The first Lidl pub opened in Dundonald this month and one content creator known as the Northern Ireland Traveller has released a video about his experience
A bloke who was only the second ever customer to be served a pint inside the world’s first Lidl pub has declared he will never return — after being left in “complete shock” at what happened during his visit.
Mark Rowan, known online as Stumpy or the Northern Ireland Traveller, was the second punter in the door when The Middle Ale opened in Dundonald this month.
It is owned by the supermarket chain and it was partly launched as a way to comply with the strict licensing laws in Northern Ireland.
Stumpy was there for the grand opening and things were going smoothly until he suddenly was asked to stop filming — but more on that shortly.
Starting off on a positive note, he told his 28,900 YouTube subscribers: “This is the first Lidl pub in the world. Considering Lidl has almost 13,000 stores across 31 counties, it’s pretty remarkable that Belfast Northern Ireland is the first place to have one.”
He then explained that the name The Middle Ale was a clever play on words relating to Lidl’s famous “middle aisle” which is loved by shoppers.
The YouTuber joked that you could end up enjoying a pint in the boozer before going to the middle aisle next door to buy a chainsaw and a lawnmower.
Inside the pub, which has a separate entrance to the supermarket, punters are met by bold red, yellow and blue colours, reflecting the German brand. There is space for about 60 people and the walls feature shelves of Lidl grocery products.
One of the standout features was trolleys transformed into chairs, and Stumpy noted: “Absolutely unbelievable — I absolutely love this.”
A pint of Guinness in the pub costs £5.80 while a lager is £5.30.
And sipping a pint of the black stuff, Stumpy said he was impressed and that the temperature of his drink was solid. Summing up his thoughts, he said: “I really like it. There’s a good vibe about the place, good atmosphere, and very friendly staff. Very very impressed so far. Obviously, it’s opening day, so there’s going to be a bit more of an atmosphere around the place but yeah, so far so good.”
Unfortunately, things then changed in an instant, after Stumpy said he was approached by a member of staff who identified himself as security.
Stumpy was informed that he would have to leave if he kept filming before he explained that he had been doing so all day without any issues.
He alleged that he then asked for the man’s name, and Stumpy continued: “His response was none of your f***ing business.”
This behaviour caused Stumpy to say he would “definitely not be returning” before he outlined his disappointment about a pleasant experience turning sour.
He said: “I actually said the pint was good, I can’t take that away from it, wasn’t a bad pint. Would I return again? Definitely not. I don’t really know what to say. We were planning to spend the rest of the day in there. So plans have changed.
“I’m completely in shock. I totally understand it’s up to the owner’s discretion if they allow you to film inside the premises.
“[But] press team inside there this morning were taking picture of us when we walked in the door. And that’s obviously going to be going on social media and across all news platforms.”
He added on the video: “I was here to promote the place on the first day.
“Obviously, everyone is going to be taking photographs or if and pictures of it and videos of it. It’s the very first supermarket pub in the UK and Ireland. Absolute disgrace to be honest. I am annoyed.”
He clarified that every member of staff he encountered was friendly but the alleged behaviour of one left him determined never to go back in the future.
Hours later, long after Stumpy had left, a brawl erupted at the Lidl pub, in a separate incident which spoiled the opening night.
One man was left hospitalised after the altercation and the PSNI said in a statement: “Police received a report of an assault outside licensed premises in Dundonald on Thursday evening, June 18.
“At approximately 11.20pm, it was reported two men were involved in an altercation outside premises in the Dunlady Road area. Officers attended, and one man was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries not believed to be serious.”
Lidl Northern Ireland meanwhile said: “We are aware of an incident at The Middle Ale which took place yesterday evening.
“A group of customers were politely asked to leave the premises after last orders were called and an altercation took place between the group of customers.
“For the safety of our employees and customers, security personnel assisted in the prompt removal of the group and the PSNI supported in ensuring their full removal from the site.
“At The Middle Ale, the safety of our employees and customers is of utmost importance and we operate a zero-tolerance approach to disorderly behaviour.”
In relation to the earlier incident involving the Northern Ireland Traveller, Lidl Northern Ireland was approached for comment.
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