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Items of news / debate for inclusion should be emailed on the e-mail button Please use plain-text emails (NOT html) and clearly indicate Sennen News in the subject line. The e-mail should be signed with your name - not a `user name` or similar. Inclusion is completely at the discretion of the webmaster - no apology will be made for this... Only material of interest or benefit to the local community will normally be accepted. |
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| Brian | 20 June | AFTER TRAINING ON THURSDAY NIGHT ,WHAT BETTER THAN HAVING A FEW PINTS WITH MY FELLOW SHORE CREW PALS,WHAT ALL THIS MOANING 4.ENJOY IT DONT MOAN ABOUT IT .WE ALL SUPPORT VINCE AND HIS STAFF. FROM A VERY HAPPY HEAD LAUNCHER LOVE FROM TYSON XXXX |
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| Dean | 19 June | Sorry to reanimate this old thread!
I must say that I'm a little disappointed that the Old Success no longer offers their winter-break deal. Me and my wife used to come down to the Cove every winter and take advantage of the wonderful deal offered which I believe was 45 pound a night, including breakfast and dinner.
We moved to Australia last year, and are visiting the UK in October this year and decided to pop down, so I rang the OS enquiring about room availability/prices. It is now 60 pounds a night, with no dinner. That's a huge increase in price, for what is effectively a B&B. I doubt very much now that we'll stretch to that and will probably shack up somewhere in Penzance, as we were going to bring my parents and couldn't afford those prices.
A real shame in my opinion. |
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| 3rd Jan | Lee | Greetings.
Just a brief e-mail regarding our stay at the old success during christmas.
Many thanks to Vince,ollie 'n' all the staff for making our stay such good fun
enjoyable to the last minute.
It seems the fears that St Austell brewery would wreck the classic little inn
were unfounded and, in fact,what we saw was a sympathetic upgrading in the
bedrooms which,to be honest,had been required for a while.
We will be back at the old success in february for another week of beer tasting
and cider testing!
So just to say A Happy New Year to all at the old success and to all the friendly
people of sennen and we'll see you soon. |
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| Gareth | 22 September | Having made our annual trip to the Cove in August I have to say that the terrace bar is an excellent addition. However my view of the Old Success has been tainted recently. Having visited the cove at least once every year from childhood at the time with my parents, two older brothers, two older sisters, grandparents and dog I have fond memories of long summer days on the beach (funny I can't remember any rainy days!). This has continued and we now make sure we take our three boys at least once a year. My parents have also continued to visit and for the last 10 have always stayed in the same room in April and December at the Old Success.
They were there this April for Dads 83rd and on departure, just prior to the change of hands booked there usual short break in December to celebrate Mums 80th. One evening last week they received a call from the Old Success advising that following the changes they were no longer providing the short breaks and that the (already agreed) cost would go up by nearly 40% plus other increases! Not wanting to cause a fuss my Father thought about it and politely cancelled the booking! Not sure I would have been so polite.
I can understand that things change and life moves on but surely in the service industry you don't change agreed bookings? Certainly make the changes once you have honoured the agreements already in place!
What the decision makers don't understand is the revenue lost by such decisions. Three years ago Martin and Andrew helped us put on a surprise 80th for Dad when they were there in April. Many family and friends made the trip and we booked restaurant. Two years ago I stayed there and celebrated my 40th with friends and family in the restaurant - I've still not recovered from sharing the sambuka with Andrew.
Well guess what St Austel/Old Success - this may have just been an old couple staying in mid December but we were planning to surprise Mum in December for her 80th by joining them for a bash. I doubt we'll make the call now! What makes it worse and even more short sighted is the fact that when they visit they are quite often the only ones there at that time of year.
I'm not looking for any answers or responses but just wanted to get off my chest something that I think is wrong!
I can understand wanting to target new and different customers but surely longevity of repeat customers is the bread and butter of any business? Maybe someone should think about their customer proposition!
I'll now put my toys back in the box!
Gareth.
ps - hi to everyone down there and please keep up the great work with this site.
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| Steve | 15 September | The Old Success Inn Just enjoyed a very good week in Sennen (Sunny Corner Lane) 6/9 - 13/9 2008. With regard to the Old-Success the real ale and bar meals are very good, the restaurant food is excellent. But I have to say that smiles from the bar staff were, as mentioned previously, very few and far between, unlike the First & Last Inn where the staff were cheery the food and ale excellent. See you all soon Steve, Lesley and Norah (mum) Bishop |
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| B | 15 August | The new terrace bar at the Olde Success is a good addition, in keeping with the surfing theme and serves delicious fruit smoothies.
Vince and Val, the new landlords, are very welcoming and friendly. My parents used to go to Charlies bar, when people gathered for skittle matches while folk singers sang and played the guitar outside, giving the place a bohemian atmosphere.
Change is all part of evolution. So long as builders do not build more houses for profit and ruin the seascape, and that Sennen keeps the spirit of freedom alive... then I feel that the atmosphere and natural beauty has been preserved reasonably well.
I have sent a few copies of my book, a gothic romance set in Sennen - Black Dove by Bridgette Cassese - to the Olde Success, so if anyone wants to buy a copy...?
B |
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| Jo | 14 August | Whilst on my yearly holiday in Cornwall in late July we made our annual visit to the Old Success Inn and although we didn’t know it had been sold, straight away we knew the atmosphere had changed - it was no longer buzzing. The bar staff were miserable and made a terrible racket when clearing glasses and throwing bottles in the bin - the only time the bar staff cheered up was when almost every customer stopped talking and looked to see what the noise was about. We certainly didn’t feel welcome and left earlier than we intended, feeling disappointed that yet again something had changed for the worst! Jo |
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| Steven | 6 July | To Rav and Veronica,
Thanks for putting me right. I always knew it as "Charlie's Bar", but had never asked why. I just assumed it was named after Charlie Trenary.
Hopefully I'll pop in for a couple this summer, but I feel like a stranger nowadays. People move and move on.
PS Lorraine, you're right about Bath. Pretty much all "smart" gastropubs nowadays. The Hop Pole (Bath Ales) seems OK at the mo. Were you in Bath around the mid 1980s? The Beehive was brilliant then. |
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| John | 26 June | i made my pilgrimage recently to Sennen stayed at olde success, most impressed at what doesnt alter stays the same staff pleasant, stairs still to steep for an athlete of my age, after lookig thru too many glasses of ST Austel, I travelled from Ireland on a scooter , good to be in a pub atmosphere again not an accoustic Barn, Vince made me welcome would like to see me return, and no doubt i will, | ||||
| Kev | 25 June | Nice to see a reasoned debate, about the pro's and con's of the Old Success takeover, and to see "new guy vince" getting some positive PR already - bodes well for the future? Maybe the initial reaction was a bit "knee jerk" and I for one would like to add my voice to the "Good Luck hope it proves to be a great success" lobby :-) I was disappointed to find that clicking on the Old Success link takes you to the St Austell Brewery website, why can't it be the other way around? I'd much prefer the Old Success link to take me to the Old Success website, or at least the specific section within the brewery one? Surely if they want to demonstrate that they will retain an individual character and identity for their pubs and Inns, one way to do this would be to give priority to a dedicated website for each? Anyway, I'm watching with interest and looking forward to getting down to Sennen to sample the New-Old Success in person, sadly not this year. I'd still like to know if I can get a replacement t-shirt - looks like I'm gonna have to exercise my right arm by picking up the 'phone :-) Sennen still looks fantastic in the daily pics and here's hoping locals, traders and (the necessary evil) tourists have a lovely summer. |
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| Peter & Anna | 22 June | We have just returned from a 3 night break at the Old Success - booked after our stay there between Christmas and New Year 2007. The place is still magical - true, no Doom Bar, but there IS a choice of beers and 'new Guy' Vince is just great - nice to see someone in reception with a smiling face and a kind word. Don't be afraid everyone - just give them a chance. |
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| Lorraine | 10 June | Thank you for the kind thought Jennifer. We used to live just across the road from St James' Wine Vaults and it is indeed unspoilt and I hope it stays that way unlike the Chequers, our other local, which has gone all gastropub . Gone are those days for us though, as we now have three young children and only go to the pub together when we are on holiday and can go as a family for lunch or early evening (although actually my husband goes a bit more frequently). Our next visit to Sennen is coming up in just over six weeks and we can't wait. The children hope the chips are still as good at the Old Success.
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| Jennifer | 9 June | My sister and I love Sennen and have enjoyed many a lovely evening in the Old Success Inn. I was reading the e-mail from Lorraine and she will probably know this but there is a lovely pub in Bath called the St James Wine Vaults. It serves a very good pint of Doom Bar, has a great proper pub atmosphere, it doesn't do food though. It has a regular Quiz Night and a Cellar Bar for live music. |
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| Lyn & Brian | 8 June |
We wanted to add our thanks to Martin and Issie and all the old staff at the Old Success Inn for making our holidays (and Christmas's) so wonderful over the last 13 years. I first stayed at the Old Success in Martin's first winter. On a beautiful sunny Saturday lunch-time we asked if he had any rooms for the Saturday night after having spent a spectacular and very stormy week in a holiday let. He said we could have the pick of the place because he was totally empty and offered us the Honeymoon suite (even though we had two Springer spaniels!) Martin built the winter holiday trade from nothing and made us so welcome we've been going ever since. The new manager has a lot to live up! Last Christmas before the sale we booked for this coming Christmas and we are hoping things will not be too different. Having checked the web-site though we are disappointed to see that dogs will no longer be allowed in the hotel accommodation which will be a big disappointment for many of the hotel regulars!
Lyn Jackson and Brian Moule
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| Taff | 2nd June | Many thanks in return Martin for the innumerable pleasant evenings, and fun times I had during your tenure at the Old Success. Coming back to Sennen* won’t be quite the same now, I hope the new folk can live up to the high standards you set. (Especially in the well kept pints!) Best of luck to the new folk, and best regards to the old staff, I hope we can still share a beer or two sometime in the not too distant future. Taff Thomas *Middle of next year hopefully!!! |
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| Martin | 30 May | NOW THAT THE DUST HAS SETTLED A LITTLE I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS PATRONISED THE INN OVER THE LAST 13 YEARS THROUGHOUT THE TIME OF MY MANAGEMENT AND ALL THE EXCELLENT STAFF WHO MADE MY JOB A LITTLE EASIER (BUT NOT THAT EASY I MIGHT ADD) I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO WISH VINNIE ALL THE BEST --OLLIE TOO IN HIS NEW POSITION ( I ALWAYS KNEW OL' THAT YOU SECRETLY LOVE THE VISITORS ) I UNDERSTAND THAT ST AUSTELL INTEND TO DEVELOP THE TERRACE GARDEN (AS I SO WANTED TO DO)I THINK IT WILL LOOK STUNNING & WHAT A VIEW !! BEST WISHES MARTIN BROOKES OLD SUCESS INN -1995---2008 |
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| Kelvin | 17 May | I haven't made it to Sennen for a couple of years, but for years I have been accosted the length and breadth of the country when wearing my "Old Success" T-Shirt, always by friendly people wanting to talk about what a wonderful place Sennen is. Sennen Cove is a magical place and the Old Success is at the heart of it. I can understand people's concerns, but surely the future of the place is in the hands of it's customers, locals and visitors alike? It's immediately obvious to anyone, the first time they visit, that Sennen and the Cove is a living working community and that's reinforced every time you go to The Old Success. I can't imagine the lifeboat or surfschool crews will desert it? and as for any changes the brewery might consider, maybe the old adage if it ain't broke don't fix it should be their guide? I'm hoping to get down to Sennen next year, if not before, so I'll be watching developments with interest. In the meantime, I am worried about one thing - will I be able to get a replacement Old Success T-Shirt, the one I have is worn threadbear!! Anyway, I will add my plea to the others already made to the brewery - please recognise what an asset you've acquired in The Old Success and it'd be nice if you'd invest in it but not at the expense of it's unique character. |
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| Duncan | 16 May | Now I agree with Taff. | ||||
| Anne | 16 May | I'm sad to hear of the sale. Where I come from you don't have to read which brewery owns the pub , you can tell by the décor !! I come from the land locked West Midlands and have been staying in Sennen every February for the last 5 years. Two weeks next Feb' already booked, look forward to seeing you all again. |
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| Veronica | 15 May |
Regarding Duncan's comments about Land's End. Most of the buildings at Land's End are late 1800's. The only additions were the Last Labyrinth, the admin block at the entrance plus the hotel conservatory. The facilities available are there to cater for thousands of people a day not a year. In the 1980's we had over 10,000 visitors there in one day for the Red Arrows display! One toilet and a small tea room would not be suffice any more. Far from being ruined, Land's End and the coastal path have been saved from ruin for generations to come. Veronica
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| Duncan | 13 May | Did I miss something. Do you mean to say that Peter De Savary has bought The Old Success and is turning it into a theme park? | ||||
| Ted & Alice | 13 May | Best wishes to Martin and Andrew for their 'new' futures and thanks for the great times we've had over the years. Congrats to Ollie & Liam on their appointments.(we can carry on our ManU\West Ham chats!) Vince - is the Old success contactable by email ? Look forward to meeting you. |
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| Veronica | 13 May |
I just wanted to point out that Charlies Bar at the Old Success was not named after Charlie Trenary. Charlie the barman worked for several owners of the Old Success in the 50's and 60's. The Old Success was privately owned then and I enjoyed working there for quite a few years. We were all local staff then and loads of famous people came to stay as it was quite exclusive! We had a fabulous time and feel very sad thinking of how things have changed but it's the same everywhere unfortunately. Veronica
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| RAV | 13 May | Being pedantic but ------- "Charlies Bar" was so called because the barman in the early 1960's was called Charlie. Original eh?? I'm afraid that although "Boy Charlie" Trenary was reported as having been seen in the vicinity of the Old Success from time to time, the bar was not named after him - although he probably paid for the place many times over the years. Mind you, my memory may be a little clouded, as was the Devenish (or "Devilish") bitter that was on tap at the time. Anyone remember the skittle board? |
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| Taff | 13 May | Duncan,
Rather than people wanting their place to “remain in the past’, some of us want a good thing preserved. One only has to look at Lands End to see what “improving” a facility can do. Sure they get far more visitors there than if it had been left as the hotel alone. But few would argue that this “lowest common denominator” approach to what is after all a site of great historical, and heritage, importance, is a good thing. Change is inevitable; however, change for the better is not. Personally, I believe that the needs and desires of those who put money over the bar year round SHOULD be taken into consideration when any change is proposed, after all they are the lifeblood of the bar, and more often than not stalwarts of village life. The changes at the “First and Last”, now fortunately being rectified, are a case in point as to what could happen to the Old Success if change is not managed well. I feel it is right for people who love the cove, and want something good preserved, to raise their concerns. The pub is at the heart of the community, ripping the heart out for commercial advantage would be a VERY BAD thing to do.
Taff |
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| Vince | 13 May | Hi everyone I would like to put all of you at ease,I can assure you all works carried out to the Old Sucess will be done in a caring and positive way.
I share all your thoughts on a what a fantastic Inn it is and with that in mind im sure you will all agree with me it desserves the very best! St Austell Brewery is a company who care with passion about keeping things traditional and trading with only local Cornish suppliers.
The future for the Inn in my view is very positive and exciting! we will be starting quiz nights again very shortly along with a meal deal on Friday nights,l will also be starting Coffee Mornings for local ladies one day a week dates tbc.
The one thing l promise you all is that the Old Success will stay loyal to its roots and will have what it deserves which is money spent on it to return to its former glory,along with plenty of love and care from myself and my team,on that note my new assistant managers are Oliver George and Liam Addison.
I welcome anyone to pop in for a chat and a coffee and discuss any fears that they have,but i promise you all the Inn will remain the hub of the local community and it will retain its character and charm,along with staying fiercely loyal to the lifeboat men of Sennen Cove.
All plans for the future I will update on this site to keep you all informed.
Best Regards to All
Vincent Jones Manager |
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| Bridget | 12 May | Duncan - I think that maybe people just feel that perfection is very difficult to improve on! We do fall into the visitor category and are counting the days until we return to Sennen in June. And what is wrong with keeping things the way they are?!? I fear change..... Bridget, Ian, Eleanor and Phoebe |
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| Duncan | 11 May | Whilst I agree that change isn't always necessary I do feel that to bemoan the change of ownership of The Old Success does smack of folk wanting their nice quaint holiday spot to remain in the past. People are allowed to buy and sell property and realise investment potential, even, heaven forbid, in lovely Sennen. People and places change, it's inevitable, and I think it's slightly naive and a little condescending to suggest that Sennen and its people can't, just in case the visitors get upset. |
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| Peter B | 10 May |
What is happening to Sennen? No Jackson's stores, no Ser Pren chippy, no Zacky's garage and now...........no Doom Bar or Sharpe's special in the Old Success. We were down for a week recently when the cellar was being altered and we will be down again in five weeks time for a longer spell but it may have to be the Eden Ale in the First and Last! The best St Austell can offer is Proper Job, not bad at 4.3 but a cheesy name! They won't rest until thay have every pub in Cornwall but let's hope they don't change the much loved character of the Old Success.
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| Steven | 10 May | People forget that the Doom Bar used to be Charlie's Bar.
What a fantastic character he was (Charlie Trenary). In the days when my father was alive (and I was well underage) we used to sit and enjoy his company there, and at his lobster pot shed up Stonechair.
Change happens, and I have never liked the Doom Bar. It still feels too sterile for me. Much like many of the pubs in Bath that Lorraine writes of.
Maybe St. Austell Ales will change the layout, but I won't regret that. It'll never be the same as when the Websters owned it.
Anyone remember how the F&L used to be?
Steven
I'll be down this summer - back from working abroad. |
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Dan, Cath, and little Sam.
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10 May |
Gutted, to say the least.
We have been staying either at the hotel or self-catering apartments for the last 5 years, and always rely on it. Will this mean national advertising of this little treasure.
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| Lorraine | 9 May | Also hope that the Old Success doesn't get changed too drastically. Here in Bath loads of decent local pubs have been turned into awful, sterile "gastro pubs" more intent on ripping off patrons with over-priced under-average food and losing all the atmosphere along with the locals.
Hope that the new brewery realises that the Old Success is loved just the way it is. Oh, and my husband will be devastated when I tell him about the Doom Bar! |
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| Sandy | 9 May | I also hope that there are few changes. Stayed for a weekend last November and had a wonderful weekend - food and staff were great and nothing too much trouble. Looking forward to being down again in 10 weeks time. |
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| Leanne | 8 May | I hope the Old Success doesn't change I think its hard to find such a great pub with such fantastic atmosphere. The food is great and we always eat at the pub, lets hope it keeps its character and doesn't just aim to over charge locals and the tourists because of its location. Fingers crossed. | ||||
Taff |
8 May |
Will Martin be staying on? Will Andrew still be pulling pints? I hope they don’t make changes for changes sake, the Old Success was a fine place as it was. I’ll be writing to St Awful Brewery to ask…
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