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26/10/2012 15:49:32
WALKABOUT SUNDAYS UNDER THREAT Walkabout Shepherds Bush changes Sunday operating hours signalling an end to years of Sunday afternoon revelry at iconic venue long considered as the ‘unofficial’ SA, NZ, OZ embassy
by JOSH REICH
THE humble Sunday session is set to undergo a radical change, with the Walkabout Shepherds Bush to make drastic changes to the way it operates due an increase in crime in the area. The pub, seen by many as the unofficial embassy for the Australian, New Zealand and South African communities in London, will operate a one-way door policy from 4pm on Sundays, the time when revellers usually flock to it. It did not open on Sunday, the first time it has not opened its doors in over four years, and will also be closed this coming Sunday, with the one-way policy coming into force seven days later. “Due to a recent increase in crime on Sunday evenings, and following conversations with Hammersmith Police, we will not be opening for the next two Sundays,” a statement from the pub said late last week. “Following this, we will open as usual at midday on a Sunday from 24 February but will stop new entries at 4pm, ensuring that all genuine sports fans are able to join us for all live Sunday afternoon sport. This only affects Sunday evenings and we will open our usual hours every other day of the week. We’re very sorry for any disappointment this may cause but it’s important that we work together with the police to help reduce crime” said the statement.
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COOLER AS EKKE: Zef rapper Jack Parow and Afrikaans rockers Fokofpolisiekar return to London for a double bill live at Clapham Grand in April. See page 6 for more info.
The pub will also make changes to its entertainment on Sunday evenings, and is currently in the process of making changes to its
drink offerings, which it has been suggested may see an end to the popular Snakebite. The Shepherd’s Bush Walkabout has been a popular
Sunday afternoon watering hole for more than a decade, drawing well over a thousand high-spirited punters on a busy day. It is a popular followon destination for those who have been at The Church in Clapham Junction, which finishes at 4pm. Pub management were keen to point out they were proud to be a focal point for the antipodean community and would continue to welcome them. However the changes were necessary to keep their customers and the general public safe. It is understood the increase in crime is not related to serious offences, but incidents that take up valuable police time and resources. The changes come almost a year to the day that The Redback pub in Acton, another favoured drinking haunt of South Africans, was forced to close following complaints about rowdy behaviour by local residents. Another Walkabout in Finchley Road closed late last year, but management at Shepherd’s Bush were at pains to point out there were no such plans to do the same and they were planning on spending money on sprucing up the pub. Customers and fans of the pub have been quick to air their views on the changes, with opinion divided between those rueing the end of a much-cherished tradition and those blaming the behaviour of patrons for forcing the changes.
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