We had a guy out here who was so against McDonald's that he set fire to one of their branches that was under construction. He finished up in jail, but there was a huge campaign to free him. The Slow Food movement exists in over 150 countries and aims to use local produce from decently run farms, rather than the mass produced industrial stuff that you find in the fast food chains. Of course fast food is here to stay, but so far they have not invaded my local town.
My own view is that anyone who actually enjoys eating in McDonalds etc need psychiatric help or will need medical help No offence intended
McDonalds is extremely popular in France, surprisingly its best market in Europe. I witnessed a local food demonstration outside the Toulouse branch. Customers were eating the free samples of local produce before sneaking in the rear door for their Big Macs!!.
Yep I'm familiar. The Horns is the exception that rather proves the rule. Wellington isn't bad for a quality pint. The Nascot is always worth considering too... but in the town centre?
Good morning all from a cold and dry Weston-super-Mare! Have a good day I was in McDonald's because young'un wanted a happy meal, I had hoped for an all day breakfast in Cafe Gold
The French McDonalds serve 46 million meals EACH WEEK, some poor souls must be solely living on this mush.
The town centre pubs and late night clubs cater for the free spending under 25's rather than the financially proficient Saga louts. Not much different from the late 60's / early 70's I can just about recall.
Morning all. A lovely dry sunny morning, but a biting cold north easterly wind. After the warmth of last week it will be necessary to put the coat back on. A really good dinner yesterday with friends, I will not go into what was on the menu as it might not be appreciated by those who avoid meat. The auberge was taken over by just the two parties, ours that had 15 people, but a much larger one one of 36 that were there to celebrate the birthday of a great grandmother. Large French family gatherings tend to be rather loud, but it does create a great atmosphere. Long may the slow food movement continue. Have a very good day whatever you are planning.
Morning all..... Ten pin bowling with 4 little ones and a bunch of parents yesterday... chaos ruled.... but William aged two actually got the highest score..... then chaos ruled further at Pizza Hut.... Today we take William to RHS Harlow Carr.... where there is also a gardeners questions booth open..... Meanwhile the new boyfriend of Mlle, has actually just got a Fan ID, is going to buy a Watford shirt, and is coming with us to Old Trafford! COYH!
I see that INTU that owns the shopping centre in Watford is up to its neck in problems. Already owing more than £5 billion, it is to ask for a cash injection from the shareholders of a further £1 billion. The Watford council has something like a 7% stake in the centre, so this is not good news for them. INTU have been trying to sell off various of the centres it owns, without much luck. Last year they tried to sell the Watford one, but that fell through when the investors looked at the books. With a book value of £8 billion, but a share valuation of only £290 Million, there is clearly something very wrong.
With the internet only going to increase its market share any investment in the high street would be highly risky. I am amazed the Debenhams branch in Hemel Hempstead is not on the list for closure. It is almost empty during the week. High streets in all countries will need to adjust to the public's changing purchasing methods in the next few years. I suspect pension funds will also move their investments away from this sector.
I don't think this is the problem facing Intu. As landlords they have often taken the hit on failing businesses that get out of paying large rental debts using voluntary CVA's. These generous, perhaps over generous, arrangements have encouraged reckless spending by some companies knowing a convenient favourable insolvency process limits losses to enable the company to carry on trading. Intu is selling assets, often those abroad, and recently turned down two takeover bids so there is long term confidence in this company. It is accepted the net asset values are way below their real worth.
Very sad news about Brian's passing. He was a really nice gentle chap and visited me on his last three trips to the UK. He was a lifetime Watford supporter and we spent several hours recalling matches and players back in the 60's/70's. He also lived in Berkhamsted for several years although I only knew him recently through this forum. Sincere condolences to his family.