Food at the gate

[Oldland2]

I have noticed lately not many fans eating the food at the ground,queues at the food outlets at lot smaller since the changed the pie etc supplier, must be loosing money, bring back the chunk ones or even Clarkes or ginsters, I have seen more people buying food outside than inside, 

[sticks 1969]

5 minutes ago, Oldland2 said:

I have noticed lately not many fans eating the food at the ground,queues at the food outlets at lot smaller since the changed the pie etc supplier, must be loosing money, bring back the chunk ones or even Clarkes or ginsters, I have seen more people buying food outside than inside, 

Same with drink as well 

[Mike Stone]

5 minutes ago, Oldland2 said:

I have noticed lately not many fans eating the food at the ground,queues at the food outlets at lot smaller since the changed the pie etc supplier, must be loosing money, bring back the chunk ones or even Clarkes or ginsters, I have seen more people buying food outside than inside, 

Just wondering myself when Clark's will put a second van by the park. Far better value than in the ground but the waiting time can be a pain.

 

[chinapig]

The obvious answer is food vouchers. Can't think why the club hasn't thought of it before.

[DaveF]

2 minutes ago, sticks 1969 said:

Same with drink as well 

The drinks selection is pretty decent and reasonably priced compared to some venues. The service is pretty slow and poorly organised though.

[Robbored]

4 minutes ago, Oldland2 said:

I have noticed lately not many fans eating the food at the ground,queues at the food outlets at lot smaller since the changed the pie etc supplier, must be loosing money, bring back the chunk ones or even Clarkes or ginsters, I have seen more people buying food outside than inside, 

I’ve refused to buy any food inside AG for years. It’s always been poor value for money, seriously overpriced and generally crap quality.

I frequently buy grub outside the stadium. It’s far cheaper and of decent quality.

[Davefevs]

Just now, Robbored said:

I’ve refused to buy any food inside AG for years. It’s always been poor value for money, seriously overpriced and generally crap quality.

I frequently buy grub outside the stadium. It’s far cheaper and of decent quality.

In fairness if you’ve not bought any food inside for years, you’re probably out of touch with some of the excellent food they have sold over the past few seasons.  Pies aren't as nice this year admittedly, but until this season definitely not poor value for money / overpriced imho.

[Red Army 75]

Unfortunately for the club a few of us have stopped the ritual pre game pint down the ground. As the thatchers was awful week after week. Especially for the price 

[Pezo]

Not sure why anyone would buy food in the stadium. Poor quality and expensive. Pie outside is £2.48 (weird price) and great quality.

[David Brent]

Bring back Lindley’s

[DaveF]

1 minute ago, David Brent said:

Bring back Lindley’s

If you want a really good pie... The Gardener's.

[The Fat Controller]

17 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

In fairness if you’ve not bought any food inside for years, you’re probably out of touch with some of the excellent food they have sold over the past few seasons.  Pies aren't as nice this year admittedly, but until this season definitely not poor value for money / overpriced imho.

I think the food is overpriced in comparison. A Clarks pie is only £2.15

[Crackers Corner]

Tried a steak and ale pie, didnt manage more than 2 bites, tasted like it was cooked on Saturday

[Robbored]

13 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

In fairness if you’ve not bought any food inside for years, you’re probably out of touch with some of the excellent food they have sold over the past few seasons.  Pies aren't as nice this year admittedly, but until this season definitely not poor value for money / overpriced imho.

In all the years that I’ve attended AG I’ve always felt that I was being ripped off and I seriously can’t remember the last I bought any food inside AG and I’m not prepared to ‘risk’ buying any anytime soon.

I can get a decent pie from Clark’s van for less than £2:50 - why on earth anyone would buy food inside AG?

[MrBibs]

The security checks couldn’t  have helped as many would have got in just before kick off. I try to spend my couple of quid with the club if I can. There was no queue for coffee and shortbread which was handy otherwise would have been a choice between getting drink/food or missing kick off.

[NcnsBcfc]

Not helped by the City Academy unpaid "Volunteers". Being asked to work for free as part of their education.

They do look as though they've mainly been bought against their will to work there.

When they recently gave a presentation at my son's school, they skipped through rather quickly the bit about; what rhe expectation is for the students to give up their time outside of school for the benefit of the club. Choosing to focus on "You can study E sports at Game, or Sports coaching etc"

Edited November 25, 2021 by NcnsBcfc

[RedLionLad]

I remember one guy sending one of his son’s down to the concourse during the game to get 4 bottles of Coke. Should have seen the bloke’s face when he found out £10 wasn’t enough

[Sleepy1968]

5 minutes ago, NcnsBcfc said:

Not helped by the City Academy unpaid "Volunteers". Being asked to work for free as part of their education.

They do look as though they've mainly been bought against their will to work there.

That doesn't sound particulary legal.

[NcnsBcfc]

4 minutes ago, Sleepy1968 said:

That doesn't sound particulary legal.

That was my thoughts as well. But if they don't "volunteer". If apparently reflects badly in their term report.

They also have to "volunteer" in the club shop, Sports bar, and at events at AG, and Failand.

It's like an army of free labour, whilst also getting the pupil preminum of nearly £4k pa fron the govt for teaching them.

It's a real money maker for sure..

Edited November 25, 2021 by NcnsBcfc

[pongo88]

The only thing I buy inside the ground is coffee so I can’t comment on the quality of the alcohol or food, but I can comment on the variety of what’s on offer. Basically it’s pretty dire, which is why I don’t buy anything other than coffee. I assume whoever has outsourced the catering in the concourse hasn’t been to a pub in the last 20 years. There are a few mediocre pubs still hanging on, but most have moved with the times and sell something decent. City’s philosophy, seems to be as long as we flog a pie and a pint everyone will be happy. 

[pongo88]

9 minutes ago, RedLionLad said:

I remember one guy sending one of his son’s down to the concourse during the game to get 4 bottles of Coke. Should have seen the bloke’s face when he found out £10 wasn’t enough

Coke is half the price in the shop opposite the park and they still make a profit 

[Coombsy]

And it’s card only 

Why can’t they take cash?

[sticks 1969]

5 minutes ago, NcnsBcfc said:

That was my thoughts as well. But if they don't "volunteer". If apparently reflects badly in their term report.

They also have to "volunteer" in the club shop, Sports bar, and at events at AG, and Failand.

It's like an army of free labour, whilst also getting the pupil preminum of nearly £4k pa fron the govt for teaching them.

It's a real money maker for sure..

No wonder they always seem fed up when there serving drinks 

 

[1960maaan]

I get a pie/pasty every now and again, had a pie last night. Not impressed at all, not much taste. I mean you couldn't always taste the Sheep its they used to do, but that was mainly because they had neat Lava inside, honest thing in the World 
Had a pasty the other week, OK but not as good as previous suppliers.

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, 1960maaan said:

I get a pie/pasty every now and again, had a pie last night. Not impressed at all, not much taste. I mean you couldn't always taste the Sheep its they used to do, but that was mainly because they had neat Lava inside, honest thing in the World 
Had a pasty the other week, OK but not as good as previous suppliers.

Out of interest was it actually a pie, or was it a pasty.  Both times I’ve ordered a pie, they’ve given me a pasty.

[nickolas]

53 minutes ago, chinapig said:

The obvious answer is food vouchers. Can't think why the club hasn't thought of it before.

Im going to call my personal account manager in the morning to ask for mine!

[underover]

Under 18s aren’t allowed to serve alcohol so how are they allowed to have college age kids ‘volunteering’? Or are they higher education?

[WolfOfWestStreet]

11 minutes ago, Coombsy said:

And it’s card only 

Why can’t they take cash?

Because its a pain in the ass to process. 

 

39 minutes ago, DaveF said:

If you want a really good pie... The Gardener's.

You're not looking at the whole pie jennie 

[dREDful]

Had a beef and veg pasty last night at HT (Jamaican had sold out) - was bloody lovely tbf. 

[Phileas Fogg]

43 minutes ago, Robbored said:

In all the years that I’ve attended AG I’ve always felt that I was being ripped off and I seriously can’t remember the last I bought any food inside AG and I’m not prepared to ‘risk’ buying any anytime soon.

I can get a decent pie from Clark’s van for less than £2:50 - why on earth anyone would buy food inside AG?

For some reason, I get the impression an old sea dog like yourself wouldn’t broaden your horizons like this.. but I seriously recommend Feed the Goat at AG.

I don’t know if it’s still going this season, but it’s pretty awesome. Very much worth the extra cost.

[CyderInACan]

41 minutes ago, NcnsBcfc said:

Not helped by the City Academy unpaid "Volunteers". Being asked to work for free as part of their education.

They do look as though they've mainly been bought against their will to work there.

When they recently gave a presentation at my son's school, they skipped through rather quickly the bit about; what rhe expectation is for the students to give up their time outside of school for the benefit of the club. Choosing to focus on "You can study E sports at Game, or Sports coaching etc"

Is this for real!? That’s an absolute shambles. 

Unless these kids really want to work on tills in other stadiums! 

[ZiderEyed]

Just come 45 minutes earlier and walk up North Street to any number of restaurants that are half the price and twice as good. 

[Super]

29 minutes ago, Coombsy said:

And it’s card only 

Why can’t they take cash?

Or a cheque.

[Robbored]

17 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

For some reason, I get the impression an old sea dog like yourself wouldn’t broaden your horizons like this.. but I seriously recommend Feed the Goat at AG.

I don’t know if it’s still going this season, but it’s pretty awesome. Very much worth the extra cost.

I wouldn’t know PF - haven’t been in the concourse except when entering or exiting the stadium. I avoid the outlets at all costs.

[Harry]

I usually get a coffee up in the family stand, but I prefer a decaf and they don’t do them up there. 
So last night, I happened across the coffee stall in the lower concourse under the Lansdown - Atyeo end. I don’t usually go that way so I thought, ooh, I might be able to grab a decaf here. Lovely. 
So, I get myself a decaf. Excellent. 
Do you have any toppers? No. 
So I have to carry a hot coffee all the way up the 139 steps to the top of the stand without a top on it!! 
Cheers then. 

[1960maaan]

35 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Out of interest was it actually a pie, or was it a pasty.  Both times I’ve ordered a pie, they’ve given me a pasty.

It was a real honest to goodness "steak" Pie, there was meat but I'm not sure of origin.
I usually just ask for whatever they have, but I was early and had a choice, and no queue. 

One question, do they not do Balti pies any more ? I'm sure they used to.

[Harry]

Oh. Also. A few weeks ago I asked for a lager shandy. The staff had no idea what that was. 

[Robbored]

Just now, Harry said:

Oh. Also. A few weeks ago I asked for a lager shandy. The staff had no idea what that was. 

They’re mostly under 21 so below the minimum wage. Cheap labour.

[Harry]

Just now, Robbored said:

They’re mostly under 21 so below the minimum wage. Cheap labour.

The point being they didn’t know what a shandy is. 

[bcfc01]

1 hour ago, Robbored said:

I’ve refused to buy any food inside AG for years. It’s always been poor value for money, seriously overpriced and generally crap quality.

I frequently buy grub outside the stadium. It’s far cheaper and of decent quality.

I was the same up until 2 or 3 seasons ago when the food was actually quite good, the pies were very good and quite a lot of choice. Particularly liked the sheep pie or the curry pie.

Now they've changed supplier its back to crap, so no chance of me buying anything inside the stadium - might have a pint if we have time, but generally not. Don't mind some of the stuff in the fans village and we do buy, but much more likely to spend money in North street pre-match.

Shame, its definitely gone backwards.

[Robbored]

5 minutes ago, Harry said:

The point being they didn’t know what a shandy is. 

Ummm…………..……….

[city1983]

I had a curry pie on Saturday and took a covid test when I got home as i honestly couldn’t taste a thing

[Pickle Rick]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

In fairness if you’ve not bought any food inside for years, you’re probably out of touch with some of the excellent food they have sold over the past few seasons.  Pies aren't as nice this year admittedly, but until this season definitely not poor value for money / overpriced imho.

There has been some decent outlets. I used to love the Mexican burritos which had part of a kiosk in the Lansdown concourse.

And the Spanish van outside the Lansdown which is ran by two brothers.

Then the Jamaican on the South Stand corner where you could get Red Stripe and some good food.

[slartibartfast]

1 hour ago, Robbored said:

I’ve refused to buy any food inside AG for years. It’s always been poor value for money, seriously overpriced and generally crap quality.

I frequently buy grub outside the stadium. It’s far cheaper and of decent quality.

I can honestly say, in my 55 years of going to the Gate , I have never bought any food at the ground .If I feel hungry I'll get fish & chips from a proper chippy. Same with beer, I go to the pub. Sorry, just doesn't appeal !

[exAtyeoMax]

22 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

It was a real honest to goodness "steak" Pie, there was meat but I'm not sure of origin.
I usually just ask for whatever they have, but I was early and had a choice, and no queue. 

One question, do they not do Balti pies any more ? I'm sure they used to.

they do a chicken curry pie but it has potato in it, whereas the old Baltimore pie was just meat. It was ok, I just prefer the just meat version

[Lew-T]

The only bit of a scran I have from AG is the Jamaican goat curry.

Just a shame about the price. 

[Lanterne Rouge]

15 minutes ago, slartibartfast said:

I can honestly say, in my 55 years of going to the Gate , I have never bought any food at the ground .If I feel hungry I'll get fish & chips from a proper chippy. Same with beer, I go to the pub. Sorry, just doesn't appeal !

I don`t think I ever have either. Used to get chips from either up by the Robins or the Willow Garden(?) on cold days or nowadays a Clark`s pie.

[A Horse With No Name]

Had a chicken balti pie, and while the pie was delicious, City scored while I was buying it. 

[Robbored]

16 minutes ago, Lew-T said:

The only bit of a scran I have from AG is the Jamaican goat curry.

Just a shame about the price. 

That’s the reason I decided not to buy anything inside AG. 

A few years back there used be two or three coffee jar shaped outlets around AG and my lad wanted a chocolate bar so I went to get one for him. All they had was Yorkie bars at a price that was almost twice that the same item was in the local shop. I reluctantly bought it for him and I reckon that was last time I bought anything inside AG. I felt completely ripped off.

[Sir Geoff]

Bought two Hot chocolates at half time.  Both nuclear hot and when we could eventually drink them we turned to each other and both said they were the worst hot chocolates we had ever tasted. Hardly any taste of chocolate and little or no milk. Suffice to say that is the last drink I buy in the ground. (also bought a coffee at one of the earlier home games. That too was nuclear hot and after burning my tongue I couldn't taste it anyway).

[exAtyeoMax]

43 minutes ago, Lew-T said:

The only bit of a scran I have from AG is the Jamaican goat curry.

Just a shame about the price. 

how much is it? 

[ralphindevon]

5 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

how much is it? 

£7 I think but just now and again you want something a bit different than a pie.

They do a chicken dish too, a nice change for a football stadium 

[Erithacus]

A few seasons ago I bought a pot of Bovril. It was scalding hot, but after reading the ingredients label I saw the first (largest) substance was salt. After that were other unnatural additives, so I realised I had bought a tub of boiling seawater with E numbers. I don't make that mistake again.

On the other hand, though, the food tastes much better after the game has finished - it's only a pound a go!

[NcnsBcfc]

2 hours ago, underover said:

Under 18s aren’t allowed to serve alcohol so how are they allowed to have college age kids ‘volunteering’? Or are they higher education?

College kids are 16,17 & 18. You just have the older ones serving the alcohol.

[Carey 6]

 

[Street red]

3 hours ago, Robbored said:

I’ve refused to buy any food inside AG for years. It’s always been poor value for money, seriously overpriced and generally crap quality.

I frequently buy grub outside the stadium. It’s far cheaper and of decent quality.

Totally agree I've never bothered inside far cheaper elsewhere.

[NcnsBcfc]

2 hours ago, CyderInACan said:

Is this for real!? That’s an absolute shambles. 

Unless these kids really want to work on tills in other stadiums! 

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/robins-foundation/education/post-16-courses/

It is for real Reg. Thomas bought home the prospectus.

Every kid has to stay in some form of education until they are 18 (apprenticeships, b-techs, college courses, A levels etc).

If you fail your GCSE Maths or English you have to keep on retaking them until you pass (in theory).

In the meantime loads of colleges/Academics have sprung up. Willing to take on the govt £4k per child pupil preminum teaching courses that are somewhat "interesting".

Learning E-Sports at Game by the gallery for 2 years?

[NcnsBcfc]

2 hours ago, Robbored said:

They’re mostly under 21 so below the minimum wage. Cheap labour.

They are unpaid college students from the foundation.

[Pickle Rick]

Wasn't there supposed to be an agreement that Gregg's were going to supply the food at Ashton Gate a few years ago, or have I imagined that?

[Robbored]

7 minutes ago, NcnsBcfc said:

They are unpaid college students from the foundation.

Even cheaper then.

[NcnsBcfc]

2 minutes ago, Robbored said:

Even cheaper then.

Yep, and they're all really chuffed to have "volunteered" to do it for the benefit of the club

Edited November 25, 2021 by NcnsBcfc

[Davefevs]

25 minutes ago, NcnsBcfc said:

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/robins-foundation/education/post-16-courses/

It is for real Reg. Thomas bought home the prospectus.

Every kid has to stay in some form of education until they are 18 (apprenticeships, b-techs, college courses, A levels etc).

If you fail your GCSE Maths or English you have to keep on retaking them until you pass (in theory).

In the meantime loads of colleges/Academics have sprung up. Willing to take on the govt £4k per child pupil preminum teaching courses that are somewhat "interesting".

Learning E-Sports at Game by the gallery for 2 years?

Went to an open day at SGS last month….Joe planning to do TV & Film after his GCSEs, and whilst we were there we went and listened to the E-Sports presentation.  Mrs F and me were a bit worried Joe would want to suddenly choose that…because we thought it sounded like a load of old tosh.  He didn’t though.  Phew!!!

But having said that, is it really any different to several other courses.  If it prepares you for a job in a narrow field, so be it…if that’s what you want to do?  Although I suspect the thought of playing games for 2 years is very appealing to those with little idea what they want to do post-18.

[Henry]

@JerrySLO @Mkelly

 

Its a shame that the food have gone downhill. When the stadium first open, the pies were decent and you have a bit of variety in the fans village. I’m not sure why they changed the pies suppliers and offer less choice outside. You’d thought it be pretty easy yo get some independent food trucks offering different options.

[Lew-T]

1 hour ago, Carey 6 said:

 

That’s the one

[Mkelly]

Appreciate the feedback, thank you.  Myself and Jerry will come back on it soon.  

Re choice outside, a lot of our traders didn’t re start after COVID sadly and we are always looking for innovative offerings. 

I would however, recommend a walk around the stadium concourse, each concourse has different offerings - the Dolman due its size is the most limited, the south stand has the Caribbean, Lansdown has Jolly Hog, The Bears and Robins as well as our own offerings. 
 

The comments about us using free student labour is nonsense.  Our investment into our youth workers is an important part of the stadium,  all of whom are paid for work and we are partners with Bristol City council in getting youngsters and long term unemployed in roles across the stadium and HPC’s
 

Mark 

[A Horse With No Name]

26 minutes ago, Henry said:

@JerrySLO @Mkelly

 

Its a shame that the food have gone downhill. When the stadium first open, the pies were decent and you have a bit of variety in the fans village. I’m not sure why they changed the pies suppliers and offer less choice outside. You’d thought it be pretty easy yo get some independent food trucks offering different options.

Thats harsh. How many stadiums do you think have outlets selling Mexican food and Jamaican goat curry. May be expensive , but limited choice it definitely isn't.

[Dredd]

Used to get a pasty on my way to my seat as a ritual but that stopped this season when they changed the supplier, awful fare. Why they changed an award winning supplier I don’t know. 
I have tried some of the other suppliers though and can recommend the Mexican outside as well as Feed The Goat, either of their curry’s are amazing. But the prices for anything in and around the stadium is now ridiculous 

[Dynamite Red]

Bar the Curry goat place the food is overpriced and crap again. Club need to review the concessions again, they had it right fora while but gone backwards. 

[TV Tom]

5 hours ago, Mkelly said:

Appreciate the feedback, thank you.  Myself and Jerry will come back on it soon.  

Re choice outside, a lot of our traders didn’t re start after COVID sadly and we are always looking for innovative offerings. 

I would however, recommend a walk around the stadium concourse, each concourse has different offerings - the Dolman due its size is the most limited, the south stand has the Caribbean, Lansdown has Jolly Hog, The Bears and Robins as well as our own offerings. 
 

The comments about us using free student labour is nonsense.  Our investment into our youth workers is an important part of the stadium,  all of whom are paid for work and we are partners with Bristol City council in getting youngsters and long term unemployed in roles across the stadium and HPC’s
 

Mark 

Everything is over-priced particularly if you have young-uns, going cashless was the final straw for me, it’s North Street and the Clarks pie van nowadays

[MC RISK77]

7 hours ago, Pickle Rick said:

Wasn't there supposed to be an agreement that Gregg's were going to supply the food at Ashton Gate a few years ago, or have I imagined that?

Christ that would be awful- cannot stand that chain and their dire offerings.

Question that has always really bugged me about people who eat pies at 3pm or at half time…is this your late lunch? Early tea? or are you just all greedy bastards? As much as they always smell nice when  the people round me tuck into them I can’t get my head round necking a greasy artery clogger before I head home and have a meal in the evening!

answers on a postcard