The Canape Box

[Reading Rebel]

I'm with Stan, I always get my tea there and I can vouch for the pasties.

[David Carpenter]

Regarding the bar apart from the price structure the choice leaves a bad taste in the mouth. On Saturday all the beers on pressure (which I don't drink anyway) were seriously overcooled and were therefore dispensing like milk shakes. It would be nice to have cask bitter available but given the turnover this is perhaps not practicable. The next option is therefore bottled beer. A couple of weeks ago I  was able to drink bottled Doombar  bitter but this or similar is no longer available. The bottled cider is not cider as I would recognise it. So on Saturday I finished up having a can of coke followed by a bottle of Amstel lager (yuk!). One of our players came looking for a draught Guinness but that was not available. If the Canape Box people want to see some increased custom at the bar they frankly need to improve their offerings. The lack of furniture in the bar also does not help especially for us old codgers.

[GlenSTFC]

It's obviously one of the drawbacks of not owning/having control. The bar area is very sterile/clinical and not homely at all. Some sofas and more seating would certainly help.

[Reading Rebel]

Do we know who the contractors are who manage and run the bar?

 

The Canape Box seem to specialise in 'posh food' i.e. canape's etc so why was the Canape Box chosen to run the food for football match's where the food normally dished up is totally different which they seem incapable of doing?

Edited August 15, 2017 by Reading Rebel

[GlenSTFC]

I too thought it was a strange choice of caterer although they obviously will cater for all events held at stadium not just match days.

[bluerebel]

Regarding the bar apart from the price structure the choice leaves a bad taste in the mouth. On Saturday all the beers on pressure (which I don't drink anyway) were seriously overcooled and were therefore dispensing like milk shakes. It would be nice to have cask bitter available but given the turnover this is perhaps not practicable. The next option is therefore bottled beer. A couple of weeks ago I  was able to drink bottled Doombar  bitter but this or similar is no longer available. The bottled cider is not cider as I would recognise it. So on Saturday I finished up having a can of coke followed by a bottle of Amstel lager (yuk!). One of our players came looking for a draught Guinness but that was not available. If the Canape Box people want to see some increased custom at the bar they frankly need to improve their offerings. The lack of furniture in the bar also does not help especially for us old codgers.

 Totally agree with you Dave.

 

Of the 8 pumps there were three lagers, two ciders, two Guinness ( both out of order and only one bitter ( Theakstons) which was too cold and therefore slow to poor.

 

The staff were very slow and frankly seemed a bit disinterested.At half time two staff was insufficient with a queue almost outside of the door. It is not clear who is the Manager but they need to get their act together.

 

For one of the friendlies they had a mini keg of Rebellion on the bar - could they not do this again?

 

There was talk about having prematch meals but on this performance I think this would not be very wise until they get their act together.

 

It is a shame that already quite a few supporters are not staying after the game for a drink and consequently there is no atmosphere.

 

As mentioned above maybe Canape are not the right partner for this type of stadium.

 

As tenants we can only do so much and it is unclear what SBC or their management advisors want from the stadium but if they want to promote football in the community they need to provide a good social atmosphere as well.

 

I also agree with Dave that the quantity of furniture is also very poor and to have only ONE bench outside is a bit of a joke. Again whoever decided this shows a lack of knowledge in after match requirements when fans and players want to sit and chat.  If we are not careful the social facilities could go the way of Burnham and although having great initial expectations will be very underused.

[bluerebel]

I also agree that the best value/ quality is in the tea bar downstairs. Evidence of this the large queues at half time. They could do with a bigger area!!

 

I also feel that there should be more provision on the East stand side. It is clear that for games of 700+ some of the facilities are insufficient. Maybe we could bring the burger van back ( which incidently was at H&Y on Saturday)

 

There should also be WC facilities on this side of the ground, The existing Toilets are to small for these type of crowds.

 

Again this is a criticism of the developing agents who have let the council down.

[Bernie Gogan]

Food or drink (real ale particularly) provided by the club and therefore money going directly to the football club I will 100% support. In fact last season was particularly good on that basis and my friends and I enjoyed our pre-match food and drink. I'm not interested in poor service and offerings from a 3rd party and which doesn't have any financial reward for the club.

 

Their marketing hasn't been very good if what worked well last season hasn't been taken into account and built on.

[GlenSTFC]

I'm guessing the downstairs kitchen can't sell alcohol even from those Rebellion pourable kegs? Wonder if there's restrictions on what food it can sell too?

Edited August 16, 2017 by GlenSTFC

[Stan]

Bernie is right. It's a shame the new caterers did not build on what we already had. It would be a win win. The Main bar service is too crowded at the peak points ,so keeping the bottle bar downstairs would INCREASE overall sales , provide more choice and a better service.

[Big J R]

I have been following this thread with great interest.

 

We may well be in the same situation at the all new, all singing, all dancing Meadowbank stadium in Dorking WHEN it is eventually completed later in the season.

 

As far as pricing goes, I suggest you all vote with your feet, or the lack of use of them.  Lack of profits soon make the 'contractors'/site owners think again !!