn't understand, why my contents insurance had increased by 100%. I kept stressing this point to the Saga rep but she kept saying it's because of the subsidence - it just doesn't make sense. The subsidence problem was so historic that Saga was quite happy to take the risk on 6 years ago. Since then they have changed underwriters who are now Lloyds TSB who really don't like the situation and are putting the screws on! A take it or leave it attitude I'm afraid. I will continue to argue the point - I'm expecting a call back from them within the next couple of days.

We've just had our renewal notice for buildings and content insurance from Saga and they are quoting ?1,124 for this coming year - last year it was ?706! We have a small 3 bedroomed house. The premium for contents insurance has increased by 100% and for buildings by around 60%. I was so appalled by this outrageous hike that I phoned Saga and the girl I spoke to said there has been an increase generally in home insurance of around 30%. I asked why the contents had increased by 100%, to which she kept saying "I assure you the quote we have given is correct" - she'd obviously forgotten about the 30% she'd already mentioned. She then went on to say it's because of the subsidence problem and their underwriters, Lloyds TSB, were not happy about it. We did have underpinning done some 20 years ago, so the problem is historic. Anyone who's had a subsidence problem knows how difficult it is to get insurance, so they more or less have you over a barrel. She then added insult to injury by saying "this is an invitation to you, you don't have to take it up if you don't want to"! Of course they know how difficult it is to get insurance cover in these circumstances. Without cover for subsidence it would be difficult to sell. I think it's absolutely outrageous that they can get away with this sort of thing. I'd love to tell them where to shove it but obviously can't. Any sensible suggestions as to what to do?

Hi Joel, sorry to hear that, it's annoying enough any time of day let alone the early hours of the morning. Was it a mini-cab driver, they have a habit of beeping their horns until they get a response, especially if the driver isn't sure of the house? We get quite a bit of it opposite where we live as there are a number of really big houses split into flats, but it usually occurs early evening. Hope it doesn't happen again.

Sainsbury's Local is equivalent to Tesco Express, like a supermarket cornershop. For those that saw "Rip Off Britain" on morning TV, it said that the stock is limited and a lot of things will cost more than in their main stores, but I guess this is the price of convenience. So long as the quality is good is what matters - I have seen some dumb behaviour in the main Sainsbury store where they come along with a tray of fresh veg, such as broccolli, and then dump the yellowing remnants of the previous tray on top! So watch the veg as it could have stuff past it's sell by date bunged in with fresh stuff. Give it a squeeze or a prod before you buy!

Non-verbal communication could include rolling your eyes heavenward, yawning or poking your tongue out!! Guess it's by means of touch, facial expression, gesture, eye movement but whether the communication without speech would be different because of someone's age or ethnic origins I do not know. Seems a very funny question to me, but guess it's there for a reason. I take it you're learning about bacteria and the suchlike, nasty germs and things viewed under a microscope. Anyway, good luck with your training and sorry I couldn't really help.

Are you sure Brendan that the front bit closest to the road is still the drinking area - this was the part that was changed into a restaurant because they completely removed the bar. If it is a drinking area again then this is music to my ears. I had read the previous discussion but just wondered how the place was doing. I really miss the old pub:'(

Oh sorry, that was me being facetious. It does of course sell beer and is still a drinking establishment, but of course what was the bar area is now a restaurant. Those people that remember it as it was will know what I mean. Just wondered how popular it now is or whether it's a bit dead.

How's this establishment doing? Haven't been in there since the refurbishment. Paid one or two visits and decided it wasn't for me. Has it turned back into a pub yet or is that just wishful thinking on my part?!!

Heard at one stage it was going to be Morrisons and wished that had been true but the notices are up to say it is a Sainsburys store, probably a Sainsburys Local which I believe is more of a convenience store, a bit like Tesco Express. Prices will probably be higher than in their main stores but I hope they do some good offers on wine, that would be great. It's nice to see that part of Lordship Lane up and coming.

He's definitely a local boy and has lived in ED for many many years. He's a real family man too as he's always talking about his wife and kids. He's definitely not English. I wondered if he was Turkish. It's hard to tell if he's joking sometimes, he seems to have a weird sense of humour. He's never been particularly unpleasant and can sometimes be quite helpful. He did say, when he first opened, that he didn't particularly need to earn money from the shop - I got the impression he did it because he liked fabric. He worked in London and I think he used to supply fabric to film makers. Could it be that the premises are owned by his family so maybe the overheads aren't too high and selling his fabric from the family premises is more hobby than anything else. I think the old lady who sits in the shop is his Mum. He may also have a bit of a chip on his shoulder as he remembers East Dulwich before it got trendy but is happy that some of the old foks who have lived there all their lives are now seeing how much their properties are worth. A bit of a love/hate thing going on, so maybe that accounts for his dual personality!

Yes, Ken's is the best - before Ken's, we always went to Sema who do lovely fish and chips and are very obliging. Ken's is just that bit better, simply the best. I don't know why I'm saying this, as there will be a long queue next time I go!! Don't bother with the over-priced places. The quality and content don't justify the price. They need to up their game!

What a great big pity! The DWH was one of the best pubs around, a proper pub where people met to drink and socialise. It was a country pub in London, and you don't get many of those. Where on earth were Youngs coming from to have wiped out this local gem, which was absolutely unique to them and replace it with this over-the-top, expensively decorated, undesirable establishment reminiscent of a hotel waiting room, which is "all fur coat and no drawers". Sorry, but as far as I'm concerned it's lost its charisma and is as dull as any other wateringhole in the vicinity - and there's plenty of those!