Apologies for the untended pun, but the newly revamped Hambleden Sports and Social Club house will, in my opinion raise the 'bar' for drinking in the village. Hats off to the Club Committee for investing in the club and for creating a very appealing location for a drink or two. For the first time, Hambleden residents (so long as they are members of the Sports and Social Club or are signed in by a member) have a real choice of where to drink.
The new decor was unveiled last Friday. With all interior design done by local specialist Jane Sweet, the interior is now both welcoming and functional. Smart carpet matched with, dare I say this, a sophisticated colour scheme combines to create a quite sophisticated ambiance. Quirky touches such as the coat hooks in the entrance hall, a cat mural by the bar and neatly matched photos of sports teams both young and old, add to the refreshed feel of the place. While undoubtedly different to what went before, the new feel will, I am sure, attract a lot of new members to the Sports Club. And that can only be a good thing.
What will be very interesting is the effect it will have on The Stag and Huntsman. One thing is for certain, the price of a round in the Sports and Social Club is significantly cheaper than prices at The Stag of old. And I can't imagine for a moment that prices will be any lower once it re-opens. So now the village has a choice and competition has been introduced. Of course the Stag will profit from passing trade and from the reputation it builds outside the Valley, but the core local clientele now have options. And that I have to say is a good thing.
All I hope is that the new Sports and Social Club will attract new members from the surrounding area and that we'll see an increase in interest in the sports on offer. And with an appealing destination for all teams to decamp to at the end of the match, with luck the Club will see its profits rise and its popularity increase. I would say to anyone with pre-conceived opinions about the Hambleden Sports and Social Club to go and take another look. You'll be very pleasantly surprised!
