I've passed through Glasgow a couple of times in the last couple of weeks on my way to my Mum's in Dumbarton. Dumbarton offers no real ale, well no real anything these days really, so I always stop off in Glasgow for couple of pints on the way. Usually it is one of two Wetherspoons between the station I arrive in and the one I leave from, or the Drum and Monkey, though often this Caledonian Brewery obsessed bar is passed by. I am no fan of Caley beers.
Glasgow denizen, sparkler hater and blogger Robsterowksi recommended I try Browns on George Square as a change, as they sell Harviestoun Blonde. So I did and found both times, in this glitteringly posh bar, that despite silver founts adorned with Doom Bar and Harviestoun Blonde pumpclips, only Doom Bar on offer. The second time (this week) I queried this and was told that they only have one "spike" (I assume they mean spear extractor) so they can only ever offer one real ale at a time. The barman advised me it is usually Doom Bar, as that is most popular.Now that's up to them, but why imply that two are available? I dislike this misleading way of doing things. It is presumably to ensure that the "look" of the bar is maintained. Better though to take the clip off when the beer isn't available, or better still to buy another extraction spear. They are cheap as chips and this place, believe me cost millions.
Of course, you could always go to the nearby JDWs and choose from a dozen real ales. Which is what I did.
Glasgow of course is a lager city. I doubt if Browns sell much cask anyway and I suspect it will buzz at night with or without it. It was empty both lunchtimes though.
10 comments:
I agree with your points but in my experience most JDW pubs have a similar tactic of putting pump clips on for beers that are coming soon, misleading punters to think there's more beers on than there is.
It's very annoying especially when you spy something you like or want to try!
JDW did used to be guilty of this, but in my recent experience they generally put a label saying "Coming Soon" above clips for beers that are not yet on sale.
Yes, JDW are much improved on this matter and do tend to put "coming soon" labels out-which can be useful. Anyway, the chances are that in any given JDW you will find more choice than the dreaded Doom Bar.
Mudgie and Tyson have the right of it. I think this happens rarely in JDW now.
Very simply Tandy, you just need to write to trading standards and tell them they are trying to mislead the public into thinking they have product they don't have.
Although on a slightly different scale, I did this for a 'Spoons that was displaying 9 ales when they in fact had four and was a little surprised when TS actially did act on it.
Indeed. But I have a blog. I just expose the rascals here.
I can't ever imagine running to Trading Standards in such a situation - just shrug and take my custom elsewhere, and perhaps mention it on my own blog.
I wish I could be as calm as Red Nev. Dead pump clips send me daft. Is it on? No? Then admit to it! Why is this simple concept so confusing to bar staff? Why trash my expectation?
And it always seems to happen in pubs where the prices aren't displayed either. What level of deceit should you put up with, honestly?
Go to the Bon Accord instead.(assuming its still good, since its 3 years since I was there). Grrr...
@weebeefy The Bon Accord is about a mile out of the way from going between Queen St and Central Station.
The Pot Still is almost doable and usually has 2 to 3 taps on.
In the last couple of weeks a lot of places appear to have gained Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted taps for some reason.
For a between station stop Spoons is probably your easiest stop. ( You could try the Toby Jug next to Central for more dramatic scenery along with your ale )
I do go to the Toby Jug from time to time, but I'm usually, nay always, the only one drinking cask. It is often warm.
The Pot Still is doable, but usually only had one or two dark beers on.Might try it next time.
Post a Comment