Wetherspoons In Cork

beer enigma · 29-12-2014 9:32pm

ROY RACE wrote: »

food prices are ridiculous don't see any bargains there plus the beer is ****e

From my experience in England their food isn't bad, I know for a fact that UK burgers are made from UK beef, so would hope irish burgers from Irish beef ( as much as McD's are)

Beer is good, how many have you visited RoyRace ??

They have over 900 pubs in the UK with 26,000 employees, they get cheap prices because of buying power, hence the recent boycott threat to Heineken.

Nonoperational · 29-12-2014 10:06pm

ROY RACE wrote: »

food prices are ridiculous don't see any bargains there plus the beer is ****e

Jasus what nonsense.

GavRedKing · 30-12-2014 12:07pm

The car parking space in behind that TSB site in Douglas is huge, would be a decent place to setup too.

firestarter51 · 30-12-2014 12:24pm

Andip wrote: »

From my experience in England their food isn't bad, I know for a fact that UK burgers are made from UK beef, so would hope irish burgers from Irish beef ( as much as McD's are)

Beer is good, how many have you visited RoyRace ??

They have over 900 pubs in the UK with 26,000 employees, they get cheap prices because of buying power, hence the recent boycott threat to Heineken.

i have drank in wetherspoons for years in london
drink is cheap and nothing wrong with it
food is alright, its not going to be fine dining but a plate of food and a pint for that price is ok in my book
i think they will do well in cork

Dbu · 30-12-2014 3:45pm

I for one wish them well and I think they will do fine in Douglas, location is great and personally I think €5.05 is a rip off for a pint anyway so best of luck to them, I will certainly try them

SpaceTime · 30-12-2014 4:01pm

It's a significantly different market but, it'll be interesting to see how they adapt and how the local pubs adapt too.

I think there's a good opportunity for the pubs to innovate and become a lot more foodie.

Cool_CM · 30-12-2014 8:57pm

ROY RACE wrote: »

food prices are ridiculous don't see any bargains there plus the beer is ****e

Erdinger at €2.95?

clerk · 30-12-2014 11:03pm

I met an Uncle today who lives in the UK and we were talking about Wetherspoons opening in Dublin, he didn't even know about Cork.

He told me that when they opened in the UK that Guinness weren't supplying due to price but over time due to the sheer volume they relented.

It's going to be very interesting, that's for sure.

Low margin, high volume is the model and it works in the UK.

I think it's going to work here too to be honest. The amount of people talking about it around the place is unreal and it hasn't even opened yet.

ongarboy · 31-12-2014 2:59pm

And I bet you some of the first visitors rushing to Wetherspoons will be those most vocal in their criticism of them opening in Ireland...!!:)

beer enigma · 31-12-2014 6:53pm

Apart from the new employment they will bring, they are the largest supporter of micro breweries in the UK which could be great news for the many microbreweries in ireland as they try to source locally for beer where they can.

blindsider · 31-12-2014 8:23pm

You mean that a JD Wetherspoons in Cork would probably stock local Cork beer, and a JDW in e.g. Galway would stock local Galway beer? And this would be replicated around the country?

So, someone coming to Cork for a w/e, would have to try a different, local beer if they went to a JDW?

That sounds just appalling! Surely we want everything to be the same everywhere, with no local variation. Vanilla rules!

As for supporting local businesses - Down with that sort of thing!

JP Liz V1 · 09-01-2015 5:04pm

Did it open in Douglas?

lostinsuperfunk · 09-01-2015 5:25pm

The best JDW's in the UK are kind of like mid-range hotel bars, pleasant & clean, but bland. The drink is excellent value, particularly the interesting range of beers. Their food is cheap but pretty bad in my opinion so I think SpaceTime is right about room for the locals to innovate here.

I think it'll definitely be a big success in Douglas. When you look around, all of the local bars are similar in style to JDW, albeit with much higher alcohol prices.

I'm not sure if it'll be as successful in the city centre, where I think people want a bit more atmosphere and character from a pub, and might be prepared to pay extra for that.

JDW would make an absolute killing if they opened in Bishopstown, perhaps in the old Viscount. It's similar to Douglas, a large local population with even more limited choice. Not to mention students looking for cheap booze.

clerk · 09-01-2015 5:26pm

There are planning objections gone in now, that if I could surmise are saying it would bring down the tone of the general area. Which is priceless since one of the locals ( very near to it ) is akin to a disco at the weekend with blaring music all night long. I won't mention the pub by name, but I think any local could figure it out.

http://www.eveningecho.ie/news/cork-news/2015/01/09/jd-wetherspoon-pub/

"Some residents in Douglas have lodged objections to the Weatherspoon development for a variety of reasons saying it would not be beneficial to the long term development of Douglas, that the promotion of cheap alcohol would cause anti-social behaviour, added traffic congestion, the impact of the planned rear beer garden on nearby apartments,
O’Driscoll’s Bar on Church Street also objected to the new Wetherspoons venue saying it is not in keeping with the future vision for Douglas and that the village was already well served by premises offering food and drink."

Priceless stuff. :-)

hufpc8w3adnk65 · 09-01-2015 5:27pm

Can't see any of those objections holding up in court!

blindsider · 09-01-2015 6:13pm

lostinsuperfunk wrote: »

The best JDW's in the UK are kind of like mid-range hotel bars, pleasant & clean, but bland. The drink is excellent value, particularly the interesting range of beers. Their food is cheap but pretty bad in my opinion so I think SpaceTime is right about room for the locals to innovate here.

I think it'll definitely be a big success in Douglas. When you look around, all of the local bars are similar in style to JDW, albeit with much higher alcohol prices.

I'm not sure if it'll be as successful in the city centre, where I think people want a bit more atmosphere and character from a pub, and might be prepared to pay extra for that.

JDW would make an absolute killing if they opened in Bishopstown, perhaps in the old Viscount. It's similar to Douglas, a large local population with even more limited choice. Not to mention students looking for cheap booze.

You may well be right about B'town in general being suitable, but not The Viscount - Bishopstown CU have plans for that:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/property/review-of-the-market-177485.html

...end of 8th paragraph.

the beer revolu · 09-01-2015 7:38pm

I've heard they've taken a lease next door to Ramen in Dennehy's Cross.

kcb · 11-01-2015 10:48am

The more bars selling food and drink at a reasonable price the better surely.

Similar to the Idaho/Starbucks whinge, it's funny to hear Sober Lane (Ernest C) blowing on about Wetherspoons and asking for people to support local business etc.

If Irish pubs were not ripping people off for years (with a huge help from the government of course) then the likes of Wetherspoons opening would not even be on the radar.

CHealy · 12-01-2015 10:47am

kcb wrote: »

The more bars selling food and drink at a reasonable price the better surely.

Similar to the Idaho/Starbucks whinge, it's funny to hear Sober Lane (Ernest C) blowing on about Wetherspoons and asking for people to support local business etc.

If Irish pubs were not ripping people off for years (with a huge help from the government of course) then the likes of Wetherspoons opening would not even be on the radar.

Nail on the head there.

I saw Sober Lanes post on FB/Twitter and I couldn't believe they had the gaul to question the opening of these places. I was in Sober Lane over Xmas and I paid €5.20 for a Heineken, and not only that, but the place is void of any atmosphere. It was my first time in there in a few years and won't be going again. I cannot wait for Weatherspoons to open, not only is it going to give people jobs and fill up an empty slot in the city center, but its going to rattle the like of Ernest to cop themselves on.

hufpc8w3adnk65 · 12-01-2015 10:51am

For those of us who choose not too use facebook and Twitter can someone stick up a few of the posts in here?

run_Forrest_run · 12-01-2015 10:55am

kcb wrote: »

The more bars selling food and drink at a reasonable price the better surely.

Similar to the Idaho/Starbucks whinge, it's funny to hear Sober Lane (Ernest C) blowing on about Wetherspoons and asking for people to support local business etc.

If Irish pubs were not ripping people off for years (with a huge help from the government of course) then the likes of Wetherspoons opening would not even be on the radar.

I read that article on the Examiner website and I really got an insular tone about it. If you weren't 'local' then he didn't want your business around..give me a break.

rob316 · 12-01-2015 11:13am

CHealy wrote: »

Nail on the head there.

I saw Sober Lanes post on FB/Twitter and I couldn't believe they had the gaul to question the opening of these places. I was in Sober Lane over Xmas and I paid €5.20 for a Heineken, and not only that, but the place is void of any atmosphere. It was my first time in there in a few years and won't be going again. I cannot wait for Weatherspoons to open, not only is it going to give people jobs and fill up an empty slot in the city center, but its going to rattle the like of Ernest to cop themselves on.

All smart answers back too from him, I hope one opens on every street to break up this cartel between Benny, Ernest and Monty.

I wouldn't mind but the pints are absolute **** inside in Sober Lane, flat and lifeless.
Ernest talking about the struggle of cork business, that fella wouldn't know the meaning of struggle his millionaire daddy bankrolls his operation ffs.

I was in the deanrock bar in Togher on Saturday night, €2.85 for a pint of miller or fosters, the fosters was one of the nicest pints I'd had in years and I wouldn't touch Fosters usually.

CHealy · 12-01-2015 11:27am

MrMac84 wrote: »

For those of us who choose not too use facebook and Twitter can someone stick up a few of the posts in here?

This was the Facebook post. Some of the replies were so childish and unprofessional from them, it was embarrassing actually. They are clearly wobbling at the knee's about a bit of competition.

namloc1980 · 12-01-2015 12:24pm

The prospect of competition is really worrying the likes of Sober Lane with their €5.20 pints of Heineken! I stopped going to town a few years back due to the ripoff prices and ear splitting music they call "atmosphere". Wetherspoons will encourage me in for a look if nothing else.

whisky_galore · 12-01-2015 12:34pm

CHealy wrote: »

Nail on the head there.

I saw Sober Lanes post on FB/Twitter and I couldn't believe they had the gaul to question the opening of these places. I was in Sober Lane over Xmas and I paid €5.20 for a Heineken, and not only that, but the place is void of any atmosphere. It was my first time in there in a few years and won't be going again. I cannot wait for Weatherspoons to open, not only is it going to give people jobs and fill up an empty slot in the city center, but its going to rattle the like of Ernest to cop themselves on.

5.20 for a beer hand crafted by Trappist Albanian dwarves in a cave in Antarctica, fair enough...but for a pint of Heinie? Fcuk off for yourself!

hoodwinked · 12-01-2015 12:43pm

i have to say i am surprised to see sober lane taking so many hits on here, there are many more bars in town that charge €5+ for a pint. but not that many that actually give you something for nothing like sober lane do, comparing a city center price of a pint to a suburb price of a pint is a non runner anyway, different rent/services costs means obviously the city center one will always be more expensive.

many a tuesday night my friend and i would head in to do their table quiz, drink water for the night (couldn't afford much else at the time) and not once did ernest or the staff in there complain, if anything he'd chat away with us about stuff, got to know us, and made us (essentially two nobodies that he wasn't making any money off of) into regulars.

you can be sure Wetherspoons won't be exchanging exam timetables for free pints, or worrying about other small businesses when/if they flood.

and compared to other pubs selling pints for €5+ how many of them will do a coin toss and match your order, i saw a guy get a tray full of jager bombs in the coin toss once, i think we all know most publicans would just say things like "terms and conditions apply" to avoid expensive drinks being included but Sober lane don't. they may be gimmicks, but it's more than you'll get elsewhere in the city.

CHealy · 12-01-2015 1:06pm

hoodwinked wrote: »

i have to say i am surprised to see sober lane taking so many hits on here, there are many more bars in town that charge €5+ for a pint. but not that many that actually give you something for nothing like sober lane do, comparing a city center price of a pint to a suburb price of a pint is a non runner anyway, different rent/services costs means obviously the city center one will always be more expensive.

many a tuesday night my friend and i would head in to do their table quiz, drink water for the night (couldn't afford much else at the time) and not once did ernest or the staff in there complain, if anything he'd chat away with us about stuff, got to know us, and made us (essentially two nobodies that he wasn't making any money off of) into regulars.

you can be sure Wetherspoons won't be exchanging exam timetables for free pints, or worrying about other small businesses when/if they flood.

and compared to other pubs selling pints for €5+ how many of them will do a coin toss and match your order, i saw a guy get a tray full of jager bombs in the coin toss once, i think we all know most publicans would just say things like "terms and conditions apply" to avoid expensive drinks being included but Sober lane don't. they may be gimmicks, but it's more than you'll get elsewhere in the city.

Easy there Ernest, you're going to give yourself a hernia.

pwurple · 12-01-2015 1:18pm

Era, the guy isn't a PR expert... I think possibly some advice on how that was worded could have helped. Or possibly someone telling them it didn't even need to be said in the first place.

I know what he meant, and honestly I think the Sober Lane complex is a great spot, due to some serious hard work all round in there. Fair play to them and what they have achieved. If people abandon the real pubs completely for the wetherspoons cardboard cutout version, then the pub HAS done something wrong.

Wetherspoons and starbucks don't damage takings for existing pubs/cafes in other places, I don't think they will here either. They will fill up some boarded up empty places, which I am delighted about. More life and activity in the city will drive more footfall, and that will be good for everyone.

They may take some student trade very short term, but even students want a bit of atmosphere. Most likely it will be tourists, looking for something vaguely familiar.

Good pubs provide a whole lot more than just the pint you pay for.

pwurple · 12-01-2015 1:25pm

rob316 wrote: »

All smart answers back too from him, I hope one opens on every street to break up this cartel between Benny, Ernest and Monty.

Good to see the begrudgers out in force as usual. God forbid anyone works hard and improves their business.

namloc1980 · 12-01-2015 1:30pm

pwurple wrote: »

Good to see the begrudgers out in force as usual. God forbid anyone works hard and improves their business.

Should they be untouchable to criticism / competition?

the beer revolu · 12-01-2015 2:25pm

What a lot of people don't realise is that JDW play a huge part in supporting local craft breweries wherever they open. Sober Lane has never been known for stocking Irish craft beers.

Most people bashing JDW don't realise this.
They are not just purveyors of cheap beer, the also sell a lot of cheap, high quality local beer.

CHealy · 12-01-2015 2:49pm

Theres even a section on their website where you can apply to be a supplier.

gimmick · 12-01-2015 3:17pm

So multi million pound industry JDW are now the good guys?

I like Sober Lane. It does have a good atmosphere in there and Ernest did roll up his sleeves at the start. When he took it over I remember going in and it was as dead as its previous incarnation - The Office. Between good offers, decent music and nice food, he has made it probably Corks busiest pub.

Id far prefer see the likes of him and Benny etc thrive than some faceless franchise do well. I am not against JDW coming in, quite the opposite in fact, but if it causes other places owned locally to shut their doors then I am against it.

SteelyDanJalapeno · 12-01-2015 3:28pm

gimmick wrote: »

So multi million pound industry JDW are now the good guys?

I like Sober Lane. It does have a good atmosphere in there and Ernest did roll up his sleeves at the start. When he took it over I remember going in and it was as dead as its previous incarnation - The Office. Between good offers, decent music and nice food, he has made it probably Corks busiest pub.

Id far prefer see the likes of him and Benny etc thrive than some faceless franchise do well. I am not against JDW coming in, quite the opposite in fact, but if it causes other places owned locally to shut their doors then I am against it.

Any chance you might be in support of competitive prices?

Nobody forcing anybody in the door, Looks Sober Lane and the rest are a little afraid that its gonna cut into their massive profits.

gimmick · 12-01-2015 3:36pm

Of course I am, thats why I said

I am not against JDW coming in, quite the opposite in fact

But Id hate to see Cork pubs all becoming JDWs etc for the sake of saving a few quid on a night out.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the Sober Lane post, it has gotten them a crap load more free publicity. They have the whole social media lark down to a tee.

pwurple · 12-01-2015 4:34pm

namloc1980 wrote: »

Should they be untouchable to criticism / competition?

Of course not, but there's a difference between tripe like 'he doesn't know the meaning of struggle' and a valid criticism.

I'm perfectly free to identify that as pure sour grapes.

rob316 · 12-01-2015 5:09pm

pwurple wrote: »

Of course not, but there's a difference between tripe like 'he doesn't know the meaning of struggle' and a valid criticism.

I'm perfectly free to identify that as pure sour grapes.

I don't have any sour grapes, I run a moderately successful local business with another person myself and have really struggled through the recession and hard times. We lost about 70% of our trade at one stage.
I just think the larger pubs have had it a lot easier than retail businesses that have been torn apart by competition locally, nationally, online and multinational retail.

There isn't much price competition for the pub trade per say as they all charge the same. Its more customers preference wins out.
Ernest has built a fine collection of establishments over the years and yes he built up that kip the office into sober lane which is one of the busiest places in town.

The average working man has been priced out of going out for a drink in the city centre for some time now, places like Wetherspoon's will open that market back up.
Who knows it could have zero effect here or have the pubs slashing prices, I don't know.
What I took exception to was SB's attitude on facebook, real childish and unprofessional response's to mostly well laid out points.

I'm not a fan of Wetherspoons but I'm even less of a fan of pints over €5.

rob316 · 12-01-2015 5:21pm

This is the fella from Idaho Café then giving out about chains. This will be the same guy complaining about the empty units in the city and how run down it looks.

Richard Jacob idahocafe
@simoncoveney Investment is always welcome...... My concern is to maintain Cork's name as a City of variety and history ... Talk soon

Simon Coveney @simoncoveney

Follow
@idahocafe u make a fair point - unique Locally owned cafés r what gives a food city real Character and personality
9:19 PM - 9 Jan 2015

7 Retweets 9 favorites

" Variety and history" - give me a break ffs its your bottom line you care about.

gimmick · 12-01-2015 5:28pm

I couldnt be bothered trawling through the replies on FB, but what was said by Sober lane in the responses?

whisky_galore · 12-01-2015 5:29pm

rob316 wrote: »

" Variety and history" - give me a break ffs its your bottom line you care about.

'Variety' I can understand, but 'history'? Would probably get it if his business had been around for the last 50 years.

TBF none of them are running charities, either make a profit (or at least break even) or go out of business.

rob316 · 12-01-2015 5:55pm

whisky_galore wrote: »

'Variety' I can understand, but 'history'? Would probably get it if his business had been around for the last 50 years.

TBF none of them are running charities, either make a profit (or at least break even) or go out of business.

You own a business you get up in the morning to make money, sure some trades can benefit people and the world but end of the day its all about the dollar. I fcuking hate when businesses use this bull**** to hid behind and come across holier than thou.

pwurple · 12-01-2015 6:01pm

rob316 wrote: »

I don't have any sour grapes, I run a moderately successful local business with another person myself and have really struggled through the recession and hard times. We lost about 70% of our trade at one stage.
I just think the larger pubs have had it a lot easier than retail businesses that have been torn apart by competition locally, nationally, online and multinational retail.

There isn't much price competition for the pub trade per say as they all charge the same. Its more customers preference wins out.
Ernest has built a fine collection of establishments over the years and yes he built up that kip the office into sober lane which is one of the busiest places in town.

Even if he had it easier during the recession as a bigger establishment, it's because the work, planning, investment and risk was put in over several years to make it be robust with a huge customer-base. Sober lane didn't fall out of the sky all neatly packaged ready to run... which is what you were saying.

What I took exception to was SB's attitude on facebook, real childish and unprofessional response's to mostly well laid out points.

I'm not a fan of Wetherspoons but I'm even less of a fan of pints over €5.

I agree with you here, I already said it was badly worded.

firestarter51 · 13-01-2015 7:47pm

So anyone know the opening date
Looking at the menu and cider at €2.95 lools appealing

http://www.jdwetherspoon.ie/pdf/irish_menu.pdf

kingtut · 13-01-2015 8:05pm

gimmick wrote: »

Of course I am, thats why I said

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the Sober Lane post, it has gotten them a crap load more free publicity. They have the whole social media lark down to a tee.

Publicity doesn't guarantee people will spend their money in there though ...

Speaking personally, I think the vast majority will go wherever they are getting the best value for money.

Cape Clear · 14-01-2015 12:04pm

kingtut wrote: »

Publicity doesn't guarantee people will spend their money in there though ...

Speaking personally, I think the vast majority will go wherever they are getting the best value for money.

Some people are very easily led. Maybe it's an Irish thing to give out stink about the cost of drink in a place and still go in there.

nuts86 · 14-01-2015 2:14pm

I personally will be staying away from Wetherspoons at the beginning, low prices and the location of it will draw a rough crowd to begin with, they will have to have some very good door staff, i dunno will they hire local people for this or not, hopefully they do.

As regards Sober Lane, anytime i've been in there I have enjoyed myself and even though I have felt the price of a pint was cheeky, I didnt mind paying it for the experience you get in there... ie good music, free table quiz, flip a coin and of course very reasonably priced, good quality food

CHealy · 14-01-2015 2:47pm

nuts86 wrote: »

I personally will be staying away from Wetherspoons at the beginning, low prices and the location of it will draw a rough crowd to begin with, they will have to have some very good door staff, i dunno will they hire local people for this or not, hopefully they do.

How very judgmental of you. So anyone that wants to not be ripped off for a pint is now some sort of thug?

I think its your type that Wetherspoons should be wary about. Get down from the top of your nose.

ABajaninCork · 14-01-2015 3:13pm

nuts86 wrote: »

I personally will be staying away from Wetherspoons at the beginning, low prices and the location of it will draw a rough crowd to begin with, they will have to have some very good door staff, i dunno will they hire local people for this or not, hopefully they do.

As regards Sober Lane, anytime i've been in there I have enjoyed myself and even though I have felt the price of a pint was cheeky, I didnt mind paying it for the experience you get in there... ie good music, free table quiz, flip a coin and of course very reasonably priced, good quality food

What ARE you on about??

Obviously, you've never been to a Wetherspoon's huh? IME, it draws a decent office crowd for both the lunchtime and the early evening. The proposed location in town would be ideal for that, wouldn't you say?

Oh - and in the evening, they DO have door staff. Again, they're licenced (as is the law here as well as in the UK I believe). Whether they're local or not is irrelevant IMO.

So - you're moaning about the prices in Sober Lane as they're 'cheeky', but don't want to go to the Wetherspoon's either in case the wrong people get in and the doormen aren't local.

You need to make up your mind what you want!

whisky_galore · 14-01-2015 3:22pm

nuts86 wrote: »

I personally will be staying away from Wetherspoons at the beginning, low prices and the location of it will draw a rough crowd to begin with, they will have to have some very good door staff, i dunno will they hire local people for this or not, hopefully they do.

Jesus, wait until the place is open at least.

firestarter51 · 14-01-2015 5:00pm

wetherspoon never had a thug element in the uk, door staff are spot on and very courteous, i think the same will apply here.
one of my locals for a while was a wetherspoon, barking dog, they did pints for a pound on a monday till 7pm, this was great for the local pensioners, and handy for a couple on the way home from work, never any trouble
give the place a chance

Wetherspoons In Cork

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