Is the Oast toast?

The Oast House pub on Stanley Street is struggling and may have to close up soon.

The German-themed community-style pub has tried every trick in the book to bring in new custom but has been hit particularly hard by the smoking ban.

The pub used to be run by a German called Klaus, who put it on the map with good Teutonic brews and cheap schnapps. Left over from those days is a fondness for Jaegermeister among the regulars, with ladyfriends of mine favouring Reservoir Dogs – 1 part  Jaeger, 1 part Bailey’s Irish cream.

Since then things have never been as good. The new owners recently advertised real ale but went for the worst of the usual suspects, Theakstons and Directors, and do not keep it well.

The pub has a cult following among certian types of ladies. The owners should try to exploit this before they call it a day and disappear.