I have focussed on this specific part of your quote because, unless there’s some strong evidence that points to a competitor, I’d put this down to mindless vandalism (and I stress MIND-LESS!).
My heart goes out to you and I wanted to give you my perspective because I hope it will be easier for you to cope with if you could rule out any motive for what has happened. Obviously, it doesn’t take away the considerable annoyance, inconvenience and cost elements but to know that this was probably done as a senseless act by brainless youths, to me, would help in planning for the future and getting the business up-and-running again.
By the way, my friend specialises in restoring these vans so please let me know if you need any parts for yours.
I wish I had discovered this little van before their troubles. I have looked at their recipes on their website and they sound so tasty that I am determined to make as many of them as I can. This weekend I think its going to be tartiflette. It looks like the sort of healthy eating I should be doing to help me in my goal of losing a pound or two - sigh !
I love this forum, in just one week I have learned of le petite bouche ( wounded but soon to recover I hope) and now the FHgin club ( which appears to be alive and well and so far un-vandalised). Perhaps we could all co-incide a se23.life meet up when the gin club next convenes - how good would that be !
I agree with the sentiments expressed by Anotherjohn that, unless there is strong evidence that the vandalism is the work of a competitor, this could be a disgraceful act on the part of mindless thugs - not of course that that would be any consolation.
To take it one step further, and this is no way meant to detract from the well earned and thoroughly deserved award, the accusation that this vandalism could be the act of a competitor could possibly cause competitors some upset, particularly as there were relatively few nominations for that area and in that category.
To my mind, it’s the best pub in Forest Hill. I called there some years ago because it was on my route home and I had seen favourable mentions on another forum.
RI chard and Julia, the owners, bought the pub from their pubco many years ago. Both are qualified caterers, Richard a qualified chef, who does the cooking.
Their Sunday roasts are secondto none. Essential to book. Completely unpretentious , lovely people as witness to their offer to help la petite bouchee.
Disabled and family friendly, lovely atmosphere,
many regulars. Excellent, highly competitively priced - certainly no trying to get away with City prices here- food and drink.
They also have luxurious newly refurbished accommodation.
I have no commercial links with All Inn One, to be clear, but like so many others whom I have met in the pub, have become a loyal regular due to the friendliness of Richard and Julia, the first class service and of course their excellent food.
If you haven’t heard of the pub or been there, it must be a very closely guarded secret!
