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JayMac
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« on: April 16, 2015, 12:42:21 » |
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I learnt yesterday that the Pumpkin cafe on platform 5 at Taunton is being rebranded by SSP to Starbucks by the end of April.
That means no more alcohol sales (that's how I found out as stock is being run down), and no more Bite Card discount.
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"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
"Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot."
"Moral indignation is a technique used to endow the idiot with dignity."
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broadgage
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« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2015, 15:14:21 » |
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A backward step IMHO▸ , I used to enjoy the odd drink whilst awaiting a train.
Sales of alcohol can of course lead to disorder, but this did not seem to be a problem at Taunton presumably because the outlet was not open in the late evening.
Is this a "one of" ? or part of a policy ?
Alcohol sales at Taunton more desirable than at many other stations because no public house is nearby. Taunton has a number of good, and not so good, pubs but none are very near the station. I used to take refreshment in the snooker club near the station, but that has closed down.
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU▸ is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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phile
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« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2015, 15:18:27 » |
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Probably a case of money talking. The average passenger would, I'm sure, prefer a Pumpkin to a more expensive Starbucks.
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didcotdean
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« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2015, 15:42:33 » |
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Starbucks have started selling beer and wine in the evening at Stansted Airport.
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brompton rail
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« Reply #4 on: April 16, 2015, 16:37:16 » |
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It would seem to be part of a wider trend. A couple of years ago York's Upper Crust was converted to Starbucks. Platform 4 Pumkin (down line) at Doncaster is currently closed for conversion to Starbucks, though I'm not sure what will happen to Platform 3's (up side) Pumkin. Maybe it is to counter completion from Costa Coffee kiosks on these platforms at Doncaster, similarly at York.
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TaplowGreen
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« Reply #5 on: April 16, 2015, 18:02:19 » |
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It would seem to be part of a wider trend. A couple of years ago York's Upper Crust was converted to Starbucks. Platform 4 Pumkin (down line) at Doncaster is currently closed for conversion to Starbucks, though I'm not sure what will happen to Platform 3's (up side) Pumkin. Maybe it is to counter completion from Costa Coffee kiosks on these platforms at Doncaster, similarly at York.
I sometimes think that coffee is taking over the World! Upper Crust always a bit of a ripoff though I thought, Subway vastly superior.....quite spoiled at Reading in that respect, M & S, Subway, Costa, Upper Crust and two excellent pubs nearby (Three Guineas and Greyfriar), as well as a decent pasty shop on the footbridge! |
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Tim
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« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2015, 18:04:06 » |
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The Pumpkin at Bath Spa is now a Starbucks. a bit of googling found this job ad: http://jobs.thesun.co.uk/job/6064382/full-time-team-members-starbucks-bath-station/from which we learn three things: 1, They pay their staff a pittance, 2, They describe the outlet as a "licenced Starbacks" - I assume that this means an alcohol licence, and 3, The outlet is run by SSP (Select Service Partners). There is no change of ownership, it looks like they have simply decided to become a franchisee of Starbucks (conceivably, that is what "licenced" means) |
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ellendune
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« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2015, 18:26:17 » |
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2, They describe the outlet as a "licenced Starbacks" - I assume that this means an alcohol licence, and
3, The outlet is run by SSP (Select Service Partners). There is no change of ownership, it looks like they have simply decided to become a franchisee of Starbucks (conceivably, that is what "licenced" means)
I think you will find that your second guess at the meaning of licensed is the intended one. Though I suppose the first might also be true. |
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Thatcham Crossing
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« Reply #8 on: April 16, 2015, 23:06:09 » |
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Upper Crust always a bit of a ripoff though I thought, Subway vastly superior.....quite spoiled at Reading in that respect, M & S, Subway, Costa, Upper Crust and two excellent pubs nearby (Three Guineas and Greyfriar), as well as a decent pasty shop on the footbridge! Woop woop for "The Greyfriar" which is owned by a mate of mine. Will be there for "a few" with him tomorrow evening. |
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TaplowGreen
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« Reply #10 on: April 17, 2015, 08:25:51 » |
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Upper Crust always a bit of a ripoff though I thought, Subway vastly superior.....quite spoiled at Reading in that respect, M & S, Subway, Costa, Upper Crust and two excellent pubs nearby (Three Guineas and Greyfriar), as well as a decent pasty shop on the footbridge! Woop woop for "The Greyfriar" which is owned by a mate of mine. Will be there for "a few" with him tomorrow evening. Give him my compliments, his pub is a gem - full of character, supports local breweries, keeps his ale superbly, great atmosphere - exactly how a pub should be - may pay a bit more for a pint but I'd take that over a JDW warehouse any day of the week. |
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broadgage
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« Reply #11 on: April 17, 2015, 09:44:05 » |
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Agree, an excellent pub, but not near enough to the station if burdened with luggage or if waiting for a delayed train and the degree of delay is unknown, in such circumstances one needs to observe the departures indicator frequently and listen to announcements. Licensed facilities in the station are then useful. |
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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU▸ is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
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Oxonhutch
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« Reply #12 on: April 17, 2015, 11:34:08 » |
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An enterprising pub close to a station could do well out of a live RTT» ? feed and a display screen. An advert to that effect on the station might attract some extra business.
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bobm
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« Reply #13 on: April 17, 2015, 13:53:53 » |
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Two pubs I know close to stations have an official railway feed to display arrivals and departures - the GW▸ opposite Swindon station and The Prince of Wales opposite Didcot Parkway.
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BerkshireBugsy
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« Reply #14 on: April 17, 2015, 13:57:53 » |
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After some of the heavier (but still interesting!) topics on the forum this makes a refreshing change.
Pun intended!
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