Bells Hotel - South Melbourne

[Tilt]

Just wondering what people think about this-

Even if the Swans games were on free-to-air I would still always head down to Bells for the game as it's fantastic to be with other Swannies watching the footy however this year that has totally changed.

I find that Bells (what is meant to be the Melbourne Swans Base for games) has equal or more supporters from other sides!

The performance of a number of Crows people there on Sat night was disgraceful. A couple of people at a table in the front room continually used foul language (which doesn't bother me at all but it was obviously worrying a few people near me) and not a single word from any of the staff.

When I got vocal towards the end (without a single obscenity) I was told to "pipe-down" by the owner and a member of his staff.

I can assure you the owner does not care less about the Swans and is soley chasing profits, thus resulting in large tables being put in the 2nd large room out the back so people order food.

I think it would be great if we could get a room like at the old lakeside oval for Swannies to watch the game in friendly surroundings. On top of this all profits would go directly to the Melbourne Swans Office.

Obviously staffing would be costly but I'm sure if it was organised well enough we could get volunteers to operate the bar or simply help around the room for one game a year each (obviously under the supervision of Melbourne Swans Office staff). If people would like food as well then I'm sure a bbq of sorts wouldn't be hard to arrange and also prove profitable.

Well that's my rant for the day, thanks.

[BonBon]

Oh my god, don't tell me that sometimes I am under the same roof as you, Tilt!

Bells is a great place. Alot of people go there (especially when stupid rugby is on) and I think everybody should go there.

I heard that at Bells, Saturday night, feral Crow supporters had to be escorted out of the hotel and the Police took them away in a van I am guessing.

A viewing at Lake Side Oval would be good but Bells is better if you're talking good and drink. Wouldn't it be too hard to get staff, food etc at Lake Side Oval? It would take alot of service away from Bells.

Can people still go to Bob Jane and watch the game? That was the go a couple of years ago.

[Cher]

They had the idea to use the downstairs room at Bob Jane - something to do with a deal with the local soccer club - but I think the soccer club folded.
People who are unhappy with Bells (I haven't been there for a couple of years) should email the Melbourne Office with their concerns and see what can be done for next year.
Years ago we used to go to Flemington to watch all the games and it was a great atmosphere there. Bells is a bit far for me to drive to regularly.

[anne]

Bell's was shocking last Saturday. The Crows supporters outnumbered the Swans supporters and were rude, loud and acted as if they owned the place. There were even pictures of the Crows team up on the walls. The room stinks (literally) and the food was overpriced and nothing special. I really felt like contacting the Swans office and suggesting they do not recommend a place where we are in the minority. I like watching the games with other fans as it is fun to cheer but we will never go back to Bell's. An alternative would be great.

[DST]

Originally posted by anne
Bell's was shocking last Saturday. The Crows supporters outnumbered the Swans supporters and were rude, loud and acted as if they owned the place. There were even pictures of the Crows team up on the walls. The room stinks (literally) and the food was overpriced and nothing special. I really felt like contacting the Swans office and suggesting they do not recommend a place where we are in the minority. I like watching the games with other fans as it is fun to cheer but we will never go back to Bell's. An alternative would be great.

Bells has always been and continues to be the meeting point for Adelaide Crows Melbourne based members. I remember attending a game down there in 1996 to watch the Crows with a mate.

Maybe the Swans Melbourne office were un aware of this when sending out the e-mail.

Bells was also only a stop gap measure after the Albert Park venture failed and before we got a permanent home at the South Melbourne Soccer Club, but that has also been put off due to the A League decision.

DST

[sydneyswans1989]

Yeah i was going to go down to bells hotel satie night with a mate from the cheersquad but we didnt end up going, i wish i went cose i would gaven those crows supporters a few words.

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

Originally posted by DST
Bells has always been and continues to be the meeting point for Adelaide Crows Melbourne based members. I remember attending a game down there in 1996 to watch the Crows with a mate.


DST

Interesting you say that. It also used to be Port Adelaide's Melbourne-based pub as well before they moved on to the Old Scholars in town.

I know Brisbane have an organised place somewhere where Melbourne-based supporters go to watch home matches. I think it may be in Preston or something. Merchandise is sold there as well as memberships etc. It has proven to be a cash cow for the Lions I'm told.

Hopefully the Swans Melbourne office can organise something more long term and substantial where fans can develop a pattern of going to watch matches there. Of course with the off-shoot being revenue-raising with merchandise and memberships available for purchase.

As we have seen thanks to RWO, footy is heaps more fun when it becomes a social event as well. Watching a match in a pub or social club with friends over a few drinks becomes a fun day out. Heaps better than sitting at home all lonely and kind of embarrassed about yelling out at the TV screen.

JF

[ScottH]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG
Heaps better than sitting at home all lonely and kind of embarrassed about yelling out at the TV screen.

JF

Some people enjoy watching it without the distraction of others.

[BonBon]

Funny how this thread started after the Crows match. That was only one match and it was with the Crows fans - so what were you to expect? I don't know what sort of connection Bells has with Adelaide with all the frames up on their walls.

If you're like me, and go to Bells for every game you don't attend to, it's a wonderful place, and at times it is absolutely full of Swans supporters.

I disagree with people who think their food is pretty average and over priced - you are WRONG. Go and order fish and chips, a parmagiana or lasanga. You'd have to be blind to not see how massive the meals are. And who said you had to eat during the match, anyway? A pub only provides what it can and doesn't have footy food. They aren't casual little places.

I can see where other people are coming from but being in a family friendly place with 4 rather large screens, showing your team on the TV, you can't go wrong.

[Sanecow]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG
Heaps better than sitting at home all lonely and kind of embarrassed about yelling out at the TV screen.

My family keep me company and it's only really embarrassing to yell when the game is on tape.

[Go Swannies]

Originally posted by Sanecow
My family keep me company and it's only really embarrassing to yell when the game is on tape.

Do you cheer or groan at the same points of the tape every time - as I do?

And is it still embarassing to you JF if no-one is there to watch? (Note to self not to stand and cheer loudly in a deserted house, just as you hear the key go in the front door lock.)

[ScottH]

Originally posted by Go Swannies
Do you cheer or groan at the same points of the tape every time - as I do?

And is it still embarassing to you JF if no-one is there to watch? (Note to self not to stand and cheer loudly in a deserted house, just as you hear the key go in the front door lock.)

LOL. My kids usually laugh at me when I scream at the TV.

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

Originally posted by Sanecow
My family keep me company and it's only really embarrassing to yell when the game is on tape.

Not in my house. I get glared at. Everyone looks at me as if I'm kind of feeble because I'm yelling and getting worked up so much over a mere football match.

No wonder I go to nearly every game these days.

JF

[Tilt]

Well done, once again this thread (like every other) has turned into inane chat completely off the topic to which it was meant for.

[Sanecow]

Originally posted by Tilt
Well done, once again this thread (like every other) has turned into inane chat completely off the topic to which it was meant for.

The smallest violin in the world is playing just for you.