Sizzlers

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 15 Apr 2005, 17:27

isapdcm wrote:Noticed that restaurant owner had knocked a hole in rear wall - apparently in connection with pipe work. This was causing smells to enter my rear bedroom. Went to see him to confirm what he was doing and to make sure that the stonework would be repaired. He simply wasn't in the mood to listen - he lost it really. Eventually he called me a liar several times (that very word) - there are no smells coming into my flat! I pointed out that for the first 3 months there had been no problems and we were all happy, it was only at Xmas I first reported smells - and at that time he found the source and fixed it - so why would he think I was making up complaints. He started ranting about the restaurant being here forever and being licenced - I pointed out that he did not have a restaurant licence - only a carry-out licence (see earlier post). He then attempted to deny that he had to operate to any particular hours - despite my having already been told by the council that if he operates after 11pm it is a matter for the police. I also have correspondence from the council informing the previous propietor that the doors and windows of the restaurant were to remained closed as keeping them open interfered with the effectiveness of the extraction system and caused smells in surrounding properties - they suggested he install air-conditioning to avoid the need to open doors. Current propietor has started keeping the rear fire exit open and is operating the air-conditioning unit less and less to save money on electricity (as he confirmed during this evenings exchange) - wonder if that has anything to do with the smells I am now getting (doh). I thanked him for wasting my time - in the sense that when he first opened he had asked me to go to see him if ever I had any problems (they would get sorted out) when in fact he clearly had no intention of ever doing anything. A charming fellow. Enjoy your meal.

Im thinking of asking Mr Sizzler to have one night a week when Sizzlers is transformed into one of those Hen and Stag Karaoke bars. You know the ones that have to get the furniture and carpets replaced every 3 months due to the raucous racket. A sort of Tides Inn on the High Street.

ISA were you the person I saw raking through Sizzlers bins the other week? Have any joy?

isapdcm · Post by **isapdcm** » 18 Apr 2005, 18:47

Sorry - have to confess I've been too busy at the amenity dump site lately to have time for raking through the local small stuff. Wish I had though - there must be good stuff in there since the owner now has his own bin with a lock on it.
Latest from the Clerk of the Licensing Board, in a reply to a query about operating hours, is that the restaurant (which doesn't have planning permission for change of use) does have a Provisional Restaurant Licence, i.e. not final, and so 'there is no licence in place that would permit the sale of alcohol'. Surprised me somewhat since he'd posted an application for a drinks licence outside a few months back. I didn't object then and wouldn't object now (not my gripe). Maybe it was the Licensing Police - although I don't think the restaurant has ever made a secret of selling the old fire water.

isapdcm · Post by **isapdcm** » 15 May 2005, 21:27

I appreciate the sentiments that were expressed following the original version of this post and understand the cynicism. On reflection this should not have been unexpected given that I was not talking about my own property. As a result I have asked that the original text be replaced with this text and will restrict my comments in future to areas over which I have sole responsibility in order to avoid accusations of badgering or misrepresentation.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 15 May 2005, 21:32

isapdcm, sounds a horrendous state of affairs.

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 15 May 2005, 21:38

What's the owner of the rented flat got to say about it all? He/she/they can't be happy having tenants moving out as it costs time and money to have to re-let, etc?

isapdcm · Post by **isapdcm** » 15 May 2005, 21:45

The tenants who have just moved out moved in when the restaurant was 'between owners', i.e. not in operation. The previous tenants moved in before it became a carry-out - until now I do not believe the landlord has had a problem letting the flat. I have been unable to make contact to discuss. So while I agree with your views I can provide no further info.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 16 May 2005, 08:19

I think there was a good chance the people were moving out anyway. 6 month lease and all that. Didn't Isapcdcm mention in an earleir post that the people who lived directly above Sizzlers had made NO complaint to either Mr Sizzler or Son of Sizzler? Isa... had to personally badger them into feeling disgruntled.

Plus, why on earth should the owner of a flat directly above a commercial premises have special rights or consideration. Surely, they must have noticed the commercial premises when they bought AND got a discount on the purchase price because of the location.

DG · Post by DG » 16 May 2005, 10:41

Isa... had to personally badger them into feeling disgruntled.

I think this is a good point, Porty.

DG

Zargonian · Post by **Zargonian** » 17 May 2005, 08:57

I've been in there a couple of times, found the food really good - albiet a bit expensive. Still good though!

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 17 May 2005, 11:42

Welcome Zargonian and nice to see you.

I agree Sizzlers has been a boon for Portobello. I walked along there the other day and there were tables outside Sizzlers and the BBC it looked grand. Just a pity about the rubbish bins that sit directly outside Sizzlers. I think its ridiculous that this type of clutter is allowed on a High Street.