Tuesday, 20 February 2018

N0062 T O'Brennans

This claims to be Ireland's smallest craft beer bar. I can't confirm of deny that, having been to less than a third of the pubs in Dublin let alone Ireland - but it is relatively small.

A nicely restored (or replica) 1980s or so pub interior is coupled with a good range of beers. The door is quite heavy so you may, as I did the first time (in January) think the bar is closed but I've been assured that if the lights are on and the sign is out you just need to pull harder.

S1449 The Jug

A new-ish, hipster-ish venue on Francis Street - formerly the Dean Swift with its infuriatingly spaced sign, this was closed for a while before reopening in 2016. A very extensive refit preceded that reopening - flick to the 2017 date on Street View to see the completely new facade for instance.

The layout of the pub is a bit awkward, being quite long and quite narrow, meaning that if it is semi-full there are no seats available anywhere near anyone else but loads available nowhere near anywhere else.

S1468 The Thomas House

A (deliberately) dark and (slightly) dingy alternative music venue and bar, which had quite possibly the oddest table I've ever sat at - the top being a fully laid out ouija board.  

The drink lineup here is quite eclectic, being one of the few places I've seen Macardles on tap outside of Louth ever. It also has a fishtank, with fish in it (rather than the aviary with no birds in the previous pub)

The owner did a Reddit AMA back in 2014 which is worth a read if you want to see some insights in to the running of a small venue.

1007228 The Clock

A traditional Liberties local, renowned for its aviary... except there were no birds in it on the day I visited. Plenty of stacking chairs in it however! I would imagine that the cold weather may make it unsuitable for the birds at this time of year. As one of the most famous "things" known about Dublin pubs it would be a shame if it had ended.

Cheap pints, toasties, multiple sports feeds and a LOT of clocks lining the walls define the atmosphere here.

S1516 Arthur's

A pub that could have been transplanted from D2 - a well restored early 20th Century bar with a lineup of mostly craft, and Diageo products on offer to ensure that any tourists from the nearby Guinness attractions aren't left disappointed. Likely to be full of said tourists on any Summer day.

S3953 JK Stoutmans

I'm a little behind in posting updates, so please don't assume all the next lot were done on one day - they're actually across the entirety of February!

This is a recently re-opened pub on James Street which has a fairly lengthy history - recently a long closure after a decent period of being opened as The Tram. Longer ago, there were actually two unconnected premises side by side here.

The larger lounge area was hosting a Christening afters when I visited, and while it may have been open to the public, I decided to visit the bar instead. This is a fairly traditional Dublin bar, with the addition of a few rarer taps and a ceiling covered in framed photographs - ranging from what I presume are regulars through to newspaper front pages of momentous events

It was the day of an Ireland rugby game and there were no seats available, so I took my leave at half time in search of somewhere else.

Wednesday, 7 February 2018

February 2018 licence update

The February Revenue update came out today

There is absolutely nothing of interest in it, for once. No adds, no valid removals, no renumbers.