Some council planning departments found the vibrant, bold new colour scheme to be somewhat too flashy.

Some local residents expressed reservations about the colour scheme, describing one pub, which formally opened at 5pm on 8 March 1999, on Church Road in Formby, as resembling "a Blackpool Golden Mile-style cafe," "a misguided Moulin Rouge,", "a garish eyesore reminiscent of the worst of Disney.

[10] Towards the end of the 1990s, the pub restaurant industry in the UK experienced a revival, even a surge in popularity.

By late 1998, the price of the main carvery meal had been reduced to £5.95, and desserts were served with the Toby Bottomless Custard Jug.

The parent company subsequently rebranded as Six Continents plc, before the former Bass pub estate was spun off into Mitchells & Butlers.

As well as carvery meat, the chain offers vegetarian and vegan food[12] and fish main courses.