18/02/2023
๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ก๐ผ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ช๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธโ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐
Sorry this has taken a while for me to get round to posting, Iโve been in shock trying to wrap my head around everything.
Iโve always recognised the Swallow as much more than just a pub or a venue, its statement of solidarity, unity and inclusion. Itโs a community place that represents so much more than just a pub. I need to give some clarity to everyone as to why I will no longer be at The Swallow.
To make a long story short; last Sunday I expressed my frustration to the owners that I am working my ass off and am not receiving the support required. Simple stuff like stock being delivered on time and in adequate amounts among other little things that get in the way of the day to day running of the venue.
So when I tried to be open about my frustration so that we could work to come to a solution. I received a very aggressive reply from Barney telling me โdonโt like it Fock offโ.
The conversation went on with the same tone on their side, while I just tried to stay calm and explain my point, until we agreed we need to meet to talk properly.
On Monday 13/02/2023 I saw a message saying they wanted to meet within the hour. I said I needed a wash and to get ready and could either meet an hour later or we would have to arrange to meet on Wednesday. I was told that Wednesday would be fine and we would meet before the pub opens.
On Wednesday 15/02/2023 I got to the pub early, ready to have a meeting. No one turned up and so no meeting happened.
Wednesday evening I received a message from one of my staff telling me that their mate is going to be working at The Swallow from next week and that Chris Bartram was taking over on Monday (20/02/2023). Along with screenshots verifying that this was not a rumour, but was true.
I messaged in the group chat with the owners asking for some clarity on this, saying I need to know. I was ignored all night until Thursday morning when I asked again. Betty replied and acted like she has no idea what Iโm talking about. She said she would speak to Barney and let me know. Barney and Colin still ignored me all day.
Thursday I tried to hold myself together for a fun filled evening with it being our first Comedy Night, and did actually manage to distract myself and feel a bit okay.
Right at the end of the night I was approached by one of the people who had attended the evening with the words โyouโre not going to like what I have to tell you, but I canโt leave here without telling youโ. He went on to explain that he was told by Chris, face to face, that Chris would be taking over The Swallow on Monday, and that Iโm not supposed to know about it.
He strongly advised that I remove anything that is mine from the bar ASAP because I will likely never see it again. Apparently this has happened before and people have been thrown out on their ass with no warning and not been able to even collect their belongings.
Given the circumstances and the validity of the information I was given both Wednesday night and Thursday night, paired with blatantly being ignored by the owners, I couldnโt risk leaving any of my property at the venue.
Four full cars later, with the help of six amazing people (honestly thank you so much). All of my equipment and equipment belonging to The Open Cabaret Society was removed.
The timing of this makes me even more uncomfortable and im worried about the future of The Swallow and Plymouths LGBTQIA+ scene, as the same owners took Gossip away a few weeks ago, turning it into a โgay friendlyโ bar.
I think its important to understand that this is more than just changing a name or the upholstery. Its changing a safe space for people to feel comfortable in without being stigmatised or belittled. Itโs changing historical advancements to the local LGBTQIA+ community, its removing all that great work that people have fought for years to achieve even before I was born.
These sudden and unnecessary changes in safe spaces for the local LGBTQIA+ community to enjoy is very unsettling and Iโm more concerned about those that used to enter the venue to seek comfort than I am about my position. I can no longer vouch for a venue so many have called home for so many years. I can no longer vouch for peopleโs safety. I can no longer vouch for the venue being inclusive and welcoming.
I am genuinely heartbroken, shocked and worried about the future for others now. Thank you to everyone who made my time worthwhile, definitely not a chapter of my life I want to forget.
Stay safe and spread the love,
Nova ๐
