The Woolpack, Bermondsey Street

Sorry to say this is being taken over by Youngs brewery.

The menu has already been deemed to not make enough gross profit, so expect more frozen food reheated.

The staff cost more than minimum wage so will replaced with cheaper options.

The eccentric beer options will be replaced by Youngs regular options.

RIP another independent SE1 institution.

Any sources for this? When is this going to happen?

Sad to say this is true. Noticed it a few weeks ago when the top of my receipt said Youngs instead of the Woolpack.

Popped in tonight and they've already changed the wine list and increased prices. Ive heard rumours half the staff are leaving as a result. Really gutted!

Whaaat?

Oh no, such a shame.

I would say that Youngs taking over needn't be bad news. One of the best pubs in London (to my mind), The Lamb on Lamb's Conduit Street is a Young's pub, particularly lovely for its original interior and unfussy set-up. It's a pub, basically. That was a Young's takeover some years back, I believe, and they didn't mess it up.

I know it seems a shame to lose an independent, but they're a better brewery than most. I've no vested interest, I should add (apart from liking a pint of Young's Ordinary)...

seoneoff wrote:

I would say that Youngs taking over needn't be bad news. One of the best pubs in London (to my mind), The Lamb on Lamb's Conduit Street is a Young's pub, particularly lovely for its original interior and unfussy set-up. It's a pub, basically. That was a Young's takeover some years back, I believe, and they didn't mess it up.
I know it seems a shame to lose an independent, but they're a better brewery than most. I've no vested interest, I should add (apart from liking a pint of Young's Ordinary)...

Tend to agree here. Let's suck it and see. Could be worse, could be property developers.

It's still run by the same people as far as I know.
Young's bought the freehold & the tenants are on a tied lease which most likely explains the beer changes.

I don't spend any time around BS or the Woolpack but was very recently told that the pub is now totally owed by Young's who as a rule run very decent pubs for such a big company.
I was told that the same people who used to own the Woolpack have put the Rose on Snowfields up for sale but I can't find any listing for it so maybe it's just gossip.

I was in The Woolpack the other day- food is still very good and they've got a wide range of beers on tap- I'm happy.

NickTheGreek wrote:

I was in The Woolpack the other day- food is still very good and they've got a wide range of beers on tap- I'm happy.

Agreed. Plus, the new beer garden design is much better than the last iteration.