Living Bar: Racist

[fogbat]

I assumed they'd just refused to contribute to Brixton Splash.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

Well I have no idea what that poster's agenda is other than malign so he's out of here.

There was another (new) poster here a few weeks ago who bumped an ancient Larry thread and posted an address on here, which was quickly removed. I assume it is the same person with a grudge of some sort, or wanting to stir things up.

 

[TopCat]

It takes me right back.

 

[editor]

All we need now is hatboy to start "tidying up" threads

 

[Butler56]

living bar racist

Well..well. Is there anyone out there who remembers The Coach and Horses and The Atlantic? They had black land-lords one Sonny and t'other George Berry. The Atlantic was well known as a meeting place for people arriving from the 'Islands' to look up friends and family. So wha' gwan? So is dat the same Lawrence who had a twin brother and a fat share of da Brixton Challenge cheque? Oooo..da stinky rascist plot thickens?? More info pleeze!!

some correction Living Room/racism<>Dog Star

a lot of emotive racist accusations about the Living Room and Dog Star being hurled about here without too much checking

most of the specific accusations about racism recorded here relate to the Living Room. On Friday I was refused entry on the grounds of 'no singles', being male and white, but I was with a mate who happens to be black and male and quite big. (incidentally we had just come from the Dog Star where no problem) I have often been allowed in with upto three other single white males at the same time on a friday night > recently. One can only draw the obvious conclusions. I have also had black mates asked to remove head scarves on the grounds of 'no hats', what is that about? What I think is perfectly clear is that Lawerence is aiming 'up-market' and essentially non-Brixton.

BUT for a local thread, the lumping together of the Living Room and Dog Star seems to me really ignorant and crass

Lawerence Merritt used to run the Dog Star (and there were a lot of doubts about their door policy then) but it is several years since he regularly stepped foot on the premises (or is welcome there). Although the Dog Star is still run by the Merritt family to put it diplomatically it is a different part of the family (they can correct me if this is not near the mark) and I think the present management has clearly and consistently put on nights which are for a black young audience > viz another post re Chilli Dog night. And I would add that some nights there are probably more young black single males then any other 'demographic' section of audience.

Beyond this I think the present management of the Dog Star is taking a good stance on widening its scope and comittment in relation to entertainment, culture and community locally including recent additions of poetry, Sunday film showings and the digital night out that I have been involved with.

yours
atty

ps
I am not condoning the 'argie' email which I certainly agree was ridiclous and offensive, even if tongue in cheek > but then I find a high proportion of UK world cup coverage very similar. Conversely this is the next open_digi at Dog Star planned net-art.ws

Wow !!

I stumbled upon this site, while searching the name Lawrence Merritt.
Who incidentally was my boss 21 years ago when I was offered the task as a freelance consultant to set-up & run the Living Room back in 1999.
I had independently approached Lawrence Merritt back in 1999 having learnt of his acquisition of this historic premises!
......Yes!
On the corner of the iconic "Electric Avenue"
Brought to International fame thanks to the legendary
"God Father" of popular reggae.....Eddy Grant!!

Yes Lawrence had a twin brother & co owner, sons of Mr Merritt (Senior) owner of "The Dog Star" & "Mass"

I'd been a resident of Brixton at this point for about 11 years. And had been frustrated by the numerous spit & sawdust beer drenched operations that had dominated the Brixton licenced pub scene. At this point its important for me to explain I had been in the Bar/Pub/Restaurant & Club scene for about 19 years by this point & former manager of the world renowned & Infamous........."Atlantic Bar & Grill"
(Piccadilly London)
I had pitched the concept of Brixtons need for a non pretentious slightly more up market stylised bar where the local residents upwardly mobile & visitors to Brixton could come for tea or coffee pastries, cocktails & drinks in a sumptuous leather sofa & relaxed environment friendly staff local DJ's talent playing chilled background grooves while you recline feet up on your laptop finishing off a college assignment or e-mailing a client ?
Or just chilling to grooves while taking in our visual projections without the smell of stale beer at no extra cost !!!!
The idea being we will deliver more for less in a stylish comfortable friendly environment!

Michael Groce a Brixton resident & community worker, ex Bank robber turned good became a close friend of mine & a major contributor to our poetry night. A Brother who with the support of the Brixton Metropolitan Police would tour local schools & youth centres giving inspirational talks dissuading young kids from following a life of crime !

I must point out that I personally worked very closely with local businesses being of mix race myself I was very aware of the importance of community!

I am a very outspoken head strong individual & will not tolerate any form of racial religious sexual or homophobic discrimination, however!!!!!!

...........I eventually became aware that our front of house security staff (who were of Afro Caribbean heritage) been given explicit instructions not to admit a specific racial demographic which I expressed disgust upon on numerous occasions only to be patronised by.........."but your different" yeah!!
Because I went to a private boarding school in Ireland !
I overheard instructions being given by an individual to security not to admit any "Pakkis"
.....to which I shouted across the bar W.T.F ? Deepi (my partner) is a Pakki !!
Only to be told ......."eerrrmmm yeah no sorry I don't mean it like that" !!!

I left the operation in late 2001.

I felt it important to tell my story & it distresses me to hear that real people have reported having found themselves on the receiving end of this kind of experience.

Butler56