Hi all,

New here so I'm not sure if this is allowed but I have not long ago taken over the newly refurbished Bridge Inn (formerly The Ruddy Duck) on Bridge St.

As a rugby league supporter of many years I am aware there isn't typically a huge amount to do around Belle Vue before and after games and I would like to help change that. Before the season opener against Catalans we will have a live band performing from 6pm and they will return after the match to play from 9.15pm. I would love to help contribute to the match day experience and to make this a regular event that can help contribute towards the atmosphere of the day for both home and away fans!

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Hull KR fan but now that is in suddenly in my own interests I'd love to see Wakey take 2nd spot this season!

We have events planned in for both the Catalans and HKR home games so far so hopefully if it is a success things can continue to grow!

Cheers
Cam

Is the beer cheap?

The Ruddy Duck never missed an opportunity to spectacularly fail to harness the match-day experience.

Glad you have more of a vision than your predecessors, but without this effort The Bridge Inn will lose all the potential trade to the forthcoming Tileyard across the road.

I'd suggest 2 for 1 drinks for season ticket holders

Good luck.

Won't matter how cheap it is, you'll still find something to moan about

Couldn't agree more, 2 behind the bar on matchdays, asking people to be quiet or leave (celebrating a win or just caught up in the matchday euphoria) running out of food, pizza oven constantly "breaking down"

It's a great spot to grasp matchday business, especially on a summers afternoon/evening and I wish you all the luck and looking forward to having a few drinks in your establishment.

Sums you up in one sentence

I'll partake but it's two way deal and I'd like something in return

Effectively if I buy a drink from you I won't buy one from the club. I haven't got a huge issue with that, it's a choice issue for everyone.

So to get my money I want to see your venue pushing the club (as you seem to want to) both inside and out. Won't cost you loads. A large banner outside facing Barnsley Road supporting the club. Inside say a dozen framed images (A3and A2 SIZE) dotted around the place, including behind the bar.

Don't know if you are able to do that but if you can here's an offer

I'll do you the A3 and A2 prints for free (you'll have to buy the frames).

I'll design the banner for free, but you'll have to get it made.

I'll ask the club if they have any memorabilia they can spare.

You could be onto something if you get it right. The old Graziers on Donny road used to be buzzing on match days, and was effectively the de-facto club pub, even the team used to drink there, although I suspect that last one is now a thing of the past.

Trinity have a hard core of about 3,000, if just 300 (10% of those) go out of there way to go to a Trinity pub, you've done well.

To be honest, we often call in, prior to the game.

From where we live, it is about half way between home and the ground, so if on foot, a nice stop off.

Also, if we have gone our separate ways on game days, which contrary to what some believe, I have been known to call in after the game, and meet up with the other half of the family, as they come back from their game.

I have even been known to arrange to meet up with fans I know, of other clubs there, for a pint and a catch up too.

We used to go in but the sheer lack of bar staff and wait to get served put us off, plus it didn't feel like Trinity supporters
in general were made to feel welcome.

It what that area needs! a few bars and pubs, might attract a few more away fans also wanting to make a day of it.

There's only the conny club near the ground and that's not the best when its busy.

The Ruddy Duck was ok but, went downhill during covid etc.
Service can be painfully slow as they dont seem to increase staffing during the couple of hours before kick off.

It's a decent pint though, in a proper glass and handy for the ground.

I like Vasty's idea of them promoting games and it's definitely something they should be looking at.

I can’t tell from the OP whether he owns it or just manages it. If it’s the latter I imagine he’s restricted on what he can do.

Everything that's wrong with the attitude of rugby league fans can be found in the very first reply to this thread