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Green dragon - Miss ML (14th Aug 2014 - 22:36:01) Very disappointed that the pool table has been taken away Debbie has made a good job of making the pub a social place. But went to have a game of pool and was told that the new manager has taken it away !!! Debbie knows what people want so should let her do what she dose best !! BRING BACK THE POOL TABLE

Re: Green dragon - g renouf (15th Aug 2014 - 08:08:09) hmmm... Is the dartboard still there? did you ask the new landlord why?

Re: Green dragon - Kaz (15th Aug 2014 - 13:45:22) Dart board gone as well apparently causes to much trouble

Re: Green dragon - g renouf (15th Aug 2014 - 16:05:56) another customer lost come on we need a village pub not another foody pool darts skittles

Re: Green dragon - DML (15th Aug 2014 - 17:36:55) they do have an excellent flower display on the outside though - just drove past and was most impressed!

Re: Green dragon - Neil (15th Aug 2014 - 20:23:36) Five of us went there and had a good night playing pool and darts but looks like we can't do a repeat trip. That's 30 pints per visit they'll miss out on. Does anyone know the new manager? Point them to this thread so they can see taking away the pool and darts is mistake!!

Re: Green dragon - Russ (17th Aug 2014 - 15:14:13) Last time we went to the green dragon we had a lovely meal at a very reasonable price. Have they stopped doing food. If so it is a great pity as the Anchor has gone done hill it would be an excellent time for them to capitalize on this. We do need a good village pub that fits in between The Links and The Deers Hut.

Re: Green dragon - ali lc (17th Aug 2014 - 21:55:23) The Dragon was always an excellent pub welcoming to all, a good mix with the pool table, dart board, jukebox and a genuine pub atmosphere which the village needs, sad to hear they're looking for new clientele.those of us that have lived in the village for many years know how important it is to have a proper pub in the village that offers a true English pub atmosphere. Let's hope the new manager listens to the locals rather than trying to change it into another personality lacking gastro pub that could be anywhere.

Re: Green dragon - helen (18th Aug 2014 - 11:02:14) It depends what you call a true pub atmosphere! I was very dissapointed by my last visit there and seeing loud foul mouth drunks being served who had clearly been there a long time. If that is the true pub atmopshere then I do not want it! I agree that we do not need another pub with expensive food but nor should it be de riguer to have loud sky tv on sport all day gambling machines etc. Pubs need to make money though so should be acceptable to all people. The money these days is in the food sales, if is owned by a brewery they allow for very little profit on the beer, so have to encourage wine drinkers and people that drink soft drinks, where there is more profit. People also should remember that when they buy their cheap alcohol from Tesco or France and drink at home that the consequence will be that more pubs will close.

Re: Green dragon - lou (19th Aug 2014 - 10:23:58) I agree with Helen the last 2 visits i have encountered the same very drunk people, a woman flaunting herself both times i have been in there and clearly very drunk and a couple of other guys, the landlady or ex landlady constantly drinking behind the bar. I didnt find it at all welcoming. Im not sure if this is a proper english pub!! Maybe taking the pool table out will bring in some nicer clientele. There is a pool table at the club and one in the Anchor.

Re: Green dragon - Steve (19th Aug 2014 - 10:52:21) I dont think they can afford to lose any more customers so many have been lost through bad management decisions over the last few months the only customers they have left are a few hard drinkers that are in there every evening and stagger out late at night. Hopefully new management will sort this out. Most of the customers have left and drink in other pubs now. I think it will be hard to get them back.

Re: Green dragon - Andrew (19th Aug 2014 - 11:10:09) Went in the Dragon Saturday night and there was one other person in there. No drunks, no pool table, no atsmosphere and no customers.

Re: Green dragon - Jack (19th Aug 2014 - 12:25:36) I am staggered that this beautifully renovated village pub has been subject to such negative comments. The landlady Debbie has worked incredibly hard to bring it back into service, she did an amazing job and had an amazing trade with both wet sales and food! I have had several meals and very pleasant evenings and Sunday lunches there and the landlady and staff alike were always very polite and professional! I can only assume that the change in management has caused the unfortunate 'apparent demise'!

Re: Green dragon - gary renouf (19th Aug 2014 - 14:59:31) We know Debbie did a grand job but , I could be wrong ( very often I am ) But Debbie is no longer in charge ? that's why its changed The Deers hut , links very nice but too expensive we need a sensible village pub with atmosphere and character not a corporate doppleganger Hanging baskets are fantastic a real brighten you day up item well done I doubt any one from the brewery will read this so they will not have a clue to the villagers feelings , as the bottom line is what counts to them! plain and simple fact but they might notice lack of a bottom line if they continue in this manner ?? That will get people raving !!! calm down dear calm down and have another pint !! cheers

Re: Green dragon - Janice (20th Aug 2014 - 07:37:28) Great pub! Looks good very welcoming and the food is proper tasty pub grub!! Music events have been fab! Moaning folk end up with no pubs... As for it being full of drunks ?! Really!! Where are you supposed to go for drinks if not the pub!!! The Liphook cleek have lost us a great place to go have fun!! Hope your pleased now?!!!!

Re: Green dragon - helen (20th Aug 2014 - 10:09:40) Of course a pub is the place to get a drink, but people become loud and obnoxious after drinking too much, so a good landlord realises that other people do not want to socialise there. The few people spending a few pounds getting drunk are not going to keep a pub in business but the majority of people who do not want to go into a pub due to drunken behaviour night after night and constant foul langauge, will not come back. A pub should not be so bad these days that you would not want to take your family into the establishment.

Re: Green dragon - Ian (20th Aug 2014 - 10:38:39) Good point Helen. Unfortunately the minority of drinkers that cross the line from drunk and merry to p***ed and obnoxious will never understand that this pub will not survive on just their patronage and ultimately if the Green Dragon cannot broaden its appeal to the wider Liphook market it will close and unfortunately most likely be converted into flats. The initial plan after re-opening seemed in theory a good one. One bar for those looking for a drink or three and a bar and area for those wishing to have a meal out. It should have worked but was dependent on those who like a pub for drinking to behave with some restraint and respect for other customers, clearly this has not been happening. Shame.

Re: Green dragon - EmT1 (20th Aug 2014 - 13:26:23) I loved the dragon before... I enjoyed the bands, the pool, the atmosphere. Most importantly, I think it was our village 'local', as someone said earlier... We have the links, we have the deers hut, both lovely. The anchor is fine, but sticky! I hope the new people bring back the pool table, atmosphere & bands! I know opinions differ but it was chokka before & now it's empty.

Re: Green dragon - Tor (20th Aug 2014 - 19:56:13) So disappointed in finding that the pool table and darts board have gone! Why?? I\'ve heard some less than favourable things about this new landlord and upon reading a few things he has to say about the Green Dragon, I can guarantee if he doesn\'t change his attitude he will have a very hard time gaining the custom he needs. Such a shame as Debbie knows exactly what that pub needs and isn\'t being listened to. If you\'re going to take on a new pub, you need to know your clientele and this man obviously hasn\'t taken the time to do so, or just can\'t be bothered. Utter shame. Bring back the pool table, bring back the darts board. Stop trying to turn the Dragon into something it\'s not. The last thing we need is another stuffy foody. By all means do the food, it\'s delicious, but the Green Dragon is our friendly local and there is no \"class\" in telling your customers you\'re looking to find a \"better class of clientele\". Rude.

Re: Green dragon - Stu (20th Aug 2014 - 21:04:26) My Wife and I went for a few drinks after it reopened about 6 months ago, and we were subjected to a pub full of drunks. We really enjoy a 'proper pub', but having two particularly drunk females, fighting, running around the bar, lying on the floor screaming, and generally causing mayhem with the rest of their 'group' put us off from ever going back. The bar staff were apologetic but seemed out of their depth, unable to control what was going on. We left, and went to the 'Deer's Hut' where we found the Landlord from the Green Dragon having a quiet meal and a drink!

Re: Green dragon - sal (21st Aug 2014 - 08:06:43) On the couple of occasions i have been in the Green Dragon there has been a couple in there snogging and all over each other at the bar .... put me off my drink ... and 2 or 3 very drunk people and the landlady continuously pouring herself red wine behind the bar probably to keep up with the punters!! The Links and Deers Hut maybe more expensive but much more professional and wouldnt put up with this sort of behaviour. I think a new landlord will hopefully put a stop to this and hopefully will be a more welcoming place to drink. Maybe the couple at the bar could do their kissing and petting at home and come to the pub to socialise rather than embarrass other customers!!!

Re: Green dragon - Iwik61 (21st Aug 2014 - 11:14:47) I think the last couple of contributors are missing the point ,,,,pool and darts do not make money ,,,it is food only if you own the freehold. How many pints do you need to sell to pay the rent,,lights ,rates ,staff and so on. A lot I think how much can a pool table take in a hour at £1.00 a go. The rent alone is probably £500.00 a week, that is a lot of games so if they can put 3 tables in its place that on paper is the answer. Get real the days of a local are finished. The old Robin Hood at Stanford is gone at end of this month another one bites the dust.......same as the green dragon if it doesn't do food and attract the food clientele it will go.

Re: Green dragon - helen (21st Aug 2014 - 15:00:59) The last posting is sensible. A pub must make money, drunks who only drink beer will not earn the pub enough, it is the wine drinkers and people ordering meals and soft drinks which make money. The Robin Hood was really turned into a restaurant when it was Whiteleys, not a proper pub.

Re: Green dragon - H (21st Aug 2014 - 15:30:26) Please see my post on a separate thread about live music in the Green Dragon this Sunday 24th August. There comes a point when rather than just talking and complaining which will mean the eventual loss of the pub, we need to do something positive and be proactive to help enable change. I have no connection to the Green Dragon and am not a regular there, but my feeling is that now people have had a chance to criticise, the Landlord and staff need to be given a chance to put things right and make the changes people are asking for. They can't do that if no one comes in. So I hope all those who want this pub to succeed will make a special effort to come along on Sunday evening and make it a great night, then hopefully the pub can springboard from that to turn attitudes around and make it a great place to meet up, drink and eat once again. Hope to see you there!

Re: Green dragon - Namaste (26th Aug 2014 - 16:12:25) wouldn't it be great to please all people all of the time! Debbie who took over as landlady was promised the lease from the Mr Jones after he sold her down the river before on another pub and he then done the same thing after she uprooted her life. Debbie had every intention of making the Dragon welcoming, fun and a success for as many groups of society as possible but was tied under the ownership of Mr Jones! Debbie has turned around two pubs making everyone feel welcome and quite frankly running herself into the ground, Debbie when she does have downtime may like a drink which she is certainly entitled to and I have never seen her be unprofessional at the bar on or off duty. She is a real asset to Liphook but her reign now is also tied with new management who perhaps have different ideas on what they want from there business realistically or not. There are and have been many rumours about the demise of the the Dragon and people not frequenting the pub because of the way Mr Adair was treated by Mr Jones which lead to Debbies efforts failing and lack of funds to gain the lease at a much higher price than was promised. I believe a lot of the dragon spirit died with the fire and the only way forward would be to give everybody what they want but this is only possible with the new owners vision or co operation but then again this would not meet everyone's expectation. As well as wanting a community pub with something to offer everyone somethings have to give but it is finding the right balance which is impossible to do with your hands tied!! I hope but doubt Debbie will be given the opportunity to help the Dragon get the fire back in its belly. I can only believe the community needs to support and fight for what they want by bombarding the new owners with their requests to get the pub back to what the community wants and to make a profit which is why the owners are in business (although debatable for how long) Good luck Debbie and good luck villagers in getting your social hub back ! A Green dragon fan

Re: Green dragon - liz (27th Aug 2014 - 10:24:54) I don't know any of the people involved as i haven't been in the Dragon for years. (Sadly the pub had become a disaster long before the fire). If, as seems to be the case, the new landlady (and landlord?) have not been able to acquire the lease, there will always be a third party wanting to take their cut with little interest in investing further in the business. What a great pity.

Re: Green dragon - Chris (31st Aug 2014 - 21:08:17) Hi, I am the new Landlord of The Green Dragon. I\\\'ve been looking at this discussion board and I\\\'d just like to put the record straight in a few areas, dispell a number of fears and lay out what we are looking to do to put \\\"some fire\\\" back in the belly of The Green Dragon. Firstly, we are not about to turn the pub into some form of Gastro outlet (or an Italian Restaurant!). What we are looking to do is make the Green Dragon a focal hub for all of the community where they can relax, enjoy good beer and food and also enjoy an active social life with an active programme of events. So what is going on currently. Well, we are preparing for a re-launch on the 13th September when we will be celebrating with live music and a free Bar-b-q. It\\\'s another opportunity to meet people and discuss the things you would like to see happening at the pub.... it does \\\"belong\\\" to the community after all!. As part of the above, we\\\'ve closed the kitchen this week so that we can have a jolly good sort out and get things ready for the new menu and food offerings. These will feature on a lot of the pub favourites, but being freshly made using predominantly, locally sourced ingredients. Building on the bands and acts that Debbie has been getting in, we will be developing a full programme of musical entertainment. There will be steak nights and curry nights, regular pub quizes to enjoy. Oh, and we need a decent wine list, so lets get everyone in for a wine and cheese evening to help choose one! We are both dog and family friendly. There will be both classic pub games and family games to enjoy. The Sky TV is staying, the jukebox is staying, the darts board will be going back up... and yes, I would love to see The Green Dragon form a darts team. That\\\'s probably enough for now. I\\\'ll be making regular posts on here about what is going on. There will be a new web site shortly and e-mail addresses to make contact by. So look out for more details as we set about putting The Green Dragon back where it should be!

Re: Green dragon - Cinders (1st Sep 2014 - 08:01:46) A note on the door is very useful if the kitchen will be closed not everyone has internet and good luck

Re: Green dragon - Lynette (1st Sep 2014 - 18:42:53) Hi Chris, I am very pleased to see your response and it sounds like you have some great plans. We look forward to the re launch on the 13th and it will be great to have a pub quiz in the village again. Thanks

Re: Green dragon - gary renouf (1st Sep 2014 - 20:03:00) Good luck with the shuffle Will try once up and running Glad to here dart board back up , team.... hmmm.... better get practising then. Cheeky request thatchers " old rascal " would be fan blooming tactic Come on LIphook lets give the Dragon a chance and NO MORE negatives Lets look forward to a new village pub

Re: Green dragon - paul (2nd Sep 2014 - 21:59:38) Hi, All the best with the new changes and start. Good management behind the bar and infront of it will be the key to it's success.

Re: Green dragon - K (3rd Sep 2014 - 10:51:52) Sounds great!! Good luck with it all

Re: Green dragon - mark (3rd Sep 2014 - 20:04:03) i heard all the staff have been sacked is this true inc debbie

Re: Green dragon - Updates - Chris (4th Sep 2014 - 22:41:04) Hi, it is Chris again here with some further updates regarding the Green Dragon. Apart from giving the kitchen a good sorting out this week, we have been busy putting together and developing a programme of bands and artists to make the Sunday evenings \"Music Night\" at The Green Dragon. These will tend to be on quite early in the evening so that people don\'t have to stay up late with the new working week beckoning! So this week we will be playing host to Abby. Abby actually got to the finals of Britains Got Talent and will be performing her cabaret numbers for us on Sunday (7th September). Her first set will start at 6pm and she\'ll be performing through to 9\'ish.

Re: Green dragon - Sky is back - Chris (6th Sep 2014 - 10:51:30) Hi, just to let everyone know that the Sky TV should be back today, so we will be showing the football and Italian Grand Prix.... not to mention the Pompie match that is on live tomorrow (Sunday). These are being shown in the Community Bar area of the pub.

Re: Green dragon - Chris (10th Sep 2014 - 12:38:12) Don't forget the Welcome Event this Saturday, 13th Sept. Free BBQ from 1.00pm onwards and live music from The Woody Rock and Roll Band in the evening. Looking forward to meeting you!

Re: Green dragon - Chris (17th Sep 2014 - 18:55:57) Hi After a successful launch last weekend we are serving food from tomorrow, Thursday 18th September. New chef and new menu! Food served Mon - Thurs 12 - 3 and 6 - 9, Friday and Saturday 12 - 9, Sunday 12 - 5. Don't forget live music on Sunday night at 9.00. This week, Phil Owen. Thanks everyone!

Re: Green dragon - Finchie (4th Oct 2014 - 01:34:03) Well, I'll try anything once. And if it doesn't work that once - I move on. Sorry Chris but some blunt feedback ... Take the 100 watt bulbs out and dim the lights - its like drinking under floodlights. Don't bite the hand that feeds you - as a group of 7 folk spending money hand over fist - at least ring a bell to warn for last orders. Or let folk know in advance. It's not like you had loads of people to talk to. From people I know who have made pubs a success, they landlord engages with customers, treats customers as king, goes beyond the call of duty. People don't return because there is food a x'oclock, they return because there is atmosphere, a laugh and people are made to feel welcome and valued. And above all keeps their punters spend nding - I don't get the way we were treated. I hope this note is a "wake-up call" or I fear I will return in a years time (as it won't be sooner after tonight) to find a new management team trying to find some magic formula which doesn't exist other than hard graft, engaging with customers and going that extra mile. I fear that is why there was only 4 other people in there on the Friday night after payday. I will drop in to chat through this but not to drink, as it was a disappointing experience - I hope a one off - but I would love to have a small village pub, a "boozer", that is very different from anything else available and you have so much potential. Happy Weekend, Finchie

Re: Green dragon - Chris (5th Oct 2014 - 00:58:14) Finchie, many thanks for your feedback and I note the points that you are making. I recognise that we need a better way of letting people know about last orders and a bell is on its way. It's still early days and we are still learning and understanding what the needs of Liphook are in order to make this the great community pub that we seek. Please come back and have a chat... even if you don't have a drink! Chris

Re: Green dragon - Wilkinson (20th Oct 2014 - 11:06:59) Finchie, sounds like we were lucky for the Green Dragon to be serving until 11 on a Friday even without being asked for last orders. Apparently they tried to chuck out at 9.30 last week, but for a customer revolt.

Re: Green dragon - paul (21st Oct 2014 - 10:25:31) Hi, Will the pub be open on Carnival night?

Re: Green dragon - jess (21st Oct 2014 - 11:18:04) Yes they are open and have local band Riven playing. Should be a great night.

Re: Green dragon - roo (21st Oct 2014 - 12:55:09) Obviously then landlord is not local as he wouldnt of put a band on the busiest nite of the year. Should bevfun watching the chaos .

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