Guided Missile Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 I don't know if anyone tried the curry club, but I thought it was good value for the Shrewsbury game and decided to book something similar for the Blackpool game for my son and I. At £49 plus VAT a head it seemed OK value, but apart from a cushioned seat in the stands, the reality was a bit different. On arriving at just after 1:00PM, we struggled to find seats and kids were running all over the place. As soon as we had finished our main meal, we noticed a number of people arriving who had nowhere to sit. We gave our seats up to a couple of people who looked hungry and wandered over to the bar to buy another drink. Due to the free food and matchday ticket for the under 12's, it was apparent we were going to have nowhere to sit to enjoy our beers, so we walked into the adjoining corridor and sat down to finish them. It took about 2 minutes for a steward to walk up and tell us we weren't allowed to drink alcohol in that area. I told him that he could find a seat in the Mick Channon suite for us to use, I'd gladly comply. He kindly told me he'd turn a blind eye. I quickly finished my beer, went into the stands early and another steward told me we weren't allowed to go to the pitchside and had to stay where we were, as there was limited access to the rest of the ground. I must say that the game experience was great, but I will never be doing the hospitality thing again while kids under 12 get in for free. If you have the carpet rats, fine, but I don't and it pi $$ed me off that the little bu ggers had monopolised the seats and ate all the desserts. Pub and my normal seat for Man U, I think... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 Thats a shame. Almost went for that myself but if it's turned into a kids free for all then i'll stick to the King Alfred. Seems that there is a discrepancy between the hospitality restaurant/bar capacity and stand seating capacity - Very poor organisation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPY Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 At least we won eh... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 At least we won eh... Quite. If you are paying circa fifty quid for it though you would expect something quite good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holepuncture Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 'Curry Creche' Shame to hear that, however it would only be a matter of time with the free under 12's. Not sure on how many children you can bring, but Ive got this image of 10 year old birthday parties all over the place! The kingland/chapel family corner appeared shut for the game too, which may have had an impact. The club needs to find a balance between people like GM who want a beer and a curry, and parents who want to take advantage of what seems a very good deal with the under 12's. Both are great supporters/customers for differing reasons, and both will be attracted to the offer, however both will be going for different reasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 Thought that when I saw on another thread someone boasting about how good the deal works out when he takes his kid or something. What th f**k, its bad enough having young kids sat next to you in a normal seat, but the last thing I'd want or expect if I'd paid out for corporate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattio Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 I'm thinking of taking my niece and nephew (they're 10 and 12 so not at the age where they act like prats) but if its like that I might not bother to be honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintoaks Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 Thought that when I saw on another thread someone boasting about how good the deal works out when he takes his kid or something. What th f**k, its bad enough having young kids sat next to you in a normal seat, but the last thing I'd want or expect if I'd paid out for corporate. You obviously havnt got kids then have you mate !!! Oh and wernt you a nipper once.... Christ, some people on this forum are just a f***** joke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landford.saint Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 Sorry you had a bad experience. I was at the corporate with group of friends saturday, First time Mrs LS and myself had done hospitality. We (possibly due to group size, roughly 10 of us) had reserved table. Food was very tasty and plenty of it.... We all had a thoroughly good time. Yes there were a number of kids running around, but they in no way spoiled our enjoyment. Mrs LS and I are thinking of repeating the experience later in the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 You obviously havnt got kids then have you mate !!! Oh and wernt you a nipper once.... Christ, some people on this forum are just a f***** joke Calm down chap. Holepuncture summed it up best with his post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 I blame the parents. I have four kids who are now adults so I'm not kid shy, but I it drives me nuts that some parents just don't know how to control their offspring (or just don't give a toss). Kids will be kids, but there's no excuse for bad behaviour in a public place so others have to suffer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guided Missile Posted 10 January, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 January, 2011 You obviously havnt got kids then have you mate !!! Oh and wernt you a nipper once.... Christ, some people on this forum are just a f***** joke It is pretty obvious that those paying for the hospitality subsidised those that didn't, ie the under 12's. I have two kids and have never expected a free ride for them when they were young, but I am guessing that in todays benefit culture, that concept is outdated. I did expect a f** cking seat, though, having paid for it. Obviously this arrangement only suits those adults that have under 12's to take. I won't be there with my impeccably behaved 20 year old son who gave his seat up to a pensioner who was standing close by. Didn't notice any "nippers" who got in for f*** all doing that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landford.saint Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 I blame the parents. I have four kids who are now adults so I'm not kid shy, but I it drives me nuts that some parents just don't know how to control their offspring (or just don't give a toss). Kids will be kids, but there's no excuse for bad behaviour in a public place so others have to suffer. Personally I wasn't the victim of or saw any bad behaviour from any of the kids. Yes one or two were a bit excited,thats to be expected...... But bad behaved? Not near me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landford.saint Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 However GM I must concur with you regarding seats. Having no problems myself I was unaware that there wasn't enough seating for those who had paid to be there... this is an issue that should be addressed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 Thought twice about this and decided that it was a bit overpriced, glad I did the beers in the Junction at St Denys,the curry in Bevois Valley and the bog standard ticket in the Chapel then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 Personally I wasn't the victim of or saw any bad behaviour from any of the kids. Yes one or two were a bit excited,thats to be expected...... But bad behaved? Not near me. Fair enough, but kids running around in a corporate area is perhaps not what some punters really wanted to experience for their £49+VAT I suspect. I agree about the seating issue though - I have been thinking about trying it out, but not getting a seat would really spoil it for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guided Missile Posted 10 January, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 January, 2011 Personally I wasn't the victim of or saw any bad behaviour from any of the kids. Yes one or two were a bit excited,thats to be expected...... But bad behaved? Not near me. You obviously didn't talk to any of the stewards for their experiences. Broken glasses, food stains on the carpets, running aorund in the corridors. I admit I'm a miserable sod, when it comes to other peoples kids, but I was sold the tickets as some sort of corporate hospitality deal. To quote the Saints website: Launched to celebrate the club's 125th Anniversary year, this is a more casual suite with a lively atmosphere.The 1885 Family Club is a great way to enjoy the match in style with your friends, family or business associates, but in less formal surroundings. * Children under 12 go FREE. Enjoy the match with business associates? Friends? If arranging to meet your business associates or friends, in the local McDonalds in the middle of a childrens birthday party, prior to the match is your idea of enjoyment, whilst paying for their meals out of your bill, then I heartily recommend it. As far as I'm concerned, never again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 Will be interested to hear what the club come back with if/when you get in touch with then as I've been thinking of going to one of these myself at some point Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 You obviously didn't talk to any of the stewards for their experiences. Broken glasses, food stains on the carpets, running aorund in the corridors. I admit I'm a miserable sod, when it comes to other peoples kids, but I was sold the tickets as some sort of corporate hospitality deal. To quote the Saints website: Launched to celebrate the club's 125th Anniversary year, this is a more casual suite with a lively atmosphere.The 1885 Family Club is a great way to enjoy the match in style with your friends, family or business associates, but in less formal surroundings. * Children under 12 go FREE. Enjoy the match with business associates? Friends? If arranging to meet your business associates or friends, in the local McDonalds in the middle of a childrens birthday party, prior to the match is your idea of enjoyment, whilst paying for their meals out of your bill, then I heartily recommend it. As far as I'm concerned, never again... I hate to say it but those two things would tip me off on what to expect as far as the kids issue were concerned. Luckily I'm to poor to afford such luxury as the family club. Subway and coffee at half time is as far as my budget stretches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landford.saint Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 GM, yes there were a couple of kids running around, but in no way was this the mayhem you describe. At no time was I even really aware of the kids. They at no time inconvenience me, in fact just the opposite I thought it was a lovely friendly hasslefree experience. Until you mentioned it on here I hadn't even thought about the kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 I was is the Channon 1885 Club on Saturday and thought it was fine. You must have been at the other end from us (by the football table) but we had no kids running around and we got straight in, sat at one of the smaller tables, which we kept right up until kick-off. Oh and the food was much better than the last time we did it v Exeter last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Balls Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 There were a lot of kids when I did it early December. Didn't really bother me. We did struggle to find a seat though and shared with 2 other couples who we didn't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunty Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 I have been fortunate to use the 1885 club on numerous occassions this season, always enjoyed it, Saturday was no exception. There were a lot more people there, was told 800 in hospitality total, but never really saw any real trouble with the youngsters. The only downside for me is it's now pay the full amount or nothing for kids, therefore to take my 15 year would now cost well over a ton for us, whereas my 10 year old is free, so my nipper misses out and sits every other in our normal seats! He enjoys the Alfred though so alls good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 £49 (plus VAT) + kids under 12 free = a council estate day out. I have no sympathy for you GM because you should have envisaged the scenario. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guided Missile Posted 10 January, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 January, 2011 I've come to the conclusion that I am just a miserable sod for expecting an available seat, where I can eat the food I paid for and didn't do my research carefully enough, when I thought the 1885 club may be suitable for adults intolerant of other peoples children at the weekend. Now I know it's a naked exercise by the club to pack the punters in, at inflated prices, I will stick to my ST universe and pub themed pre- and post-match routine and leave the Mike Channon suite well alone until the end of season, players presentation dinner, when, I hope, we will all be getting drunk celebrating the Championship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guided Missile Posted 10 January, 2011 Author Share Posted 10 January, 2011 £49 (plus VAT) + kids under 12 free = a council estate day out. I have no sympathy for you GM because you should have envisaged the scenario. Exactly... I'm ashamed of my gullibility and refuse to whine like a b!tch any longer... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokingFun Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 I was in there as well and had no problem with the kids but have to admit I was very disappointed that the club had not thought to at least allocate everyone who had paid for a ticket (including those that had a child going free) a seat. I agree on this point with GM that the club surely must have known how many people were coming as they sold an individual ticket for each person, even the kids had a ticket although they were going free so there is no excuse for not knowing how many would turn up. Other than that though the kids had a great day (pics with Barney and Lambo as they were leaving made them very happy), we won well and we all went home happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Bognor Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 You obviously didn't talk to any of the stewards for their experiences. Broken glasses, food stains on the carpets, running aorund in the corridors. I admit I'm a miserable sod, when it comes to other peoples kids, but I was sold the tickets as some sort of corporate hospitality deal. To quote the Saints website: Launched to celebrate the club's 125th Anniversary year, this is a more casual suite with a lively atmosphere.The 1885 Family Club is a great way to enjoy the match in style with your friends, family or business associates, but in less formal surroundings. * Children under 12 go FREE. Enjoy the match with business associates? Friends? If arranging to meet your business associates or friends, in the local McDonalds in the middle of a childrens birthday party, prior to the match is your idea of enjoyment, whilst paying for their meals out of your bill, then I heartily recommend it. As far as I'm concerned, never again... To be fair, you can't get more lively than that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted 10 January, 2011 Share Posted 10 January, 2011 Won't be the same for the MU match GM, give it another go mate. It's £150 across the board for that one and I do not personally have an issue with it though as it is advertised as a family event. btw I really hope that they wheel out Nick Holmes and Peter Rodrigues again for that one as Man U fans in my experience tak eexception to being reminded how they bricked it that glorious day. fwiw, I thought that it was pretty ace to see all the nippers having their piccies taken by their dad's with their idols, a moment to treasure. there were also quite afew empty seats about in the centre section so not a real problem in that respect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landford.saint Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 Big John, GM, Pokingfun, Hunty, et al... what was this an unofficial forum get together. $150 for MU. Initial reaction was WHAT!!!! But thinking about it, if tickets are $30 as most on here are suggesting. Season ticket holders, members (if there is still such a athing) and attendees to Blackpool first should see most regular fans with tickets. That leaves the plastics, so they can pay $150 a throw for a ticket if they really want to watch MU. Odd how many times I have been asked since sunday if I can get people a ticket...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 Big John, GM, Pokingfun, Hunty, et al... what was this an unofficial forum get together. Can you describe yourself, I would normally have had a red and white stripey top on but due to the restrictions (boo hiss) I had to wear as collared shirt, slacks and shoes. In fact i think oi looked quite dashing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landford.saint Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 Can you describe yourself, I would normally have had a red and white stripey top on but due to the restrictions (boo hiss) I had to wear as collared shirt, slacks and shoes. In fact i think oi looked quite dashing. Oddly enough I felt a bit overdressed. And no stripey shirt i felt really odd. Not dressed for footy at all. And then having to sit on padded seats instead of standing amongst the riff-raff it felt most odd. However back to normal on Saturday... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GenevaSaint Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 It is pretty obvious that those paying for the hospitality subsidised those that didn't, ie the under 12's. I have two kids and have never expected a free ride for them when they were young, but I am guessing that in todays benefit culture, that concept is outdated. I'm not sure that it's a free ride and a benefit culture; it's the clubs attempt to try and keep our support levels up in the next generation post league 1. The club should limit the number of tickets though, it's not on if they don't have enough seating available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guided Missile Posted 11 January, 2011 Author Share Posted 11 January, 2011 there were also quite afew empty seats about in the centre section so not a real problem in that respect. I'm sure the youngsters had a lot of fun and I am sincerely happy about that. As far as the empty seats, these were on tables that had made a reservation. I asked if we could sit down on them and was told that they were unavailable as they had been reserved. They remained empty and unavailable up until kick off. The reason for this was that they were reserved for a number of under 12's that were to be dropped off, but didn't turn up. Why would they feel that they had to turn up? The event didn't cost them anything. Good luck in future at this type of event and I hope the families enjoy it. For me, it is corporate suicide on the part of the club to allow free access for any sector of the fanbase and has badly affected the goodwill I had for the hospitality events. This comes from someone that spends over £5K a year with Saints, not a couple hundred... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 I'm sure the youngsters had a lot of fun and I am sincerely happy about that. As far as the empty seats, these were on tables that had made a reservation. I asked if we could sit down on them and was told that they were unavailable as they had been reserved. They remained empty and unavailable up until kick off. The reason for this was that they were reserved for a number of under 12's that were to be dropped off, but didn't turn up. Why would they feel that they had to turn up? The event didn't cost them anything. Good luck in future at this type of event and I hope the families enjoy it. For me, it is corporate suicide on the part of the club to allow free access for any sector of the fanbase and has badly affected the goodwill I had for the hospitality events. This comes from someone that spends over £5K a year with Saints, not a couple hundred... But why not go to a different suite? Different groups / ages / types of fans will always want different things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guided Missile Posted 11 January, 2011 Author Share Posted 11 January, 2011 But why not go to a different suite? Different groups / ages / types of fans will always want different things. All I wanted was a seat from where I could eat the food and drink the beer I paid for. I had the wild expectation that this, at the minimum, would be provided for £57 a head. I guess you must think that I should pay a bit more for that luxury... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 All I wanted was a seat from where I could eat the food and drink the beer I paid for. I had the wild expectation that this, at the minimum, would be provided for £57 a head. I guess you must think that I should pay a bit more for that luxury... C'mon GM. You arent a hospitality virgin. Yes maybe on the day the club got the seating wrong, I dont know. However the 1885 club is advertised as an informal family function where kids go free. The website even has lots of pics of kids at the event. If you want a more civilised sit down place, avoid the 1885 club, just as I'm sure you dont go to a Pizza Express or Harvester at 6pm on a Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redondo Saint Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 (edited) Thought that when I saw on another thread someone boasting about how good the deal works out when he takes his kid or something. What th f**k, its bad enough having young kids sat next to you in a normal seat, but the last thing I'd want or expect if I'd paid out for corporate. This is not 'corporate' by any means. It's a relatively inexpensive way to get a good seat with a light bite to eat. If you want something more exclusive you need to pay for the executive club, etc. Edited 11 January, 2011 by Redondo Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guided Missile Posted 11 January, 2011 Author Share Posted 11 January, 2011 C'mon GM. You arent a hospitality virgin. Yes maybe on the day the club got the seating wrong, I dont know. However the 1885 club is advertised as an informal family function where kids go free. The website even has lots of pics of kids at the event. If you want a more civilised sit down place, avoid the 1885 club, just as I'm sure you dont go to a Pizza Express or Harvester at 6pm on a Saturday. If I had gone to a Pizza Express or Harvester I would have expected a f*** ing seat, even provided that many families infest those establishments. DOES NO ONE THINK THAT'S A REASONABLE EXPECTATION FOR £57 A TICKET, EVEN IF IT WAS IN THE F*** ING ALI DIA SUITE... Jesus H. Christ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 If I had gone to a Pizza Express or Harvester I would have expected a f*** ing seat, even provided that many families infest those establishments. DOES NO ONE THINK THAT'S A REASONABLE EXPECTATION FOR £57 A TICKET, EVEN IF IT WAS IN THE F*** ING ALI DIA SUITE... Jesus H. Christ... I think its perfectly reasonable GM. FWIW three of us were in the Terry Paine Suite, we had never done Hospitality before and thought we would treat ourselves. Have to say it was great, really enjoyed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dingbattigger Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 Very reasonable expectation. Mind you I also think parents should teach their kids to have respect for others but there's precious little of that about. I can at least take my kids out and know they won't behave as if their pleasure is all that matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorgiesaint Posted 11 January, 2011 Share Posted 11 January, 2011 Sorry you had a bad experience. I was at the corporate with group of friends saturday, First time Mrs LS and myself had done hospitality. We (possibly due to group size, roughly 10 of us) had reserved table. Food was very tasty and plenty of it.... We all had a thoroughly good time. Yes there were a number of kids running around, but they in no way spoiled our enjoyment. Mrs LS and I are thinking of repeating the experience later in the season. Interesting that as a group you had a reserved table. Just a thought (as I'm at the wrong end of the country to take part ) but would it be possible to organise a SWF table through here? Would the club allow us to phone in and book a table and each member pay individually? Not sure of the practicalities but the thought occurred so thought I would throw it out there!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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