5 /5 Tony Roberts: What a difference!
Prior to this week, my last visit here was with the UK Open qualifiers last year.
This time I went for a go at the Total9Ball Event 5 tournament. . Access is usually from the ground floor and up a number of flights of stairs, but there is a lift if you need it.
Heres where it gets interesting:
When you first walk in, you simply wont recognise the place. Theres been a total revamp of the club, and the list of improvements is extensive. Someone has poured a lot of passion (and money) into making things so much nicer than they were before.
The first thing that hits you right between the eyes is how bright it is. The lighting system has been completely changed for the tables (more on that in a moment) and the ceiling sports some discreet spot lights that totally goes away from the dingy image of a pool hall that many people might have in their heads. This place looks properly inviting and friendly. New, light - coloured paintwork, new tables, a new layout and a brand new feel to everything. Even the toilets (which are immediately to your left) are new. In fact theyre immaculate (something I like to see, as a customer).
The new bar has a selection of ales etc. I have no idea what beers they sell - I dont drink. However, tea and coffee is available and its done properly! From a kettle!
Food is also available it decent prices. I went for the cheeseburger and chips , and I thoroughly enjoyed it. (Top tip: If you get one, turn it upside down so the bottom of the bread doesnt disintegrate).
Off to the right is a seating area where Id noticed some of my friends just chilling prior to their matches.
There is a selection of tables on which to play - sixteen English, sixteen American, four Snooker and one Chinese Eight Ball table.
Cant comment much on the english tables for playing on, as I was there for American pool. However, if they play anywhere near as well as the American tables, theyll be awesome. The American section was split into two sections. The original section had the old tables in there which had been re - clothed in tournament blue. Although the they reacted well, they did play significantly slower than the other American tables which were covered in Simonis Shark Grey. That is not a bad thing. Not everyone likes a fast table - particularly beginners, and as these had generous pockets, they were ideal for new players to fall in love with the game. For those of you who remember GB9, some of these tables are from there - so you know theyre going to be be good. They are SAM tables - from the same people who make Diamond tables. (I have one at home and it plays beautifully). There are also five Rasson tables. So whichever you choose, its going be everything you want from a table (unlike some of the clubs I go in where its like playing on your front room carpet).
I mentioned the lighting for the tables:
All the table lights have been replaced with lighting panels (which you can see in the pictures) and they make ALL the difference. No more dark areas or shadows. These cast all over light for each table and they add to the general ambience of the place. They particularly give off an air of professionalism rather than the smoky den of iniquity portrayed by Hollywood. It really is the sort of place you could take your mother to.
They even have a couple of TV tables.
No place would be complete without the staff there to run it. They couldnt have made me feel more comfy about the place had they bribed me. Nothing was too much trouble (and I probably did take the mick a little bit). A massive shoutout to everyone behind the bar for looking after not only me, but all the players who turned up for the Total9Ball event. There were their usual patrons on top of that and it all went smoothly. I cant remember everyones names, but Im sure they remember me (hopefully for all the right reasons), but thank you everyone for helping us have a great day.
For the record, I dont normally gush about a new place, but this venue is a bit special.