Isn't it depressing to spend years and lots of money producing a first-class pub, and then have the Newbury Weekly News denigrate it.

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=16765

I don't see what you're getting at. Please explain, perhaps I am reading it differently to you.

Quoted from brian

I don't see what you're getting at. Please explain, perhaps I am reading it differently to you.

It is insulting and demeaning to call an excellent pub like The Swan Inn 'a drinking hole'.

I agree that 'drinking hole' is a pejorative description. 'Watering hole' is also used but these imply that the customers are animals rather than humans and that the establishment has little merit.
On twitter (www.twitter.com/UllageBeer) UllageBeer suggested on 17 May - Public house, Licensed premises, Refreshment stop, Rural / Community pub, Ale house, Bar etc all sound better than Drinking / Watering Hole?
UllageBeer also mentioned on 17 May: disappointed that @NewburyToday calls Swan Inn, Inkpen a drinking hole (Pub with restaurant and en-suite rooms) http://bit.ly/iDOUlT
(www.twitter.com/NewburyToday is another twitter account that can be addressed using @NewburyToday from within twitter)
Other posts from UllageBeer on 17 May:
Swan Inn, Inkpen - West Berkshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 - details and photos http://www.westberkscamra.org.uk/poty2011.htm
West Berkshire 2011 CAMRA Pub of the Year award will be presented at Swan Inn, Inkpen Wed 18 May 8pm http://www.theswaninn-organics.co.uk/
For further information a photo of the Swan Inn, Inkpen, taken Spring 2011, is attached.

Quoted from Brewmaster

It is insulting and demeaning to call an excellent pub like The Swan Inn 'a drinking hole'.

Maybe NWN will note your comments on this forum and their own forum and not repeat this gaff in the printed version on Thursday.

I have always thought 'Ullage' is a bit of a daft name for Camra's journal, meaning as it does the empty space in a barrel or bottle. What are they suggesting - short measures?

Quoted from Brewmaster

It is insulting and demeaning to call an excellent pub like The Swan Inn 'a drinking hole'.

Do you know, I read the article but missed the really derogatory title. Bit like calling the NWN the local rag I suppose but inexcusable really.

Well there are one or two pubs in Islington I have never visited. Many have become flats.
It is a trendy nightlife area, and people travel here.
In the same way that Norwich had a pub and a church for every day of the year.
Most street corners had big "Gin Palaces".

I was mortified to hear a gaggle of youngsters describing an old place frequented by locals, "There's an old mans pub just down the road".
.....Did I wish to be swallowed up by a hole in the pavement? Yes.
ce

I would have thought an organisation like CAMRA who promote booze would welcome a pub being described as a drinking hole as they're not qualified to judge the pub on any other criteria, are they?

Here's a question for them. Why as a pub in Newbury never won this award?

I still feel "Drinking Hole" is perhaps a misnomer.
Maybe City of London establishments might be described as such, by Ian Hislop.

Country pubs were often described as beer house or ale house
and were simply the front room for a home brew.ce

Quoted from user23.3

I would have thought an organisation like CAMRA who promote booze would welcome a pub being described as a drinking hole as they're not qualified to judge the pub on any other criteria, are they?

Here's a question for them. Why as a pub in Newbury never won this award?

Don't be mean to the Swan. The landlord is as grumpy as brewmaster too. Cheers

Quoted from user23.3

Here's a question for them. Why as a pub in Newbury never won this award?

The proof there is in the 'pudding'!  

Quoted from user23.3

I would have thought an organisation like CAMRA who promote booze would welcome a pub being described as a drinking hole as they're not qualified to judge the pub on any other criteria, are they?

Here's a question for them. Why as a pub in Newbury never won this award?

I agree that CAMRA is not qualify to judge, and  have even heard that unless certain members of the local CAMRA dont get a free pint then they dont consider a pub as a candidate to win an award.

IMHO CAMRA stands for what pubs once where - places where working men went to escape the wife until it was time for bed.

Times have changed. Many people don't want 'flat warm ale', brewed by a man in wholemeal trousers with a ferret down one leg.

I have some really good home made Dandelion wine here. Saves going out to pub and spending money. Also some of the company in a lot of pubs locally need a lot to be desired.