Rhuthun/Ruthin's pub and restaurant trade continues to suffer the effects of austerity. The cost of eating and drinking out needs to reflect the conditions landlords find and it's only natural that a drop in demand will result in increased bar and kitchen tariffs. To some extent, this is not so far removed from the Royal Mail, with the need to increase stamp prices ahead of inflation to reflect a shrinking market. But surely there comes a time when hostelries out price their local market. Compare the cheap booze available from both the Co-op and Tesco with the cost of a medium white wine and a pint of beer that comes to £7.50.
Tonight, this sample snapshot from 8.30-9 p.m. gives an indication of the state of play in Rhuthun. It's a Friday in December, when people should be gearing up for Christmas, you'd think. Or is it that everyone is saving their money for Mad Friday (a week hence) and beyond? And don't let's mention the number of pubs and restaurants that have recently closed: The Anchor, Clwyd Gate and Wynnstay.
The Star (above)—two couples eating, one additional couple drinking. This after the recent makeover that, other than on Facebook, hasn't been at all well advertised. This is not helped by the continued turmoil at the pub as we understand that the current landlords have left abruptly and the chef is trying to manage things.
The Boar's—a couple of dozen drinkers at most. At this sort of time, you might expect a brimming pub.
The Seasonal Garden—advertised opening hours for Friday evening food is till 9 p.m. but by 8.30 the place is already in darkness if it opened at all. No bookings it seems.
On the Hill—usually packed on a Friday and although busy, there were gaps downstairs.
The Manor House—maybe a dozen eating.
The Feathers—between a dozen and 18 drinking.
The Old Cross Keys, Llanfwrog—planning permission sought to to convert to a private dwelling following two years on the market as a going concern with no viewings whatsoever. The planning notice appeared in the Free Press of October 29th.
Tonight, this sample snapshot from 8.30-9 p.m. gives an indication of the state of play in Rhuthun. It's a Friday in December, when people should be gearing up for Christmas, you'd think. Or is it that everyone is saving their money for Mad Friday (a week hence) and beyond? And don't let's mention the number of pubs and restaurants that have recently closed: The Anchor, Clwyd Gate and Wynnstay.
The Boar's—a couple of dozen drinkers at most. At this sort of time, you might expect a brimming pub.
The Seasonal Garden—advertised opening hours for Friday evening food is till 9 p.m. but by 8.30 the place is already in darkness if it opened at all. No bookings it seems.
On the Hill—usually packed on a Friday and although busy, there were gaps downstairs.
The Manor House—maybe a dozen eating.
The Feathers—between a dozen and 18 drinking.
The Old Cross Keys, Llanfwrog—planning permission sought to to convert to a private dwelling following two years on the market as a going concern with no viewings whatsoever. The planning notice appeared in the Free Press of October 29th.
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Pubs