Yep they absolutely ruined it. I went in one night to watch Tony Milner and the place was just absolutely soulless and empty. Gary formerly of Barry's looked to be managing it, but apparently he's gone from the place already. I don't blame him
I know it's a long time ago but the Briar Rose used be one of the best gigs for the Jazz Weekend imho. There was some Glen Miller tribute band playing swing and the place used be heaving and everyone in great spirits. It was our go-to Jazz venue for years. It was out of town and a bit of a Jazz "secret" but we loved it. A few of us used to go to The Briar every Thursday evening for years. But times moved on, people got married or moved away or whatever.
I recently went in there with a pal of mine who lives nearby. We just had a cup of coffee each and moved on. Bar staff were disinterested and though it was a Saturday afternoon there were only two other punters in the place. Even the tumbleweed gave the place a miss.