KingLear Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 So we use the Sports Bar & Pizzeria on a weekly basis before the game and have booked a table for around 10-15 of us for every home game this season (including cup games). As a matter of course we order the drinks and food we want from the menus provided on the day, all a very good service, friendly staff with good quality food and drink on offer so first of all before I say anything else we have had no complaints whatsoever, well done to the club. On to the matter at hand then, we have been informed that, if we wish to use the Sports Bar with our regular booking for the Manchester game, they are going to charge £40 per head for a set meal and require a 50% deposit up front. No offer to politely turn it down in favour of our regular set-up. Take it or leave it, this is happening. As I have stated, I think what the Sports Bar provides is fantastic, however, I cannot fathom how they can justify suddenly springing this on regular customers who, taking into account this will be the 15th time this season we as a group would have been in this bar for food and drinks and the amount of money we would have spent in the process. Needless to say it was a polite, thanks but no thanks and we will be taking our business elsewhere for this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
locobaker Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 When I heard about this. I was thinking where are they going to fit this in without upsetting our regular fans plans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pride of the west Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 A bit annoying but I can see their point with this one. Going to be far too busy to open it up to all and sundry for this game so they need to put something like this in place and only take pre bookings. That way everyone knows where they stand before they turn up for the game and can make alternative arrangements. Don't get me wrong, £40 is ridiculous money for a bit of glorified cheese on toast and a place to sit down but no doubt they will still sell out. Unfortunately your loyalty doesn't count for much when there's more money to be made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elhombrecito Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 Yep, got the same response. I originally sent three emails asking to book a table and got no response. So eventually I went down and booked it no problem. A week later I got an email telling me that it was now £40 a head (to help ensure good service apparently ) for a three course set menu. I say three courses, but I don't exactly class "access to the Bristol Sport cheese board" as a dessert!! Anyway, I ignored it and will take my custom elsewhere for that evening (and probably future matchdays too). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordie Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 Unfortunately there will be someone else there to take your place, I'm all for the club making money out of this game but you should never forget your regular and loyal customers. Very short-sighted imo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bris Red Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 Naive to think loyalty means anything to the club. I think the greed shown by the club for this game speaks volumes but there you go, if you dont like it dont pay for it and all that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol Rob Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 12 minutes ago, KingLear said: So we use the Sports Bar & Pizzeria on a weekly basis before the game and have booked a table for around 10-15 of us for every home game this season (including cup games). As a matter of course we order the drinks and food we want from the menus provided on the day, all a very good service, friendly staff with good quality food and drink on offer so first of all before I say anything else we have had no complaints whatsoever, well done to the club. On to the matter at hand then, we have been informed that, if we wish to use the Sports Bar with our regular booking for the Manchester game, they are going to charge £40 per head for a set meal and require a 50% deposit up front. No offer to politely turn it down in favour of our regular set-up. Take it or leave it, this is happening. As I have stated, I think what the Sports Bar provides is fantastic, however, I cannot fathom how they can justify suddenly springing this on regular customers who, taking into account this will be the 15th time this season we as a group would have been in this bar for food and drinks and the amount of money we would have spent in the process. Needless to say it was a polite, thanks but no thanks and we will be taking our business elsewhere for this one. This came up in another thread, appreciate that this is a chance to earn a few quid, but IF we were to be promoted to the Prem, this sort of game would be a fairly regular occurrence. As for the forty quid. To me it just smacks of the publican who decides to charge his regulars to go to his pub on New Years Eve and gets annoyed when it's March before his regulars have returned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanatopia Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 22 minutes ago, KingLear said: So we use the Sports Bar & Pizzeria on a weekly basis before the game and have booked a table for around 10-15 of us for every home game this season (including cup games). As a matter of course we order the drinks and food we want from the menus provided on the day, all a very good service, friendly staff with good quality food and drink on offer so first of all before I say anything else we have had no complaints whatsoever, well done to the club. On to the matter at hand then, we have been informed that, if we wish to use the Sports Bar with our regular booking for the Manchester game, they are going to charge £40 per head for a set meal and require a 50% deposit up front. No offer to politely turn it down in favour of our regular set-up. Take it or leave it, this is happening. As I have stated, I think what the Sports Bar provides is fantastic, however, I cannot fathom how they can justify suddenly springing this on regular customers who, taking into account this will be the 15th time this season we as a group would have been in this bar for food and drinks and the amount of money we would have spent in the process. Needless to say it was a polite, thanks but no thanks and we will be taking our business elsewhere for this one. 13 minutes ago, El Hombrecito said: Yep, got the same response. I originally sent three emails asking to book a table and got no response. So eventually I went down and booked it no problem. A week later I got an email telling me that it was now £40 a head (to help ensure good service apparently ) for a three course set menu. I say three courses, but I don't exactly class "access to the Bristol Sport cheese board" as a dessert!! Anyway, I ignored it and will take my custom elsewhere for that evening (and probably future matchdays too). 10 minutes ago, bris red said: Naive to think loyalty means anything to the club. I think the greed shown by the club for this game speaks volumes but there you go, if you dont like it dont pay for it and all that. Pretty sad tales though nonetheless. It really is pathetically poor PR by the club. If it was me I would write a letter to Steve Lansdown, nobody else, and politely point out why they dropped a huge clanger on this one. I think there is a chance he may not even know about it. p.s. I would like to point out that I have now secured a ticket for this game and am flying back 2 days early; for my pre match delights I shall be enjoying a home made Cornish Pastie probably washed down with half a Thatchers. An unashamed plug... for pasties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingLear Posted December 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 From my point of view, it's a sports bar, not a restaurant. If you want to charge per head for a set meal then you've got the Lansdown restaurant etc but that's just my opinion. The main reason we frequent this place is because of an elderly member (90) of the group who is less mobile and it's ideal to get him the relatively short distance to his seat. But as others have said, maybe naive of us to expect any loyalty when there's money to be made and there will be others happy to take our seats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanatopia Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 3 minutes ago, KingLear said: From my point of view, it's a sports bar, not a restaurant. If you want to charge per head for a set meal then you've got the Lansdown restaurant etc but that's just my opinion. The main reason we frequent this place is because of an elderly member (90) of the group who is less mobile and it's ideal to get him the relatively short distance to his seat. But as others have said, maybe naive of us to expect any loyalty when there's money to be made and there will be others happy to take our seats. For that single reason and that single supporter alone the club needs to have a re-think. I would be absolutely livid if I was that gentleman and tell the club to stick their business I really would. That is shameful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myol'man Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 I know someone, without a ticket, who is planning to watch it on the big screen in the Sports Bar. What's to stop him if he gets in early doors? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol Rob Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 7 minutes ago, myol'man said: I know someone, without a ticket, who is planning to watch it on the big screen in the Sports Bar. What's to stop him if he gets in early doors? Probably getting within 300 yards of Ashton Gate without a ticket. That said, if they are early enough they are unlikely to be checked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingLear Posted December 5, 2017 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 2 minutes ago, havanatopia said: For that single reason and that single supporter alone the club needs to have a re-think. I would be absolutely livid if I was that gentleman and tell the club to stick their business I really would. That is shameful. Unfortunately, as much as we would love to say stick your business, due to circumstances already mentioned we will be back in there the very next game as a having a guaranteed spot to sit down is essential. We will be happy enough with that as we have a good time and like I said the staff are fantastic. It's no fault of there's that this scenario has come up. Just disappointed with the club on this one as it smacks of money grabbing, not even 90 years of dedication can buy loyalty it seems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 20 minutes ago, myol'man said: I know someone, without a ticket, who is planning to watch it on the big screen in the Sports Bar. What's to stop him if he gets in early doors? Will they be showing it even? Asking for trouble if they do as a few will try what your mate`s planning to do IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chowie Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 6 minutes ago, Red Right Hand said: Will they be showing it even? Asking for trouble if they do as a few will try what your mate`s planning to do IMO. Been my thought all along, they can’t show it. Anybody watching it could easily gain access into the stadium during half time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChippenhamRed Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 25 minutes ago, KingLear said: Unfortunately, as much as we would love to say stick your business, due to circumstances already mentioned we will be back in there the very next game as a having a guaranteed spot to sit down is essential. We will be happy enough with that as we have a good time and like I said the staff are fantastic. It's no fault of there's that this scenario has come up. Just disappointed with the club on this one as it smacks of money grabbing, not even 90 years of dedication can buy loyalty it seems. You’re not missing out - unless all you want in a £40 meal is cheese. The three course are goats cheese tart, cheese pizza and cheese board. Not even kidding! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyderInACan Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 This isn't the club's doing I'm sure - this is to be laid fairly and squarely at the feet of the Doughballers who own the concession. And as far as I know it hasn't yet sold out as they're doing a "follow us and retweet" giveaway on twitter. £40 is top dollar though tbf So I guess follow and share via @doughballers if you do want a chance to get a table! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinman85 Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 2 minutes ago, CyderInACan said: This isn't the club's doing I'm sure - this is to be laid fairly and squarely at the feet of the Doughballers who own the concession. And as far as I know it hasn't yet sold out as they're doing a "follow us and retweet" giveaway on twitter. £40 is top dollar though tbf So I guess follow and share via @doughballers if you do want a chance to get a table! I went there once. Service was awful. Got a voucher for next time. Had to scoff the pizza or would have missed kick off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted December 5, 2017 Admin Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 Just for clarification, we are talking about Doughballers changing thier menu? Surely that is down to them? Is the sports bar still open as normal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elhombrecito Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 1 minute ago, phantom said: Just for clarification, we are talking about Doughballers changing thier menu? Surely that is down to them? Is the sports bar still open as normal? Does it matter who it's down to? And, yes it is open as normal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAl&Toby Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 I’d tell them to **** off. And never go there again. The sad thing is how the club is no longer that. It’s a cash cow for its owner. Yep - here he goes again... Its the C word I’m afraid. Contempt. And the 4 letter one. Cash. All that’s shown towards fans as those in charge and who can look for as many ways to get a return on their investment. And if you or I wanted to do the same and cash in on our tickets they’d do all they could to prevent it. Compare that approach to the one demonstrated in the City Chelsea fixture that’s on the forum at the moment. The pitch looks dreadful but I’d swap those times for these without a blink of the eye. Says all that’s wrong with football today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyderInACan Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 24 minutes ago, BigAlToby&Liam said: I’d tell them to **** off. And never go there again. The sad thing is how the club is no longer that. It’s a cash cow for its owner. Yep - here he goes again... Its the C word I’m afraid. Contempt. And the 4 letter one. Cash. All that’s shown towards fans as those in charge and who can look for as many ways to get a return on their investment. And if you or I wanted to do the same and cash in on our tickets they’d do all they could to prevent it. Compare that approach to the one demonstrated in the City Chelsea fixture that’s on the forum at the moment. The pitch looks dreadful but I’d swap those times for these without a blink of the eye. Says all that’s wrong with football today. But it’s NOT club’s doing! If city put the beer prices up for the game in the SBP then maybe - just maybe - you might have a point (or a pint) but until then maybe count to ten? Or twenty? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View from the Dolman Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 59 minutes ago, BigAlToby&Liam said: The sad thing is how the club is no longer that. It’s a cash cow for its owner. A cow that drinks up the milk rather than providing it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChippenhamRed Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 11 minutes ago, View from the Dolman said: A cow that drinks up the milk rather than providing it? A cow that drinks £45 million pounds worth of milk before producing half a pint of milk every other day. Worst cash cow ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted December 5, 2017 Admin Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 2 hours ago, El Hombrecito said: Does it matter who it's down to? Yes, as this thread has many posts confusing whether it is Doughballers or the clubs doing. Now clarified as Doughballers screwing thier regulars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelts Posted December 5, 2017 Report Share Posted December 5, 2017 It’s extremely sad to hear of tales like this and on the other thread about the half time raffle sellers. The club should be looking after its own . Should we be surprised ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAl&Toby Posted December 6, 2017 Report Share Posted December 6, 2017 12 hours ago, CyderInACan said: But it’s NOT club’s doing! If city put the beer prices up for the game in the SBP then maybe - just maybe - you might have a point (or a pint) but until then maybe count to ten? Or twenty? Who grants the concession? Ah yes. That’ll probably be Bristol Sport. Might well be someone else who makes and serves the pizzas, but who allowed them to do so in the first place? Probably a competitive tender and free market will be a justification. I’d still tell them to **** off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myol'man Posted December 6, 2017 Report Share Posted December 6, 2017 14 hours ago, Red Right Hand said: Will they be showing it even? Asking for trouble if they do as a few will try what your mate`s planning to do IMO. 14 hours ago, chowie said: Been my thought all along, they can’t show it. Anybody watching it could easily gain access into the stadium during half time. 15 hours ago, myol'man said: I know someone, without a ticket, who is planning to watch it on the big screen in the Sports Bar. What's to stop him if he gets in early doors? @Mkelly must be aware of this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City Ben Posted December 6, 2017 Report Share Posted December 6, 2017 40 quid might be a bit toppy but I imagine they've gone full reservation as otherwise the bar will be overrun. Service would be dreadful and before you know it everyone would be upset about the poor planning. That bit, at least, seems sensible to me. The three cheese course menu, less so! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shtanley Posted December 6, 2017 Report Share Posted December 6, 2017 Get pizza from Mark’s bread before the game. Really close and will definitely be as good as any other pizzeria on the night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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