You're right Ian, the place had become a dump. It is my closest local and I was always reluctant to walk the extra 3 feet to the Plough, but at times it was essential (e.g. when no-one could be bothered to serve us, or when I tried buying Canada Phil a drink with a Scottish tenner which they refused to take). It has a new manager, and the pub has been opened up internally and, most importantly, is no longer a Hungry Horse so is starting to attract business back.
Most Fridays would be good for me...