Chinese firm snaps up Xi's UK watering hole
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President Xi Jinping's visit to the UK in October last year saw many deals sealed with the then prime minister, David Cameron. But what many internet users arguably remember most about the trip was the chat the two leaders shared over a pint of IPA and a plate of fish and chips at a Buckinghamshire pub. Xi Jinping's visit certainly put the hostelry on the map - so much so that it has now been bought by a Chinese firm.
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The two leaders shared over a pint of IPA and a plate of fish and chips at a Buckinghamshire pub. [Photo/China Daily] |
President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister David Cameron cracked jokes and took selfies over a traditional pint in one of the most British of institutions - the local pub. The Plough at Cadsden - located in the Buckinghamshire village of the same name - was bought out by the Chinese investment firm, SinoFortone, this week. During his UK trip, Xi Jinping promised to invest 5 billion pounds into the UK tourism and property development sectors but he probably did not expect to generate so much attention for this local pub.
"I knew the Chinese president had come here with David Cameron and sadly I wasn't dining here that day otherwise it would have been nice to have met him. But yeah that's great. I don't mind as long as the place continues to thrive. That's what we want," John Miniter, regular with The Plough At Cadsden, said.
But not all customers feel the same. Some are already questioning the quality of the food and drinks on offer now.
"We didn't know it had been taken over but we realised immediately, we started eating the food. It was different. Smaller portions, not the quality that we were used to and in fact we sent our meal back today and then it came back from the kitchen slightly better. But we will see. Open verdict at the moment I think. We feel it is very sad we understand that the pub wasn't for sale in the first place but obviously a good offer was made and we just hope that the new owners will keep up the standards that we've been used to over many years and I think that a lot of regulars would feel the same," Frances Sherra, regular with The Plough At Cadsden, said.
But others remain optimistic.
"I am surprised, concerned. We've loved it for over 40 years we will obviously give it a try and hope for the best," Maura Dunckley, regular with The Plough At Cadsden, said.
Despite these concerns, a presidential endorsement is a boost to any business, anywhere in the world. Additional Chinese investment in this small pub - that averages around 30 pounds per person - is likely to be good for business but may well encourage Chinese tourists to venture off the beaten track.
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