Gav

My favourite Brum pub is The old joint stock on Temple Row, up the hill from New Street, won't have footy on though. But you'll not struggle for great places to eat and drink, with footy on everywhere.

Its interesting listening to Boycott on TMS, he's always talking about batting for time, which he did very well during his career, some would say to well it became a bore. But these days we don't really see players occupying the crease, its about making shots, Butler being a prime example of someone who simply cannot leave the ball alone. Is it 20:20 influenced?

Yes done that obviously, but the staff are watched like Hawks, they hand the money in or face the sack.

Service charges are completely different. TIPS are for good service from the staff, as they're not the best paid positions, and I'm more than happy to tip, but not when the restaurant trousers the cash!

Restaurants taking staff tips, disgusting in my opinion: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/11816186/Cote-Restaurant-takes-all-its-service-staffs-tips.html I know of a well established Chinese restaurant in the Darwen/Bolton area that takes the tips, the staff never see a penny.

BT sport is free with BT broadband currently, I wonder if it'll remain free after shelling out for the ashes.

Good effort bob.

The Ashes are won, they've been taking it easy for the past 7 days so this performance isn't a surprise really. As for the T20 finals, tickets sold out.....so it's TV for is sadly.

You stick to that American sh1te with no words, no tune and lots of leather.

Great venue, saw them a few years ago at the the Apollo and they rocked the place.

What do you hate about it? can't be the food I'd wager.

San Carlos in Manchester is an absolutely superb Italian restaurant, been many times and never had a bad meal, it does exactly what it says on the tin. We went to Akbars in Birmingham last night which was superb, thanks Imy They have a branch in Manchester and the originals in Bradford, superb food, packed to the rafters and full of Asian diners which speaks volumes. They're well know for the size of their nans, they come on a metal spike and in some cases are the size of the table. 2 poppadoms, 2 starters and 2 mains, glass of win and a cobra £34, bargain.

I went about 18 months ago, it was very poor indeed, not an Italian in site, just loud Blackburn waiting on staff discussing what they did at the weekend. Maybe its improved now, changed its name even.

Interesting that Kate Hollern is calling for councils to step up enforcement, does she not realise that trading standard departments have been decimated by the Tory cuts, if she doesn't she should!

I'm seriously considering moving back! But on fish n chips, now thats odd Gordon!

Yes i thought that also, I'm sure he was quoted as saying Learner would be helping with his academy.

Holly Tree Chippy isn't bad either. The general standard of chip shops has improved dramatically in my opinion. Sadly living in the Midlands now they don't gravy What is that all about

Where was that Glenn?

I noticed in the press today that Lemmy has swapped Whiskey for Voda for health reasons, he enjoys orange juice better so Coca Cola can uck off Absolute legend

Great start and end by Lancs, lost it a bit in the middle but a very manageable target. Fingers crossed.

Not made it down today but looking forward to the game. Speaking to some Worcestershire fans in the pub last night, what a farce that was! They won the toss and batted second knowing the rain was coming, but for a ground that has no floodlights, why start at 5.30pm! Amateurish.

I'm think of going, tickets still available but it's a long way, even for me down here in West Midlands.

I'm not have that, yes it was a poor appointment but compared to everything else Williams did at the club it's a minor blip.Best chairman in the country by a mile.

No no no.......,, I'm not going to say it Jim. SKHT sentient is spot on in my opinion, chalk n cheese is about right.

I know its early in the season but I'm struggling to think of 3. Rotherham may find if hard, but not against us at home, they footballed us off the park last season at the New York stadium, useless at Ewood though.