Dave - I've not just caught up, my second posting suggests the pub owners do something to entice more customers in, rather than bemoan the loss of the others.

HoP Bar - staffed by "civil servants" - yes, we come in all guises! They sign the Official Secrets act and are subject to all manner of tests and inspections before they're allowed to work there. Even the cleaners are vetted and searched. The HoP bar is accessible only by those who work there, by members of Parliament and their guests. Even emergency services staff have to be escorted on and off the premises, as I discovered when the father of a friend dropped dead of a heart attack there some years ago.

I will bring my little giant to the north again, if I get another invite.

LTS