Richard, Dead Horse & Liberty do not have children, they spawn devils :-)
I also understand that the member from Rampant Rooster can be particularly offensive, so you did the right thing in leaving mate, even if your encouragement to the youngsters was misinterpreted.
It can take some folks a long time to realise that they aint wanted.
And I am afraid that beer quality alone will not bring in the customers where nearly all the pubs serve quality ales. I quite like The Elephant and do not like The Railway, but if the music is at one & not the other, I know where I will be.
Sad about the Phoenix.