What are you doing Mr Dodd !Today 17:44
Long standing shareholder. Absolutely love this company and their entire ethos. However...slightly disturbing: good mate of mine (from one of the professions) is a BIG fan of one the old City Pub outlets in West London (dont want to be too specific and risk getting him in any bother). He's taken me there a few times and it was rammed to the rafters with well-heeled punters every time - amazing place. Massive cash cow. BUT he has been told Young's have got rather "heavy-handed" with the manager who was apparently the bloke you has successfully turned it around over the last few years and all the regulars love 'im. I have no problem with deep cuts into the City Pub duplicated central overheads/board, of course and that was very transparently flagged at the time of the take over, but (statement of the obvious) the managers at these rather quirky but very profitable niche London pubs are absolutely key to success! Am hoping sense prevails and that this is just a short term "teething" issue (not uncommon of course). We spent £162m on 50 pubs - we need them all performing to the max and if it aint broke dont fix it....! Also saw in the press today that Heineken are re-opening 62 pubs - a VERY bullish statement for the sector.