Ramsgate pub row rages on

The row over the opening of a mega Wetherspoons in Ramsgate continues to rage with The Guardian now publishing a long feature article on the controversy: Mega pub

Local bars that charge more are understandably aggrieved that they will lose custom. but consumers like the idea of cheaper pints and a standard range of basic but eatable food. VOTV editor Rick Everitt, who played a key role in securing the investment as former Thanet Council member for economic development and Addicktion, has pointed out on Twitter that otherwise an iconic building would have been lost to dereliction.

What is unclear is how what has been described as an 'eccentric' local Belgian bar will be affected, but presumably it has its own special clientele, but is not sophisticated enough for the likes of Roland and Katrien.

It may be that Ramsgate is a resort that has entered what Millwall supporter Rod Liddle defines as the 'Goldilocks zone' for seaside towns in this week's Spectator. Liddle recently had an article explaining chants used by Millwall fans and the readership must have been mystified by the chant directed against Gillingham: 'You can stuff your lucky heather up your ****.'

Anyway, Liddle, who seems rather fond of four letter words describing the posterior states that in such a resort: 'Stuff has changed for the better and there are suddenly very agreeable things to do, places to eat etc. but the area has not yet been comprehensively and irredeemably ****holified by ****holes. There is still a retention of the old: it hasn't all be expunged.' Liddle is actually writing about Saltburn-on-Sea where he lives, a location know for its concentration of Millwall fans.

Green eyeshades were once required kit for aspirant journalists as this picture of me in my youth shows.

There is still some concern that VOTV staff will enjoy themselves so much at the new pub that the next issue will be delayed. However, journalists in the Lunchtime O'Booze mould have been known for a long time for their ability to absorb large amounts of drink and then return to the office, put on their green eyeshades, and get down to the task in hand. I know that my own article is getting increasingly long and will need attention from then sub's blue pencil.