The Hoppy Bull Bars

15/08/2026

Two groups on the Bull Run today

Including Neil from Sunrise Chimney Sweeps Ltd who keeps the flue at The Queens super shiny

08/08/2026

More Bull Runners

That’s a visit to all four Hoppy Bull bars in one day, a pint in each for a pin badge and the glory

07/08/2026

Where’s the cavalry, Andy Burnham?

Or was it more of a Burnham Bandstand?

Dear Prime Minister,

On the campaign trail, you won over the hospitality sector by demanding a VAT cut from 20% to 10%, arguing we must "slash VAT in line with the rest of the EU" so working families "can go out for a pint on a Friday."

Industry leaders rallied the public behind your vision:

Tom Kerridge: "Andy Burnham has backed a cut to VAT... if Andy can do with the country what he’s done with Manchester, it would be great."

Tommy Banks "I wholeheartedly support Andy Burnham's comments on VAT – it feels like our industry is finally being heard."

Sacha Lord: Warned that the "UK's 20% VAT rate is putting businesses under intolerable pressure."

Yet, in your first week in office, the 10% VAT cut was sidelined.

While you told cameras "the cavalry is coming," the hospitality industry saw your 20% business rates discount for what it really was: nothing more than a 'Burnham Bandstand'.

Netting venues a measly £21 per week does absolutely nothing to offset skyrocketing supply costs and energy bills.

Not only have you upset Tommy Banks—who now rightly calls your business rates cut "such a token gesture that it's almost laughable!"— but Tom Kerridge has also broken cover to warn that your substitute policy "won't really make a difference."

You used the 10% VAT promise to secure Downing Street, only to offer a token gesture once inside. Ahead of the 28 October Autumn Budget, will you honour the platform that got you elected, or was hospitality just a stepping stone to power?

Peter Scott
The Pheasant Inn

05/08/2026

Summer Bank Holiday Plans at the Alehouse 🥳
Join us for a full day of music, beer and raising money for charity ✨

02/08/2026

More Bull Runners on a sunny Saturday, they choose to cycle the route

15/07/2026

15/07/2026

Today we are out in the heart of the New Forest at Vibrant Forest Brewery helping to brew on of their 15th anniversary beers

10/07/2026

Sunny Thursday Bull Runners

05/07/2026

Two groups on the Bull Run yesterday, enjoying the sun and the beer

That’s all four bars in one day, a pint in each for an exclusive Bull Run pin badge

West Street Alehouse
The Four-Ale Taproom
LOST Room
Queens Hotel Gosport