The Wildwood - big changes afoot?

[Andreas Rex]

...a little birdie tells me that Ivan is leaving/has left The Wildwood after 10+ years of being the landlord. I remember the day he took over from John & Pam having come from the Nesbitt Arms. He's changed the place completely since those days...it used to be a proper boozer and is now very much food-orientated, but the place is always rammed when I (rarely, nowadays) go in and they have a v good reputation.

Anyone know more?

 

[db]

I DEMAND THAT THIS WITCH HUNT ENDS!


oh, soz, wrong thread

...a little birdie tells me that Ivan is leaving/has left The Wildwood after 10+ years of being the landlord. I remember the day he took over from John & Pam having come from the Nesbitt Arms.

yeah, same here.. it's changed loads, but it's still a nice place imo.. there's definitely a time & a place for "posh nosh" (which i love and am perfectly happy to pay for), but equally there is nothing wrong with some decent grub at the sort of price the wood can knock out, and it's always rammo, like you say, with a great atmosphere..

be very interested to hear if there is more to this rumour!

 

[Kingy]

This has been my Friday after work pub for the last few years. The beer is nothing to shout about (although they have put Marstons EPA on tap this week) but it has a good atmosphere. The cheesy chips are particularly good.

 

[United57]

If you want good beer, cheesy fries, tower of onion rings and chicken thumbs try the Irish Pub Walnut St Philadelphia. I know its a long way but worth it. I see lots of pubs trying to copy american food and they never seem to be able to do it. http://www.irishpubphilly.com/12thstreet/menus.php

 

[tek-monkey]

Philly is a bit far to go for me!

 

[wildwood]

...a little birdie tells me that Ivan is leaving/has left The Wildwood after 10+ years of being the landlord. I remember the day he took over from John & Pam having come from the Nesbitt Arms. He's changed the place completely since those days...it used to be a proper boozer and is now very much food-orientated, but the place is always rammed when I (rarely, nowadays) go in and they have a v good reputation.

Anyone know more?

this little birdie is the same birdie that spoke to me a while ago

 

[John Marwood]

http://www.junkbrosnews.com/2006/11/big_foot_evidence.htm

 

[tekkers]

Yeah he left at the start of this week I think it was, either 22nd or 23rd, top pub love going down for a pint or for a good meal

 

[db]

i heard last night that (as tekkers says) ivan has already left, and as per the brewery's policy he's not allowed on the premises for at least 6 weeks! nothing dodgy, it's just policy to allow the new landlord to settle in and prevent the locals from defaulting to the old fella, apparently..

the new chap is supposed to be quite young - mid-twenties or samink, i 'eard..

 

[darts22]

Stuart Wilkes

 

[basil]

Stuart Wilkes

Does he?.......

 

[Gramaisc]

Website.

 

[Kingy]

Having frequented The Wildwood for the last couple of years on a Friday night after work am wondering whether things are starting to slip. Half of the pulls were off on Friday, there don't appear to be enough bar staff on at busy periods, food is taking longer to be served and I have had to return crisps past their sell by date three weeks in a row. Is this unusual or something that is becoming more common here?

 

[tekkers]

Kingy, its my local and I think it's slipping too, and I've always boasted to friends how good'a place it is for a drink or meal, but have been a little disappointed of late.

Went about 3 weeks ago mid-week at about 1.30, the big rush had gone, went to order food... was quoted a 1 hour 15 mins wait at least for 3 meals - this was apparently due to a lack of staff.

I went a few days later and my mates chips were burnt and he sent them back, and my burger that usually comes with a 'bit' of salad came with a tiny leaf of lettuce, they may a so not have bothered.

Hope it improves! Whats all this talk about a refurb and/or extension? I've not been in a few weeks as I've not enjoyed it much the past few times!

 

[wildwood]

Since Ivan has gone I've heard loads too. Long food waiting times, lots of disgruntled customers returning food. Unsympathetic staff after waiting so long.

I've personally witnessed lack of beers in operation. Stella served in carling glasses (small point maybe but it's all the little things). Coffee machine "out of order". Bottle fridge barely stocked. It has gone down the pan, even the proper loyal locals are saying the same.

I've heard the young new licensee has already moved on... But this may just be rumour.

 

[Withnail]

I used to work behind the bar at the Wildwood.

I was a shit barman - not awfully shit, but shit nonetheless.

It would take a seriously shit landlord to run that pub into the ground!

Let us hope and pray they don't get (another) one.

Amen.

 

[John Marwood]

I used to work behind the bar at the Wildwood.

I was a shit barman - not awfully shit, but shit nonetheless.

It would take a seriously shit landlord to run that pub into the ground!

Let us hope and pray they don't get (another) one.

Amen.

I have moved this to the Confessions of a Staffordian thread

Admin

 

[proactive]

Oh dear oh dear. We went in for a late lunch Tuesday as we occasionally do. Place was fairly deserted as you'd expect at that time of day yet it took over an hour for the food to arrive and when it did it was cold and horrible. Sent back 2 pints as well because of the state of the glasses.

Twas a good no-thrills estate pub, but now it's crap, frankly.

 

[tekkers]

Went last night, the new manager was all over the place collecting glasses serving everyone etc, seemed really good at his job! Also asked if I could order food only a few mins before 9, and the manager turned around and said yes it was alright. Food was spot on. Everyones drinks were spot on. Seems like its got better again, i'm glad it has!