The Cardinal - Location: Victoria

[bigjim]

I hate to throw a spanner in the works, but do we have any solid basis for this figure of ?5 million on the re-furb? We all know Humphrey spends crazy amounts on some of his flagship pubs - but normally major re-building works are involved. Here, correct me if I'm wrong, but it mostly went on internal re-fitting etc. Ok it might have involved a lot of fancy new woodwork etc but ?5million FFS! The Princess Louise was only about half that if memory serves me correctly.     

[OnTheDrink]

I hate to throw a spanner in the works, but do we have any solid basis for this figure of ?5 million on the re-furb? We all know Humphrey spends crazy amounts on some of his flagship pubs - but normally major re-building works are involved. Here, correct me if I'm wrong, but it mostly went on internal re-fitting etc. Ok it might have involved a lot of fancy new woodwork etc but ?5million FFS! The Princess Louise was only about half that if memory serves me correctly.   

Five million is pure fantasy, as was, I suspect, the figures bandied around for the Princess Louise, given that those figures are more than the value of the premises.  I'd estimate the thick end of 250,000 at the most. Having seen the handiwork of the contractors Hump uses I'll guess that everything looks wonderful, is made of good material but look closely at the painting, joinery and flooring and you'll probably see room for improvement to say the least.

[DarkieBoy]

I was told by a Samuel Smith's manager that a massive SIX MILLION was spent.  Again, I take these figures with a pinch of salt.

DB.

[OldBreweryDrinker]

I know Humphrey does spend lots of money on his falgship pubs. But as already stated sounds a crazy amount and probably more than the pub is worth. Yet other pubs in the estate are looking tatty and outdated. The pubs that need a refurbishment and have had a visit from the QS is probably getting longer. The QS comes round and has a look and nothing happens for a year or so.

[Croydonwhite]

I popped in yesterday.  It certainly looks very ornate and shiney, indeed it has a certain church-like feel to it with the high tiled ceiling. Its going to be a beggar for the cleaners with all that glass and tiling to keep polished. 6 Millions worth? I sincerely hope not although Central London prices can be ridiculous!

[dogsboddy]

cleaners cleaners whats them?

[DarkieBoy]

There is documentary evidence from the contractor() that Widow Cullen's Well in Lincoln cost the best part of ?2,000,000 (TWO MILLION) to renovate.  This was a big job in a conservation area and may or may not give some bearing on the Cardinal refurbishment expenditure.

DB.

[OnTheDrink]

There is documentary evidence from the contractor() that Widow Cullen's Well in Lincoln cost the best part of ?2,000,000 (TWO MILLION) to renovate.  This was a big job in a conservation area and may or may not give some bearing on the Cardinal refurbishment expenditure.

DB.

I can understand serious money when structural work is carried out, but from what everyone's said the Windsor Castle was just internal refurbishment.

[DarkieBoy]

Agreed OTD.  Widow Cullen's Well involved a lot of structural work including a significant extension to the rear made with stone from the original quarry that supplied stone for the original building, so I'm told.  That would greatly inflate the cost, and as my own photos show, the Cardinal was just interior refurbished.  My figures were for comparison and to debunk the expenditure that has been stated has been spent on the Windsor Castle.

DB.

[ian]

Just found this item from the London Evening Standard.  At least they seem to be on the brewery's side.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/bars/review-23997073-the-windsor-castle-victoria---review.do

[ian]

Some reviews of the Windsor Castle....................

http://hwww.fancyapint.com/Pub/london/the-windsor-castle-ex-the-cardinal/1041?rsort=rating

[norman byrott]

Been in, excellent refurb, though as has been said it does have a ''churchy'' feel to it. Obviously not too busy at 4.30 on a Monday afternoon, but a friendly and chatty group of regulars, a smattering of others and a few dog-collar wearers. Quick and friendly service to boot.

If I may be allowed to return to the topic of the name, for once in my life I agree with the RC church. Being so close to that cathedral, and a number from there being customers The Cardinal seems an appropriate name. And I think after 40 years it can claim to be traditional. Also, at least we know where the left-footers are!! Only joking troops.

[DarkieBoy]

As the Cardinal is no more and there is now a "Windsor Castle" topic at: http://samsmiths.info/forum/index.php/topic,2439.msg9761.html#msg9761 I have decided undemocratically to lock this topic.

Thank you,

DB
Moderator.