We went to the Bull & Castle, Lord Edward Street on a fairly-quiet-around-town Wednesday. It bills itself as a gastropub, a term I most strongly associate with the food pages of the Sunday Times style suppliment. But don't let that put you off, I found it all very normal and unpretentious!
There are two parts to the Bull & Castle: downstairs, which is the food-y bit, and upstairs, which is a beer hall. When we arrived, at about 8 on a very quiet Wednesday night, there was a 15 minute wait for a table (its one of those wait-here-to-be-seated places) and the very nice hostess took our phone number and reccommended that we go upstairs for a drink while we waited. Now a more cynical person might point out that it didn't seem that busy, and that this was possibly a ploy to get us to buy extra drinks, but we were curious about the whole place and would have done it anyway.
Anyhoo, upstairs we ventured. Its kinda dark and wood panel-y upstairs, with wooden tables and benches (mostly big, possibly good for groups). The selection of beers was pretty impressive. All your usuals, a big selection of bottled and some interesting things on tap that you don't usually get, for example, McArdles Red which I tried, and would recommend. There also seems to be a whiskey focus, with a rather clever 3 sampler tray available which seems to me like an interesting way to branch out and try new stuff without the worry of random bad choices robbing your euros. Seeing as it was a quiet night, service at the bar was prompt, but this strikes me as a place that's going to be jammers on a weekend night (yes, we do plan to go back for further study in this regard).
One problem I did have was that there wasn't a handy definitive guide to what they had on offer. There were menus on the tables, which had a few beers on them, the wine list plus food that could be ordered at the bar. There were big chalkboards with lists of available beers. There were signs over the bar advertising particular things. But while there was some crossover, none of them had everything on. If you looked at only one, you'd miss out on lots of choices, and I could see stuff (well, my beloved Quak at least) in bottles behind the bar that wasn't on any menu. While I get that their inventory might be ever changing, it just seemed a bit slapdash.
At the appointed 15 minute interval, we were called for our table, so we gathered our drinks and headed back downstairs. Our order was taken pretty promptly, but the food did take its time arriving. The menu has a pretty good selection, quite a few steak options (this is an FXB production....), nothing too flash but I think you'd easily find something to interest you. I went for the burger (I'd just donated blood and needed red meat to offset the iron loss) which came with chips. Burger was a bit on the small side (perhaps I've been to Jo Burger too many times and my perceptions are becoming skewed) and perfectly edible but nothing to write home about. Downstairs is a bit brighter, with a lovely open fire. I think the key would be to go early for food, charm your way to the tables by the fire and bunker in til closing.
Music was slightly odd mix of irish alternative and funk (dueling staff mp3 players perhaps?) but at a reasonable volume, so not impinging on conversation. Always a bonus. Toilets were clean, if a bit small -downstairs there were only 3 cubicles (4 sinks though....). All in all, I like the Bull & Castle and am curious to go back.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
The Turks Head, Parliment Street
So we were going to review Church this weekend. Unfortunately, we went for a pint in the Porterhouse first, and ended up talking to some very nice Norweigian men, and one pint quickly became 3, and then we were pretty much locked in.
So when we eventually made our way to Church, the bouncers probably fairly sensibly decided not to admit us. (Actually, the last time I went there, I was told I was "too casual for tonight" so I suppose be warned: The bouncers at church have Standards.)
So rather than leave everyone reviewless, I'm gonna review the Turks Head, which I was at tonight. As I approached, the doors opened and three women clad only in fur bikinis exited. This seemed somehow a good omen, though on entering, there seemed to be a substantial drop off in the amount of hairy knickers. (Turns out it was some sort of Lynx promotion, not a fantastic new fashion trend.)
Inside, the bar is quite spacious and well furnished. The clientelle are generally young and apparently pretty cheerful. The selection of drinks is pretty much bog standard, and the prices are on the high side for Dublin (4.95 for a Guinness.). The music was a pretty acceptable mix of country and rock, slightly loud where I was sitting near the speakers but pretty tolerable elsewhere.
Probably the most notable thing was the promotion that was going on for Bud Light. Women clad in skintight jumpsuits were passing out free bottles of this foul tasting brew. I know I shouldn't complain when an attractive woman gives me free beer, but man, I wish they'd promo something tastier. Still, the ladies in question were happy to provide us with several bottles each, and sitting listening to Johnny Cash and sipping awful mass produced light lager did give the place a certain US Redneck ambience which I reckon it'd be hard to find anywhere else in Dublin.
All in all, I quite liked the Turks Head, even though it was a wee bit pricey. It's got a pretty good atmosphere and I reckon I could have a good conversation in there, and free beer always cheers me up, even if it's terrible.
So when we eventually made our way to Church, the bouncers probably fairly sensibly decided not to admit us. (Actually, the last time I went there, I was told I was "too casual for tonight" so I suppose be warned: The bouncers at church have Standards.)
So rather than leave everyone reviewless, I'm gonna review the Turks Head, which I was at tonight. As I approached, the doors opened and three women clad only in fur bikinis exited. This seemed somehow a good omen, though on entering, there seemed to be a substantial drop off in the amount of hairy knickers. (Turns out it was some sort of Lynx promotion, not a fantastic new fashion trend.)
Inside, the bar is quite spacious and well furnished. The clientelle are generally young and apparently pretty cheerful. The selection of drinks is pretty much bog standard, and the prices are on the high side for Dublin (4.95 for a Guinness.). The music was a pretty acceptable mix of country and rock, slightly loud where I was sitting near the speakers but pretty tolerable elsewhere.
Probably the most notable thing was the promotion that was going on for Bud Light. Women clad in skintight jumpsuits were passing out free bottles of this foul tasting brew. I know I shouldn't complain when an attractive woman gives me free beer, but man, I wish they'd promo something tastier. Still, the ladies in question were happy to provide us with several bottles each, and sitting listening to Johnny Cash and sipping awful mass produced light lager did give the place a certain US Redneck ambience which I reckon it'd be hard to find anywhere else in Dublin.
All in all, I quite liked the Turks Head, even though it was a wee bit pricey. It's got a pretty good atmosphere and I reckon I could have a good conversation in there, and free beer always cheers me up, even if it's terrible.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Porterhouse Temple Bar
A Wednesday night in the Porterhouse temple bar. As my good companions mentioned the porterhouse welcomes quite the diverse crowd. On this particular visit we chose seats – I say chose but in reality you take what you can get in this popular place- so we “chose” a little table nestled under an old world-y looking staircase. It was a perfect spot for the evening of drink and chat we had planned.
I had the good fortune of locating this spot and quickly sent out word to “come find me I have seats”. So for those few minutes I was a lone girl sitting under the stairs. This obviously sent out signals to the 2 late middle aged (I’m being generous) men (again-generous) perched at the nearest bar. Luckily they decided to keep their creepiness toned down to staring. Although this required them to keep looking over their shoulders- and if they happen to be reading this I would like to say I appreciate the effort you put in there lads.
The atmosphere is great in the Porterhouse whenever you’re there- at different times for different reasons. The staff are also quite friendly and the cocktails potent. We grabbed a waitress and quickly had a nice large bowl of perfectly cooked chips in front of us. For more substantial meals I would say the food is fairly moderate in standard. Won’t impress a date but good for soakage and about average in price. Drinkwise I’m not a beer or stout girl so I made do with the selection of cocktails. They have a specials board and on Thursday nights all cocktails are a fiver. In general you would be looking at between 7 and 9 euro for one. The bar staff are unusually proactive - suggesting drinks that would suit my preferences. A nice touch when you have an extensive drinks list.
My party and I stayed until past closing and got thrown out onto the cruel Southside streets. We took our remaining bottle of kwak (yes it’s a beer) and passed it around in true bohemian fashion as we sauntered down the river, reflecting on our enjoyable night and the strong likelihood of a return visit to this fine establishment.
http://www.porterhousebrewco.com/templebar.html
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Porter House (John's Impressions)
I love the Porter House. It's got the single biggest selection of delicious beers in the city. Tasty ales, stouts and lagers abound. It also does reasonably priced cocktails for those who prefer that sort of thing, and a pretty respectable wine list. So on selection, it really can't be beat.
The clientelle are varied and generally easygoing. It's a complete melting pot: You've got ould fellas drinking stout, business men in suits, couples having dinner, groups of young people listening to music.
It's nice inside too, really twisty and bendy and fun.
My gripes are the music and well, the fact that it's so popular! They do live music every night, and usually it's quite good- sometimes really decent traditional stuff, sometimes alternative or jazzy stuff. The problem is that they pipe it in through the speakers, so once the band starts all conversation must end. I know some people like that, but it really is a deal breaker for me. There are places you can lurk (the downstairs bit in past the bar is the best) where the music is muted, but they tend to fill up fast. The place is so popular that it generally gets very crowded very fast, so make sure you arrive early. It's worth it for a night of excellent beer.
The bouncers I've always found to be really nice and polite- and I'm a scruffy looking kinda guy. Another point in their favour. For food other than chips, the burgers and irish stew are my two favourites.
Probably my favourite pub in Dublin.
The clientelle are varied and generally easygoing. It's a complete melting pot: You've got ould fellas drinking stout, business men in suits, couples having dinner, groups of young people listening to music.
It's nice inside too, really twisty and bendy and fun.
My gripes are the music and well, the fact that it's so popular! They do live music every night, and usually it's quite good- sometimes really decent traditional stuff, sometimes alternative or jazzy stuff. The problem is that they pipe it in through the speakers, so once the band starts all conversation must end. I know some people like that, but it really is a deal breaker for me. There are places you can lurk (the downstairs bit in past the bar is the best) where the music is muted, but they tend to fill up fast. The place is so popular that it generally gets very crowded very fast, so make sure you arrive early. It's worth it for a night of excellent beer.
The bouncers I've always found to be really nice and polite- and I'm a scruffy looking kinda guy. Another point in their favour. For food other than chips, the burgers and irish stew are my two favourites.
Probably my favourite pub in Dublin.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Porterhouse
We were in the Porterhouse, Temple Bar on a Wednesday from about 8.30 p.m. til close. The Porterhouse is hugely popular, and I think it's because it really does have something for everyone. At least beverage wise: there's all the usuals, a good cocktail selection, an extensive selection of bottled beers, not to mention their own brews.
Plus food! (Though we only had chips, but they were good. But if the chips are bad, what's the point?)
The Porterhouse is maze-like, with lots of levels and mezzanines, so while finding people is a bit of a challenge, its also possible to avoid people should the situation require it. Plenty of seats, though finding a free one can be quite the challenge. It's got a lot of nooks and crannies, which I like. Due to it's popularity, it gets totally jammers. Good atmosphere, but they can get a little volume-happy with the music.
In brief:
Halt! Who goes there: All sorts. And tourists. Not that they're not "sorts"!
The ensemble: Jeans and runners, though you wouldn't be out of place dressed up.
The facilities: Lots of stairs to get to the toilets, and there aren't enough of them, but they've got a hair straightener....
J'approuve!
Plus food! (Though we only had chips, but they were good. But if the chips are bad, what's the point?)
The Porterhouse is maze-like, with lots of levels and mezzanines, so while finding people is a bit of a challenge, its also possible to avoid people should the situation require it. Plenty of seats, though finding a free one can be quite the challenge. It's got a lot of nooks and crannies, which I like. Due to it's popularity, it gets totally jammers. Good atmosphere, but they can get a little volume-happy with the music.
In brief:
Halt! Who goes there: All sorts. And tourists. Not that they're not "sorts"!
The ensemble: Jeans and runners, though you wouldn't be out of place dressed up.
The facilities: Lots of stairs to get to the toilets, and there aren't enough of them, but they've got a hair straightener....
J'approuve!
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