It was Groundhog Day at Nellies yesterday!!!
Completely out of the blue, it was revealed yesterday that the Managers of the White Horse Inn, (Nellies) Beverley - who had just stocked out for a two week holiday have been given the boot via the telephone.
The Management couple at one of Sam's reputed 'flag ship' venues, took over from a very successful and popular couple who were also suddenly dismissed for not adhering to the new short staff hours, back in February this year. They in turn had taken over from long-term Manager Anna, who got out before the grim reaper moved in.
Whilst the sacking was sudden - it was not totally unexpected, as the couple, despite confidently saying that they could easily cope with the restrictive staff hours, only seemed to achieve this by running down the popularity of the place, and therefore having to serve (and tidy up from) less customers.
As soon as they moved in, they had the popular upstairs room closed on a weekend, which permanently saw off a lot of custom. The Manager was also visibly drunk whilst working on many occasions (probably due to the pressures of minimum staff). Often other rooms were closed early, and chairs stacked up, prior to time being called - presumably to aid in getting things all cleared away within the minimum staff hours available.
I just hope Mr Smith seriously considers the allocated staffing hours, based on the pubs uniqueness - many open fires to maintain, many gas lights to keep an eye on in many rooms, a large upstairs area with limited access for clearing glasses etc.
The place (my local) is fantastic - but for all of the care and money Mr Smith has put in to the lovely old place - it's a shame when the place must struggle with its staffing hours. In the past, popular management (such as the previous John and Jo Sharpe) got extra assistance with glass tidying up from regulars. However the ones just sacked, initially didn't make many friends or win much support.
Amazingly, the manageress just sacked, was recently heard to say that despite what people said, they had no problems with Mr Smith, and in fact liked him! I some how think her opinion may have changed by now. Saying that, she may be happier if they find a new venue to manage with more realistic expectations of their managers/staff regarding allocated working hours.
Regarding the sacking; information is still sketchy - as it only happened sometime yesterday afternoon from what I can gather (4th November, 2009).
It would seem that the managers (John and Tracy Smith - yep, a John Smith managing a Sam Smiths pub!!!) were informed by phone, shortly after stocking out for a two-week holiday. I don't yet know what reason was given, but I hear that at the same time, a locksmith from Sorrils, was on site changing the locks!
The place is currently being managed by one of the regular staff, a decent chap, who has a personal license (lucky!). A friend who spoke with him, has just told me that all he knows is that he is currently responsible for the stock, and running the place until the 18th, and that Humphs is due to see him sometime today.
One thing that had seemed a bit strange of late, was the alleged insistence by the manageress (Tracy), that their business according to the books, was 'up' on the same time last year - which seemed a bit strange, as the place was most certainly emptier when I've been in. Also from speaking to other regulars who attend at different times to myself, it would appear that they have observed the same - a quieter pub.
Despite John and Tracy not being anywhere near as popular as previous management - I still can't help feeling sorry for them, and the way in which they've been booted out. I don't even know if they've got anywhere to go. I would imagine it's ruined their holiday plans. And from what I can ascertain, all of their property is still in the pubs flat - which only has one access point, through the pub itself!
So it will be interesting to see what happens next. It will also be interesting to see if the meager allocation of staff hours has had anything to do with it.
Our biggest worry is that we'll end up with yet another clueless eager couple, who succumb to the same unfortunate end. Meanwhile the pubs regular clientel, remains in decline - despite the peaked increase during the short raine of the previous couple, John and Jo.
So if you are reading this Mr Humphrey - why not bring back John and Jo Sharpe - and allow the venue to be run with a realistic amount of staffing hours. Or why not run it yourself for a little while - and see first had, what the place needs, to be run successfully - I guarantee you would get the full support of the regulars - and who know's you may even enjoy it!
