The boss of Robin Hill has addressed rays of public hope amid the potential closure of a much-loved Downend pub, the Hare and Hounds.
Earlier this week, Island Echo exclusively revealed that the historic and much-loved pub has entered a 30-day consultation period with staff, with the potential closure of the pub being discussed.
Readers have been quick to comment that Robin Hill should or would buy the pub as another dining establishment. The comment section on the original article, and on social media, has been full of hope, with the public firmly believing that the new owners of the park have what it takes to make the pub a success once again.
This week, Island Echo has spoken with Robin Hill to find out the truth: is the Hare and Hounds a venture they are looking into? Is Lee Priddle the pub’s knight in shining armour?
Sadly, that is unlikely to be the case.
Lee Priddle, CEO and co-owner of Robin Hill, has said:
“We fully understand how much the Hare and Hounds means to the local community, and we would of course love to be in a position to help secure its future.
“However, at this time, we are unable to consider taking on the pub, as our focus remains firmly on significant ongoing developments within Robin Hill Adventure Park and The Adrenaline Zone.
Article continues below this advertisement “We have just launched our brand-new attraction, Ride ‘N’ Slide, in time for the Easter weekend and are preparing to open our indoor soft play area, Robin’s Nest, on 2nd May. These projects represent a major investment in the park, and our priority is to ensure their successful delivery.
“While we are not currently in a position to pursue this opportunity, we sincerely hope the Hare and Hounds can find a positive path forward and continue to play an important role in the community.”
Greene king let the pub go,needs a local to get the old pub going again
Death knell then. Hope the peacocks find a kind home.
Pubs are a dying trade, they have out priced themselves.
Wetherspoons have the right idea, cheap drink and
cheap food.
How can it be “much loved” if no one is going there anymore. It was much loved perhaps w0 odd years ago but sadly has gone downhill.
Reason being probably due to conglomerates. Nowadays the multipurpose pub owners want to squeeze every bit of profit out of them that is possible rather than a family business just making a modest living out of it.
Majority of people don’t have soare income to
spend in such establishments.
A family of 4 can go to Spoons and get a drink and
a meal, plus extra drinks and coffees etc for under
£50
Other pubs 2 meals alone cost nearly £40
I know where I would rather go, people want value
for money.
Sadly this is what happens when certain chains get hold of rural pubs and change them from a “pub” into yet another carbon copy of every property they own a restaurant, same drinks and same boring menu’s.
That kills the individuality and buzz of a local pub, they’ve suck the sole out of it and turn it just another dining machine restaurant, get them in fed and out. No longer a place to gather with friends for the evening for drinks, or celebrate an event for a couple of hours with family on a weekend.
These restaurants don’t want you just coming in for a drink or two with friends they want you buying expensive meals, desserts and overpriced drinks because profit comes before anything and we are just a cash cow to be freeced as soon we walk through the door.
You can’t beat a proper land lord/lady who’s face you see week in week out.
Very true, the good old days were the best.
Good old fashioned pubs where you could drink
buy a meat pie and a packet of crisps.
Nowdays they want your money for a plate load of
veg and salad
Typical Greene King.
Get Tim in
I went there with friends fairly recently a couple of times and it seemed to be under new management: The staff were really lovely and we were happy with the food. I’d not been there for some years after a negative experience. Maybe it didn’t recover from it’s dodgy period. Perhaps a community funding effort would keep it going…. and some events. Other places have kept going and had some life breathed into them this way. Wish them all the best. Everywhere doesn’t need to be like the chains and there are well attended gastro pubs, like the Blacksmiths, which always seems to have patrons, even though it’s a little out-of-the-way. They need to create a bit of a buzz and support.