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The Greys gets new lease of life (From The Argus)
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New lease of life for Brighton pub
3:20pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Neil Vowles
The Greys in Southover Street, Brighton
The new owner of a popular pub and music venue has said he will look to continue to run the pub in the tradition of its previous owners.
Nathan Wright has taken over at The Greys in Southover Street, Brighton, and will reopen it tomorrow (November 3) at noon.
Previous licensees Chris Beaumont and Gill Perkins called time on their stay at the pub they had run for nine years after failing to agree new terms on the lease.
Mr Wright, landlord of the neighbouring The Geese, said he hoped Greys regulars would see that he was not an “evil pub baron” looking to turn the traditional real ale pub into a chain.
He said he hoped that regulars who visited the pub under his management wouldn’t notice the difference from previous owners.
Mr Wright, landlord at The Geese for the last two years, said that when he learned that The Greys was to close he had mixed feelings.
Continued tradition
He was happy that a competitor had gone but also concerned that his pub would become isolated if The Greys remained closed and also worried about the impact on the Hanover community.
He said: “I know some people are worried that there will be an overhaul like The Geese had.
“The problem was when we took The Geese on, it was a bit dour and it needed improving but The Greys doesn’t need that and we will continue in the same vein it always has dating back to the 80s.”
It is believed Mr Beaumont and Ms Perkins had fallen out with leaseholders Enterprise Inns over the renegotiation of a 20-year-old lease.
Mr Wright said he will look to continue the pub’s tradition of Monday night music which has seen big acts such as Martin Carthy, Damien Rice and Buddy Holly guitarist Tommy Allsup perform.
The new owner will also revive food at the pub, off the menu for the last few months after the chef left.
Continuity between the two owners will be provided by Mark Robinson, the bar manager for the last five years, who is staying on along with other members of staff.
Anyone interested in working at The Greys should contact 01273 680734.
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Comments(11)
Mr. Milde
says...
4:29pm Fri 2 Nov 12
I don't think Nathan Wright is an "evil pub baron" but there again nor do I think he owns The Greys , he is a landlord at the whim of Enterprise Inns. If he intend to run the pub the same as the previous landlords why did Enterprise make life so difficult for them that they left ? has he got a better deal on the rent or even free for a while ? would I be surprised at that !
Now the previous landlords have been driven out Enterprise can now flog all their own booze so there is a change there , and no mention of the Belgian beers The Greys was famous for , another change.
To continue the music you need the contacts and a sound system , whilst one of these can be purchased the other can't and what type of music , cover bands ?
The food was a different class at the Greys , what now burgers ?
As to keeping on Mark and the other staff on at least that is a good move . There again what do I see underneath an advert for staff , so how many of the old staff are being taken on.
I feel better for that rant I and will visit The Greys but thats for the staff and not Enterprise Inns .
Lady Smith
says...
4:48pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Ms Opinion
says...
5:21pm Fri 2 Nov 12
bob_from_brighton
says...
5:28pm Fri 2 Nov 12
toldsloth
says...
8:01pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Having been a regular at The Greys for 10 years or more, I am sad to see Chris and Jill depart however I have no doubt Mark will continue to run the pub with his usual good humour and can only hope that Nathan is true to his word. Time will tell. Personally I'll be back there on Sunday for one of Marks "special" Bloody Marys. Cheers!
Wilftop
says...
12:14pm Sun 4 Nov 12
As a local resident I felt unwelcome to drink in the greys since 2003 when it was taken over despite going there in the past.
The landlords decided not to renew the lease as they couldn't get the terms they wanted, and rather than let the pub sit empty it's being kept open. It's still owned by the same brewery nothing has changed just a new friendlier face behind the bar.
Nathan is a bresh of fresh air, happy & wellcoming. We wish you well Nathan!
He has turned around the Geese & it is a good local pub with good honest home cooked food.
Clearly those slagging of the geese have yet to go in & try the different ales & food and discover what a friendly pub atmosphere really is, the menu caters for all tastes not just burgers the duck connfit & gyoza are lovely.
Give him a chance & judge him on his merits & not because it's not the Chris & Jill anymore.
rolivan
says...
10:04am Mon 5 Nov 12
Mr. Milde
says...
11:58am Mon 5 Nov 12
SamS2011
says...
2:47pm Mon 5 Nov 12
Ballroom Blitz
says...
12:18pm Thu 8 Nov 12
Andre Spooner wrote:An Andre Spooner classic. Brilliant.
I will be intrigued to see if Mr Wright maintains all the traditions associated with this fine establishment. It will be a delight to all and sundry if he maintains the tradition of "Crow June", a month in which a large vermouth on the rocks was presented free of charge to any customer attending the month dressed entirely as a crow.
Occasionally, when I have strayed in there with my Mighty Horse for some evening refreshment, we have been fortunate enough to witness the legendary Greys Elk Wrestling Tournament, in which customers don Powerful Antlers and attempt to drive their opponent into a stack of chairs. This, surely, is something we should never abandon!
But my favourite day at the Greys is of course the Glorious Horse Dance, when all the Horses of Brighton assemble outside, and with an accompanying musical score, they perform the Horse Dance. And then I! Spooner! Don my extraordinary Suit of Tin Foil! I stand upon my Mighty Horse at the summit of a great pyramid of Horses!
None who have ever witnessed such a spectacle in such a location could ever deign to see it disappear forever out of view. Bravo Greys! Bravo!
Andre Spooner says...
4:07pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Occasionally, when I have strayed in there with my Mighty Horse for some evening refreshment, we have been fortunate enough to witness the legendary Greys Elk Wrestling Tournament, in which customers don Powerful Antlers and attempt to drive their opponent into a stack of chairs. This, surely, is something we should never abandon!
But my favourite day at the Greys is of course the Glorious Horse Dance, when all the Horses of Brighton assemble outside, and with an accompanying musical score, they perform the Horse Dance. And then I! Spooner! Don my extraordinary Suit of Tin Foil! I stand upon my Mighty Horse at the summit of a great pyramid of Horses!
None who have ever witnessed such a spectacle in such a location could ever deign to see it disappear forever out of view. Bravo Greys! Bravo!