This time last year I would have joined this site and said how much I liked the Harley. It came from nowhere and became a really relaxed and enjoyable place to have a drink and spend an evening out, somewhere that I didn't need to worry if I wasn't all dressed up. I left my first year Uni last summer singing its praises to all that would listen.

How much can one place change in a year?! It is now a running joke between me and my friends as to how much lower it can sink! They have some great nights on there that I would love to go to but now refuse to on principle though having spoken to people that have been of late they say it is dying because of the very reasons I am about to list.


The bar staff: just who do they think they are? They have gone from friendly and helpful to downright rude and stuck up. The girls especially, it's like a group of not so pretty "plastics"

The food: was really nice before, now you're lucky if they actually have something off the menu.

The drinks: Yes they're cheap, but so is the Swimm Inn.

The customers: Put it this way, as a girl I can't remember the last time I went there and didn't get groped or have something obscene said to me by someone.

The flyers etc: Have you actually read any of them? They talk to you like you're an 8 year old child.

The state: on any given night you are likely to find pockets of sick and maybe worse scattered not just around the toilets but the bar as well. I appreciate that it is a problem in a place that serves alcohol but it seems rare in any other bar in the city so why there so much?

Jew and Tits: I have never heard them play so I will reserve judgement though the fact my friends that run nights round the city actually use their name as slang for if something is a bit of a joke speaks volumes. Besides which, their "name" is derogatory and offensive.


I really hope someone reads this and takes note as I would love to spend my last year in Sheffield returning to the first bar I took to. PLEASE :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help:

Plenty of other good bars in Sheffield. If you dont like it, vote with your feet!

The Harley stopped being good about 5 years ago.

Forgive me, but it appears that you were prepared to return to a bar, time and time again, in which you were constantly groped or verbally abused? Seems like a place to avoid, unless of course such behaviour is deemed acceptable?

Not by me, it wouldn't. Or maybe times have changed - quite likely I suppose - and such behaviour, degrading, insulting and disgusting, is perfectly acceptable nowadays (certainly within the student and younger drinking groups).

On a list of priorities, I'd be putting those issues way above staff attitudes and food on menus not being available.

Finally, the flyers which seem to talk to you 'like you're an eight year old child' seem both aimed at a predetermined and well calculated audience. Thus, it would appear that the Harley has got one thing right.

i have to say that the only night i go to the harley is for wall of balls, but ive never experienced any of the things that the OP mentioned.

i have to agree with stormy, vote with your feet, and i like wall of balls so ill keep going there.


x

The Harley runs 3 of the best independent nights in Sheffield with Wall of Balls, Club Pony and Natural Shy, and for that needs applause. I agree the bar has gone downhill slightly, and I definitely agree about the staff, but Stormy is indeed right- vote with your feet!

i agree walls of balls is class!

too right, the place is grotty and someone needs to sort it but Wall of Balls is class, best small night in Sheffo bar none :)

feel the :love: :love: :love: for WoB!!!! :D


x

Cheers for the big-ups, chaps. Much appreciated.

Is the Harley really that bad? Can't say I've noticed any vomit or any bad vibes there really.

And any sexual harrassment is completely out of bounds at Wall of Balls. Unless we're doing it.

iv always enjoyed my nights there, never seen any sick, yes the toilets arnt spotless but never that bad. as for gropeing ive only once experienced that in there and thats more than can be said for other places.

No offence Holly, clearly you're upset at a few things but do you not believe these issues would have been better off directed in private to the bar concerned so they may actually be dealt with constructively, as opposed to airing them on a public forum. That tied in with the fact that you seem to have just registered for that purpose make me somewhat suspicious as to your motives.

Anyhows, whoever you are, let me just say that without the input and support from the Harley, Natural Shy would never in a million years been able to bring to Sheffield the DJs we have. Nor would the record shop have lasted as long as it has. They have supported us and other nights such as Club Pony, Wall of Balls, No Uniform, and their own band night etc purely on the basis of merit, something that has benefitted the Sheffield scene as a whole which must be applauded. As for your other groans, I have spent a lot of time in there over the last couple of years and am yet to really see any signs of what you talk about here. Any bar serving alcohol will have a few issues here and there as that'sn unfortunately drunken human nature but I think you have exagerated that totally and, again that makes me wonder why.

I suggest you actually contact the bar and deal with your grievances sensibly and like an adult instead of trying to undo a lot of good work that has been done by various people over the last couple of years

Thanks for all the support people. At wall of balls we have always found the harley a great place and the people great to work with.


Not only is the lay out superb, loud at one end if you fancy a dance or quiet at the other if you fancy a natter. We've allways found the bar staff very helpful.


On the subject of vomit everywhere, not once have i seen it.


As other posts have mentioned, vote with your feet.

Firstly Holly, what bar do you work for? We are just a little taken aback that you register to the forum entirely for the purpose of slating us. Having said this I am not about to descend into some childish slanging match, so instead I will reply to all your points.

1) The bar staff- who you describe as plastic, that to me seems a little personal. If you feel you have been rude to as a customer the best thing to do is speak to the person in charge that evening. I feel that we have quite a friendly group of staff but that being said no one is perfect and when its 3 deep at the bar and 4 in the morning perhaps it isn’t always the case, for that we can only apologise but we won’t defend ourselves for employing good looking people.

2) The menu- yes we hold our hands up to this one. While we are trying to source local products and keep them as reasonably priced as possible sometimes we fall short ensuring every item is available, plus we have had a few staffing issues in the kitchen. Sorry to all those customers who have been affected by this, but just to let you know we are about to start some pretty good food offers for the summer!

3) Customers- you yourself said you liked the fact that you didn’t have to get dressed up to drink here, so while trying to remain unpretentious perhaps our door policy isn’t as strict as other bars. However anyone who causes offence to other customers is removed pretty sharpish, and as talented as we are we can’t predict everyone’s behaviour. And to be fair been as though it used to be wall to wall football hooligans when we took over I really think it has improved.

4) Pockets of sick- we have one of the latest licenses in town and therefore sometimes people may be a little worse for wear when they get here. However I really resent the implication that it just stays there. We are constantly trying to keep the bar clean, which I may add is difficult on a busy night. Standards are important to us so if you did come across sick that we hadn’t noticed you could as most people would, let us know. And also please tell me what’s worse than a pocket of sick?

5) Flyers- thank you for noticing our flyers, we have lots of fun making them. We are just trying to catch peoples attention in what is already a sea of paper. They probably speak to 8 yr olds as in our hearts we really are, although I have to say after reading your post I asked my 8 year old brother to look at them and he didn’t seem too impressed. Apparently there is no reference to Spongebob Squarepants. Although that may be our next flyer so watch out people! It’s fun that’s all, not insulting.

6) Jew and tits- I am sure they can defend themselves, in fact they are waiting to get on now, I’ll just say one is Jewish and the other has big tits. Quite straight forward really, even 8 yr olds get it.

7) Grotty- At New Year we shut for a week to refurb the Harley, unfortunately as we are open nearly 24hrs a day we are constantly battling against graffiti, vandalism, theft and drunken accidents. We are never going to be a chrome finish bar but yes we do want it to look nice and will endeavor to bring it back to spec this summer.

8) We totally agree about the toilets, they are a mess and we are introducing capital punishment to the next person caught trashing them.

At The Harley we strive to bring quality drinks, amazing nights as mentioned by natural shy post, and a relaxed and unpretentious vibe. To any customers who have not experienced this we apologise, but you are free to come and speak to the manager personally. This includes you Holly.

As our friend Oscar said, “There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.”

Regards
Sarah Nulty
Manager

Here Here Sarah!

7) Grotty- At New Year we shut for a week to refurb the Harley, unfortunately as we are open nearly 24hrs a day we are constantly battling against graffiti, vandalism, theft and drunken accidents. We are never going to be a chrome finish bar but yes we do want it to look nice and will endeavor to bring it back to spec this summer.


fair dos! see ya saturday :)

Hi Holly, this is tits. What's your beef?

Jew and Tits are my best friend Becca and I. As Sarah correctly stated, Becca is Jewish, and I've got massive mams. People always call her Jew and me Tits, so when we started djing we just called ourselves that.

We're just a couple of girls having a laugh and playing some tunes we love. Come and see us if you want. We're no erol alkan, but we do it all for free and really enjoy it.

We are in no way "derogortary". We run nights promoting other girls djs from across the city. We make cakes and hand them out for free.

I truely LOVE the fact that our names have fallen into your lexicon, even if used in a negative way, I think it's brilliant and there is no sarcasm intended at all.

I'm glad your friends find us so funny. We are pretty darn hilarious.

xx

I came across this thread and couldn't help but think what pub/bar does Holly work for? Surely if she was that concerned, and she clearly has a lot to say, why has she not put these concerns to the manager? (The person that can do more to improve the situation, than anyone who reads these threads. Surely?)

I am currently living in Leicester but have been up to the Harley band nights several times. In my opinion i've always had a great night, the staff that I have been served by have always been friendly (even at ridiculous hours of the morning) and I definately have no complaints about the music, or the dj's choice of names. Thats their perogative isn't it? Is Fat boy slim an insult to fat people or slim people? Its a name, a gimic, not something to get upset by.

No woman or man wants to be groped, but Holly life in an alcohol fuelled world is a bitch! Can the bar staff really change these people or read their minds? If they could/we could wouldn't that be great.........

So to the staff, managers, and dj's keep up the good work and perhaps if Holly finds the balls to talk to you in person you could try and resolve some of her issues.

Kim x

i love the harley, everything about it is right!

the record shop and the drinks and the food, and the sofas etc etc etc its a cosy drinkin parlour with cosy jews and tits...lol! i know a lot of hard work goes into both the record shop as well as the pub so much respect.

forever love and respect from the Plug massive!

:)

x
Pedram

Re: Jew and Tits. How is this name derogatory or offensive? It is like claiming that 'Gay Times' is offensive to gay people because it uses the word 'gay'.

Re: 'Drinks are cheap but so is the Swim Inn'. So? What exactly is your point? Should they be more expensive?

Re: Staff. You're just plain wrong on this one, trust me. Bearing in mind they work the longest hours out of any bar staff in the city I think they're a credit to the place.

Re: Customers. I can't believe there is a bar in Sheffield in which drunk people don't go and act like idiots. Or maybe you're right, maybe Varsity or the Cavendish have a better class of clientele.

Re: Flyers. You were running out of ideas at this point, weren't you?

Pockets of sick- we have one of the latest licenses in town and therefore sometimes people may be a little worse for wear when they get here.

Oooh, I can't wait to get back for a pocket full... :gag: :D

Hi,

I think I know what the problem is.

Last year, around the time you mention, something terrible happened...

I left. I used to work there and it's clear that without me they are nothing. Then, the other rock at the heart of the heart of chez Harley, left for pastures new at Bia Hoi (another one of my places of work, fun and frivolity).

What can you expect, two of teh most spectacularly terrific bar staff leave, the only way is downhill.

Anyhoo, enough of this, I'm off to blow my own trumpet.

Why don't I ever get groped in The Harley? I'm appealing to the management to take action on this...

P.s. More props for Wall of Balls here ... absolutely quality night :)

Why don't I ever get groped in The Harley? I'm appealing to the management to take action on this...

bully, im in agreement.

mind you, i think its all down to that mega late bar that i never get groped...im usually having trouble standing! :help:


x

Dearest darling Holly,

As a female member of the Harley staff, I'm a bit taken aback by your attack on us. Female staff are in the minority at the Harley so it's quite hard not to take what you said personally as there are about 5 of us. I must admit, if a drunken idiot is rude to me at 3 in the morning or at half 4 when it's time to drink up, I find it hard not to retalliate, but I try my best to remain polite and helpful even in the early hours on minimum wage. A lot of people are sympathetic and understand that it can be quite a difficult job, especially when we're the ones on minimum wage mopping up pockets of sick at 2 in the morning. Whilst I try not to serve people who've had too much, it's hard to predict who's going to vomit all over the place and who isn't, and when and where, but I'll try my best to work on this. As for seeming stuck up, when I'm stinking of Carling and the air con's broken and I'm mopping up sick or scrabbling around on the dancefloor for glasses, this would be a pretty tough look to maintain. The Harley gets pretty busy for its size, so sometimes we do struggle to keep on top of the mess, as when it's 4 deep at the bar and the dancefloor's full, it's not always easy to see what's going on or spot a pocket of sick in a far corner somewhere, unless our customers are helpful enough to let us know about it. If you're not happy with another customer's behaviour towards you, please let our doormen know and they'd be happy enough to try and help.

Smiling Arthur....hear hear....

xxxx

In other news, Monday 18th June No Uniform Presents Dead Young Records Sheffield Single Launch Party featuring A Love Supreme, Jonjo Feather and The Headliners. Plus DJ Sets from Rob Webb (NME, Drowned in Sound) Nick Simcock and No Uniform Residents. 8-1 £1 in, all at the Harley!!!!

Sorry, which bar was it you worked at again holly? I've got more than a few issues with what you have to say, not least that the majority of your comments appear to be targeted at specific people.

"The food: was really nice before, now you're lucky if they actually have something off the menu." because there's sometimes unavailable dishes it's no longer nice? Is that what you're saying? Because unless you'd like microwave meals, available at plenty of other sheffield bars, of course they are going to run out of dishes occasionally.

"The drinks: Yes they're cheap, but so is the Swimm Inn." You know where to go then. But as you are commenting on how the bar has gone downhill, I dont suppose you noticed that over the past two or so years the product range in The Harley has come on leaps and bounds? Or that when many other bars in Shef put their prices up dramatically before holiday periods and by 10p on weekends The Harley don't?

As for the customers, people who look perfectly well behaved and respectable on their way into the bar often do not remain that way after a few cheeky tequilas! This can also to lead to "pockets of sick", suprisingly when people have been sick all over an area of your bar they tend to slope off which is admittedly unpleasant for the next customer. I have never once discovered sick in The Harley that hasnt been dealt with as quickly as it is reported. Nor have I ever been groped.

I do agree with Lord Lakeman, it must have been difficult losing two of their best ever staff in one summer but fair play to Team Harley their hard work, dedication and fun loving attitude shines through and I for one think the bar is now better than ever!

If you have greivances with a particular person I suggest you air them with the person in question and likewise if you have issues with the standards in a venue then take it up with the management in the venue at the time. It just seems somewhat childlike to be trashing people's reputation and hard work on a public forum.

Three people who have just joined and have only one post apiece just happen to be posting about praising the Harley:huh:

Very very strange. Same person, or are you just phoning your friends up to "big up" the place?

Three people who have just joined and have only one post apiece just happen to be posting about praising the Harley:huh:

Very very strange. Same person, or are you just phoning your friends up to "big up" the place?

Actually, reading their posts, they are not praising, but rather defending....


Except for oldbabe of course, the others don't say whether they are consumers or workers, so really it is not that strange at all...

Actually, reading their posts, they are not praising, but rather defending....

Rather desperately it seems.

Rather desperately it seems.

I disagree, although they all are saying the exact same thing. What is being said is only a fair reflection of things. Just from the other side.

Three people who have just joined and have only one post apiece just happen to be posting about praising the Harley:huh:

Very very strange. Same person, or are you just phoning your friends up to "big up" the place?

Of course we're not doing that. The people who have posted are staff / ex staff and have come on the forum to see what we were talking about in the bar last night, as it was a big conversation topic in here.

Thanks to everyone for all your support though. And if anyone wants to come and check the place out for themselves, we're open til 2am tonight. Move On Up - hip hop funk and soul from Mikey H. Always a cracking night!

This has to be a joke RIGHT?



I dont know what side of the bed this girl got from, just glad it wasnt mine LOL....

I disagree, although they all are saying the exact same thing. What is being said is only a fair reflection of things. Just from the other side.

as someone who works behind a bar (and who only usually gets to WoB after midnight because ive only just finished my shift) i completely empathise with the comments made by the management, staff and former staff.

that doesnt detract from the fact that i still disagree with the comments made by the OP.

fair play to the those that have joined specifically to defend not only the unit but the slurs being made against them. ive stood up for my work place on the rare occasions when people have slagged it off on here.

x

Three people who have just joined and have only one post apiece just happen to be posting about praising the Harley:huh:

Very very strange. Same person, or are you just phoning your friends up to "big up" the place?

I used to work at the harley and now work in a different bar on West St. We regularly check the forum out to see what/if anything is being said about us, it's a great way to receive customer feedback as over 90% customers who receive bad customer service or are not entirely satisfied, do not complain they just do not return.

Until this post I have had no desire to pass comment on any thread hence have not needed to join. It seems to me that there are a lot of people on this forum who either have too much time on their hands or are just out to slate anyone and everyone, maybe that's some people's idea of fun... i'd rather be down The Harley nursing a G&T.

The Harley rules! I'm not a member of staff by the way! proper nice venue proper nice people working there! The haters can get stuffed, go and drink in a wetherspoons if it annoys you that much!

It just seems somewhat childlike to be trashing people's reputation and hard work on a public forum.

It's allowed - or this thread would've been closed before you had to chance to even read it.
It's kinda the whole idea of a public forum noticeboard. Allowed to "trash" as you say, just as much as it's allowed for anyone who has been potentially "trash"ed to defend ( or to be on a mighty defensive blah-trip ) themselves.

i find the female staff in harley are quite fit, the music is great, ive not eaten there so cannot comment, but its better than most pubs/clubs at the moment - so no complaints

It's allowed - or this thread would've been closed before you had to chance to even read it.
It's kinda the whole idea of a public forum noticeboard. Allowed to "trash" as you say, just as much as it's allowed for anyone who has been potentially "trash"ed to defend ( or to be on a mighty defensive blah-trip ) themselves.
I don't think she ever said it was not allowed. Just that it was all a bit juvenile!

i don't work at the harley, but i do think it's a great bar, so big ups from me too.

the steak flatbread from the harley rocks:thumbsup:

the steak flatbread from the harley rocks:thumbsup:

now i have to admit to not being a great fan of steak, but that sounds good. you cant beat decent bread!


x

This argument is @rse about tits, so to speak...
When I first came to Sheffield (in 2000) The Harley was a boring venue that you'd go to if you wanted to play pool and didn't care about being in a good pub to do it.
Over the last year they've put on a raft of good nights (Club Pony, Natural Shy, J & T etc) and some of the finest DJs around right now (Yuksek, Nightmoves, Punks Jump Up, Freq Nasty, Joe Ransom, Data, South Central, etc etc). All of those nights were put on by people whose only incentive is to hear/dance to good music, and Sheffield is f*cked if people stop risking their wages and stop spending weeks promoting DIY nights.

My guess is that you won't be missed...nice work to everyone who's keeping Sheffield interesting...

The Harley for me is, like us, leading the way for late night bars. Independant nights run by music lovers. It is my favourite part of Tuesday Club (as I never get out any other day!), and is always on my list if I was drinking in town. Buy the bar staff a drink or a bit of a tip Im sure they'll forgive your comments!!

And for any disbelivers, I work at DQ!

Cheers

Anyone got a link to their site? Im having trouble finding out whats going on there tonight :(

EDIT - Just called... Some kind of anti-glasto night.. electro aparently. I thought glasto was really for all music lovers?! Ah, sounds ok though so wil give it a go.

here you go..... here's info on tonight at the Harley

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=228641

:loopy::loopy::

anyway im a older person 37 to be right and i have being going in there for 7 years and i would say it has improved loads sinse i first went there.

1.the music i have found to be one of the best in sheffield ((apart from once there was just chease on )) there was a femail dj on the last time i went dont rem the night tall slimm VERY FIT with long grey dress the dance floor was bouncing alll night WELL DONE TO HER.......................

2,THE BEER AND SEVICE AT THE BAR IS 100% BETTER THAN SWIM INN i can say this as i used to be a manager for weatherspoons for my sins.ok the staff may get grumpy but who wouldent working till silly oclock

3.food i have never eatan there will do now i now they do food

4.the door staff carnt fault them ive even being turned away my-self in a polite way as being toooo ****** or with big group of lads dont blame them i wouldent want us in my bar (((((((NEVER SEING ANY FIGHTS SICK OR DRUGG ABUSSE IN THERE))))))))

and for those that think i work there no i dont just would be a shame to see one of the best late bars in sheffield change

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK HARLEY GIRLS AND BOYS
P.S. IF YOU NOW THE DJ I ON ABOUT HOW ABOUT A PRIVITE PARTY LOL:hihi::hihi::hihi::hihi::hihi::hihi:

The Harley is one place that has helped Tricksta establish itself over the last year as a record label. Without their help we would not be anywhere near where we are now. Hats off and let's not try and bring down those that are trying to do something good for this city

a few weeks ago I went to the harley with a group of about 6 others. It was quite late
12-30ish after wading through a large ammount of broken glass and liquid on the floor we got to the bar and waited for at least 5 mins to be served whilst the person behind the bar was texting or maybe playing games on a mobile. We were eventualy served and most of us had to change what we wanted because the fridges were empty, "weve been busy" was the reason ? We asked to see who was in charge and were told I AM. Quick drink, vote with feet !!!!!

Use their feet to go to the Springfield Tavern by any chance GR8H8M?

There seems to be a lot of promotors pretending to be customers taking a swipe at rival venues at the moment, what's that all about?

It annoys me no end. It ruins this forum for me.

It annoys me no end. It ruins this forum for me.

It's a pretty dirty tactic. It's a bit like when clubs pull down posters of rival venues and put theirs in place....

There's a few posts from our mutual friend slagging off Crosspool Tavern and The Harley. All he's succeeding in doing is keeping me away from the Springfield.

Does anyone know if they still have any speed dating events on Sundays?

Springfield is a hole anyway, how can you promote a hole full of turds??

Springfield is a hole anyway, how can you promote a hole full of turds??

On ebay?

:D

Wow - I've known her since I was 12 and I never knew Becca was Jewish!

went again last night and yes i was bit drunk but was a top night i think

same frendly staff customers no troble just lots fun live music too wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Club pony is an excellent night for starters, the only time i really manage to get to the harley atm, i think the harley is great for what it is, try being open serving alcohol until past 3 without people getting ******, breaking glasses and throwing up, it aint gonna happen, that isnt the bars fault. It is abit rough round edges but it wouldnt be the same if it was just another semi upmarket bar and im sure none of the regualrs would want it that way, been in a fair bit myself over the last year, definatly cant say anything bad about the staff and before sumone sez it i work at the sanctuary so it isnt biase i just know wat working in a bar can be like. as far as im concerned keep up the good work.

I love the Harley almost as much as I love Jew & Tits. They are ace girls and lots of fun. We've had them DJ for us, not purely based on talent but based on the fact that one is Jewish, one has big boobs and they bake cakes and draw moustaches on their faces.

Long may they reign.