Dot Point Update!

There's a saying in the hospitality industry that running a pub is not a job it's a lifestyle change.  And it didn't take too long for us to realise the truth of that statement.  That is reflected in the terrible neglect of my poor blog although two entries in sixteen months does not a blog make.

But all that time has been invested into Blueys, and developing it into a burgeoning business!  We have rebranded as a steakhouse, we have an unusual range of drinks on draught and in the fridges, and the Bluey Burger seems to be taking the local area by storm (not to mention our hand-cut, home-made chips!)

We entered a darts and dominoes team in the Old Higham winter league, and although we didn't come even close to winning, it was a lot of fun, and we all met a lot of lovely people, and the season culminated in the presentation night being held at Bluey's, and boy, was that a good night!

Our exotic meats are growing in popularity, and quite a few people have attempted our 48oz rump steak with all the trimmings.

And Bluey's trip to Australia opened up some new and interesting ideas which we are keen to develop over the coming months. 

We have introduced a regular Northern Soul and Motown Night, and a Retro Night featuring 60's, 70's and 80's music, which have both proven popular.  

But I think our most notable venture is the sponsorship of the Alfreton Town Junior Football Club Under 8's team.  With the help of staff and customers, we have raised a significant amount of money to help purchase training aids, and the kits (in gold and green) look fantastic. 

Whirlwind Summer

Well, strike me pink mate, where have the last 3 months gone?!  It's 3 months since I last wrote a Blog entry, but it's been all hands on deck while Bluey has been off sick.  No, it wasn't just man flu, he was really crook mate, it had us all fair worried.  But at long last, he's back, and no-one is more thankful than me. It's been some real hard yakka, and I've made some mistakes, but I'm more than happy to hand over the bar to the main man, my Blue.  He's been gradually improving, but Saturday, he was back for the first full day, and Saturday night was just brilliant!  There was a real atmosphere in the place (and he will not thank me for saying this) but he completely stole the show with his rastafarian rendition of Kingston Town which he did as a duet with Foggy, one of our Saturday night regulars.  It was real good to see Bluey relax and let his hair down, and we all enjoyed the night.

So much has been happening at Bluey's too.  We have: launched our BBQ Char-grill Menu, which specialises in steaks and exotic meats; introduced our take away service (pick up only at this stage); overhauled the website, and made it more comprehensive, and easier to access; started a darts and dominoes team; and we have published our Christmas menus.

We are also changing the annexe to the restaurant into a lounge area.  We already have one 2 seater leather lounge and a coffee table, and another 2 seater leather lounge will be arriving on Wednesday.  In the near future, we are hoping to have a second bar there too.

One major change is to our Sunday night quiz.  It is no longer exclusively a music quiz.  It is a music and general knowledge quiz.  Our kareoke host is now also the Quiz Master, and as well as Pick a Box (current cash jackpot £40) and Play Your Cards Right (current cash jackpot £100), we have added Sticky Bingo (cash prize £10) to the evening's entertainment.  All the games are £1 a go, for the chance to win.  Play Your Cards Right certainly got a rousing cheer of Higher! Lower! this week.

I do however feel compelled to warn you that Bluey's twin brother Bruce is due to make an appearance next Sunday.  And let me tell you, he is not the nicest of chaps!  In fact, that's putting it extremely delicately.  As an Aussie myself, I feel somewhat ashamed to say that he is the sort of person that gives us a bad name.  However, you  be the judge.  Come along on Sunday, meet him yourself, and draw your own conclusions.

On a final note, I want to apologise for any inconvenience suffered by any of our customers due to the technical issues we had with our telephone, our card machine and our internet.  We have (we believe) had the fault repaired, but this is something that had been ongoing since we first opened in February, and this seriously impeded us in the day to day running of our business.

On a positive note, Bluey's is flourishing, and it warms my heart to see it so.  It's such a beautiful building,  the acoustics are simply amazing, and there is a lovely atmosphere which is evident the minute you walk in.  Bluey has given the place an identity and a purpose, and together, we've given it heart and soul.  If you haven't been in yet, just pop in, and have a quick drink, you'll soon see what I mean.

Anyway mates, I've got to go, catch ya later orright?

The birth of Bluey's

From a germ of an idea back in January, Bluey and I have made our dream a reality - opening an Aussie-themed bar in Alfreton.  It's been a lot of hard work, but we have had so much support from family, friends and locals, it has really helped us to carry on.  When we opened our doors, we had a very clear vision of what we wanted to be: and we decided that we wanted to be different.  Not radically odd, but just a twist.  So we decided to take advantage of Bluey's 25 years of living in Australia, and the fact that I am Australian (although I might not always sound like I am!!) and offer just a little bit of Aus to the Amber Valley.  And, in the most part, it has been well received!  We did veer off our path a little and cave in to popular demand for a Sunday Roast, but we have now decided to return to our original ethos, and all I can say at this stage, is WATCH THIS SPACE!  We have new plans that we are putting into place as I type, and to quote Big Kev, "I'm excited!"  And, as a little hint to what's around the corner, I would like to point you to two of  Amber Valley Info's blog entries regarding Bluey's: the before and after as it were.  I am sure you will forgive me when I say I am looking forward to many more reviews such as this.  For now, though, in my best Aussie drawl: "See ya later mates!"