Went to the Ship in Southwick about 6 weeks ago and ordered a pint of Bombardier. I smelt it and it had a slight acetic smell I thought. So, politely asked the landlady if she could change it.
Her immediate reply was that age old standard that many (bad) publicans have imprinted in their neuron auto reply system "LOT'S of other people have been drinking it and no one else has complained" (If I had a penny for....) She then pretended to pull off some beer as if she had changed the barrel. I knew she hadn't by the way she was phaffing around and doing it so gingerly so as not to waste any of her precious acetic acid.
So, she pours another one and I smell and this time taste it too. Sure enough a candidate for the Sarsons factory is sitting in this pint glass in front of me. I then refuse that pint and ask for a pint of WJ King's best bitter (a beer I quite honestly I could brew better than with my eyes closed- and with hardly any ingredients, and yes, I have done commercial brewing! That aside...) - which apart from not being a particularly nice beer at least wasn't 'on the turn' and was drinkable.
OK, many (in fact 6) weeks later I return to said establishment and as soon as I walk up to the bar, the landlady decides it is time to make a hasty retreat.....hmmmmm strange I think as last time I was in there and returned the duff pint I was certainly pleasant and didn't make too much of a fuss! So, I am left with the barmaid who is pleasant enough. I then order a pint of Bombardier in the hope that it can't be like it was last time-----NO SUCH LUCK!
Another pint of Acetic acid is served up. This time I was rather peeved and asked for my money back. The landlord did ask me what was wrong with the beer and I told him quite abruptly as I had travelled to drink there (it ain't a local of mine). I'll give him his due, he did quickly apologise at least.
The bottom line to this story is- they won't get my custom again. It is all about having too many pumps and not enough customers- if they have a low turnover then at least drop one of the 3 (maybe
4-??? Can't remember) Hand pump beers they have on. It is all about greed I'm afraid! Thank God for the Stanley up the road- you will NEVER get a duff 'un in there! Apologies for retelling a familiar story to the many ale drinkers here. It is a sad fact that ale sales will never compete with the dreaded gassy lager while this sort of thing keeps happening. At least I feel better now for my rant ;-)