Category Archives: Schooner

Goodbye

Sunday saw the end of an era, for me at least. A last night at/for the Schooner. I’ve mixed feelings about the place; I loved it as a customer years ago, then I loved/hated it when I had a part of it.

The dog spent most of her childhood there, she accidentally became a pubdog.

The stress in the (our) early days was immense, the hours were horrific, the problems were never ending and the pressure on working (and non working) relationships was intense.

I’m no longer involved in the place, but it was nice to say goodbye.

The band was great.

The dog even got to sit in her old childhood seat.

I got to stand behind the bar one last time.

And then we left (to close up at our place). The scaffolding had already been erected, which made sense since time is money etc.

Work started the next day.

The bar certainly needed change; the right degree of change. I genuinely hope that everything works out for the place.

I’ll miss it and won’t, at the same time.

I’m sure the dog feels the same way

Work

After a 12 hour day in the (new) pub, I went to work in the Schooner for another 4 hours.

Back in the new place in five hours.

Rust removal

Sanding and Kurust and Waxoyl happened today.

We finally made time to tackle the steps and wheel arches. Everything’s sanded and treated, ready for priming (when there’s time).

However, the pub has once more taken over my life. Still, was nice to stop off at the pub for a (not so) quick one.

10

If I had to give simple, logical reasons for not completely breaking ties with the Schooner, I’m not confident That I could.

But I’ve decided to keep a small share (10%). Plans for a micropub are unchanged, so I’ll focus on that when we make progress in that direction.

Much agonising was involved, but right now I think it’s a good decision.

15 months

I wouldn’t have thought it possible to pack so much into 15 months. 15 months ago, that is.

My time in the Schooner has been incredible. So much stress in the early days, but so much fun too. The hours/days/weeks were long, but the experience was like nothing I’d known before. I don’t regret it for a second; I’ve learned so much.

A huge thanks to my former partners. We went into this as friends and came out the same. No, we’re more than friends after everything we’ve been through.

I’m now going to do some work on our long neglected house, while researching the next venture.

I could never have imagined that retirement could be so crazy.

The Schooner

Well, I’ve just two more days as a part owner of the Schooner.

I’d not planned on getting into the pub business; it wasn’t a spur of the moment thing, but it wasn’t too far away from that.

I don’t regret my time with the pub, even though the early days were tough. I’ve become part of the fabric of the place and I’ll give up my time to help whenever and if ever I’m needed. I want the pub to succeed and I’m sure it will.

I’ve learned so much in such a short time; from Paul (basically everything) and Phil (everything to do with ale) in terms of managing a pub, but from Stew and Steve in running the bar (and top level customer service). And the rest of the team (too many to mention); I’ll miss them all.

The pub had inherited the second best bar in Gateshead strapline, but it’s easily the best.

I might be leaving, but a piece of me will be in the Schooner forever. I’ve so many life changing memories.

It’s a fantastic pub, with a lovely bunch of people. I shall be a loyal customer when COVID-19 regulations allow such things.

Meanwhile, I’ve work to do in the house and a new venture to plan.

So many memories, but here’s a handful.

COVID Tier 3

Running a pub during lockdown, then COVID Tier 3 isn’t easy.

You really don’t know whether you’re coming or going.

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion

I’ve always loved making new listening discoveries; there’s nothing better than being overwhelmed by great new music.

Recently, a really nice bloke introduced me to the Hillbilly Moon Explosion. And they’ve since been in my head pretty much non-stop.

Fortunately, I have a large degree of control of Spotify in the pub, so they’re on repeat through the day – at least until one of my colleagues notices.

A good track to start with is My love for evermore (both versions are great).

Today, to vary things a bit, I had around three hours of Prokofiev. Then, when Paul complained, I switched to the Hillbilly Moon Explosion. On repeat, of course. Several hours later, Phil noticed and put some other stuff on.