Cafes, Restaurants, Pubs & Takeaways

[Tom Davidson]

I will have to check it out - perhaps when my parents are picking up the bill  D)

[Michael]

  Thanks Tom for replying to me in such a civil manner. To be honest I didn't really expect a reply at all.
  I must be truthful and its won't be nice reading for the Daily Post high executives. So Tom---cover your eyes.
   Over the last five/six years I have become convinced that the Taste test was nothing more nor less than a blatant advertisement for the venue being visited. So much so that I assumed it was now all above board and public knowledge. An agreed sum of money changes hands for what is to all intents a full page advert, but read by more readers than an advert usually gets.
  So, Tom, I take my thoughts back. At least as far as any of your visits are concerned. Are the visiting guests still mentioned by name? Do they introduce themselves after the meal? I don't know the present practice because I gave up reading them years ago because I was fed up of reading the same old marvellous, unbelievable, wonderfuls. mike

[Tom Davidson]

First let me be clear to say I don't speak for the Daily Post on this, just my personal opinion:

I do agree taste test's in the DP can be a bit too positive, I think a discerning critic is what's best for all, especially as some establishments could probably do with some constructive criticism.

It's important to remember the reviews are not anonymous so complete slayings are discouraged - you never know if a business owner might take it the wrong way. I remember a taste test I did for a previous paper while on work ex which was overly acerbic and I was told to tone it down. Chances are if you hint at inadequacies, they'll be picked up on by the reader.   

I can assure you though no payment is involved for a taste test (or at least, I'm yet to receive one).

Oh and I forgot I did a taste test for The King's Head in Llandudno. Wasn't much a fan of that one (good beer and decent food, bad service).


Edit: To add, I personally prefer to go in unannounced on a review and have them only find out when our toggy goes to take a shot of the establishment, I know others might think differently. Sometimes they do know ahead of time due to stories I've done on the business (Departure Lounge, Paysanne) and, if so, I like to include that in the review - in the interests of full disclosure.

[Tom Davidson]

Liverpool Arms on Conwy Quay boarded up this evening.

[DaveR]

Liverpool Arms on Conwy Quay boarded up this evening.

Wow! What's happened there?

[born2run]

Pirate weekend tomorrow as well. 

[Fester]

Liverpool Arms on Conwy Quay boarded up this evening.

Wow! What's happened there?

I did hear a rumour that it was close to going out of business.... I didn't believe it though.

[born2run]

Why close the day before their most profitable day of they year!!
Makes no sense at all

[Fester]

Just found out...  (re Liverpool Arms).

Sadly, they were evicted yesterday.

The family got involved in a disastrous property development in Conwy, one which eventually lost them a shed-load, and their living.
It's very sad.

[DaveR]

involved in a disastrous property development in Conwy

Where was this?

[DaveR]

A new lease has been agreed for the former Mr Bs Bistro in Upper Mostyn Street.

[Fester]

Down near the quayside, a large property purchased with colleagues... and renovated to a VERY high standard.
Put up for sale at £360k,   eventually sold at less than £220k

The irony is, it has sold to an investor from the middle east (Dubai actually), who ripped it apart, refurbed it again.. but has never set foot in it.

[DaveR]

Down near the quayside, a large property purchased with colleagues... and renovated to a VERY high standard.
Put up for sale at £360k,   eventually sold at less than £220k

The irony is, it has sold to an investor from the middle east (Dubai actually), who ripped it apart, refurbed it again.. but has never set foot in it.

I think I know the property, its just behind the Liverpool Arms?

[Fester]

That's the one. 

[born2run]

ran past there at lunch very depressing site, quay full of tourists and all they have going for them is an ice cream kiosk and a house that isn't very big.  Z**