Breaking Radio Silence

It’s been a fair while since I’ve expectantly faced Blogger's 6½ x 2½" white author's rectangle window (yes, that's all the space Blogger gives you). Yet, I feel compelled to break my silence because Rhuthun/Ruthin is on the verge of one of those momentous occasions to which future historians will no doubt refer, something of outstanding significance that may yet prove just as pivotal to sections of the town as did the coming of Tesco.

But before I go any further, however, may I gratefully acknowledge the number of blog reader comments lamenting the passing of this blog, comments that seem ever optimistic of a possible revival.

Back to matters of more pith and moment, as our own Rhys Ifans might say. For I refer to the pending opening of Wetherspoon's, due a week tomorrow.

For some time, the prospect of JDW in Rhuthun has been the talk of the local pub trade. Even on busy new year's eve, I overheard a hard-working landlord reflecting that next year things might be very different. Was he being unduly pessimistic or just realistic? It's fair to say that Wetherspoon's has committed to a multi-million pound refurbishment of the Castle Hotel for one reason only—certainly not for the fun of it.

It's interesting to reflect that, unlike other chains, Wetherspoon's establishments are known by the brand rather than any historic pub name. Such is their power and influence. It's able to use its market dominance to buy and sell at favourable prices, prices that its competitors cannot match. These competitors are essentially small businesses in which their landlords have invested significant capital. How much of a migration to the Square will it take to reduce margins to the point where such businesses are unsustainable? Will Rhuthun lose part of its rich tavern heritage?

The number of pubs in Rhuthun has always historically changed. Yes, there's been more than a generation's worth of stability, till 2008. This was the year that the Picture House arrived, to close in 2011, as did the Wynnstay Arms. As if we needed a reminder of the tough times we face, last year the Myddleton Arms was in hiatus and there was a question mark over the Anchor.

It's a sad reflection that even without Wetherspoon's there can be no guarantee of stability. Just crawl from one bar to another to see that patrons are fewer and that Monday to Thursday evenings are disappointing.

Meanwhile, we still need to consider the positives associated with Wetherspoon's:

• This landmark building's undergone a significant and much-needed refurbishment. Its previous owners had inexcusably left it for dead


• Early diners will be able to order during the lean hours of between about 4 and 6.30 p.m. after cafés close and pub food elsewhere is generally unavailable


• Wetherspoon's may appeal to a new clientele, one that rarely visits existing licensed premises. As a result, it may yet attract more people into town and, let's face it, we certainly could do with that.

It's therefore something of a matter of balance.