Time called for local boozers?

1:30pm Thursday 14th August 2008

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I WAS having a conversation with my dad some time ago and he thinks the traditional pub is under threat.

And I think he’s right.

In the early part of the week, many boozers in my home town are either dead or some close early. So, why are the people staying away?

The price of beer and other drinks has to be a factor. In one pub I frequent in Timperley, a pint of Stella costs me £2.80 and I can go to a supermarket and buy a pint can for just over £1.

Now I’m no economist, but the saving is there for all to see.

Pubs could definitely do more to attract drinkers through the door. A few years ago the afore mentioned pub in Timperley went through a phase of putting live music on.

On one occasion, they had a guy with a guitar playing cover versions of well known songs. He wasn’t exactly Glastonbury material and will probably spend his life performing to the half cut or the well and truly sozzleed in various hostellries across Greater Manchester, but it did make for an entertaining night.

I also know that Trafford bands are crying out for places to play in the area and many of the borough’s pubs have function rooms that would be ideal for the purpose.

And what if more pubs put on live comedy events? Stand-up works so well in an intimate pub room, just ask anyone who went to gigs at Chorlton’s Buzz Club.

For me, this was as important to live comedy as Liverpool’s Cavern Club was to pop music in the 60s and the bar always did brisk business.

Chain stores have already taken over Trafford’s high streets and it would be a real shame if chain bars do the same. They lack character, they lack history and they invariably lack atmosphere. You could be anywhere, in any part of the country.

I’ve been to pubs in Ireland that have live music on and even a modest number of musicians can have the punters jigging between the bar stools.