TOPIC:

Made it in to Against the Grain last week. Huge improvement over the previous pubs located there (although that wouldn't be hard- for one, it's bright, airy and devoid of dank).

Met a few friends who had food in advance and they were more than happy with what they got. Not a huge crowd for a Friday night but Camden Street wasn't exactly bursting at the seams that night. Nice idea of having Connect 4/guess who etc as bar games for those who can't manage a conversation over a few beers (but why in god's name have jenga- surely a no-no when alcohol is to be consumed <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D --> )

Enjoyed a few SNPAs and Galway Hookers and certainly will be back. Also have a Bay Ale, which was my first, and while it tasted lovely the aroma was way, way off. It smelt like feet. Plain and simple- and in case there are any Beoir members with foot fetishes- we're talking feet that have been sweating in a thick socks/ wellies combo for hours. And it really put a few people we were with off trying it- although one of my mates said that was definitely an off batch as he had it before.

But aside from that, a welcome addition to South side boozing. And like other quality establishments, it's nice to have staff who are enthusiastic about beer- and listening to customer's suggestions. Hopefully they will get O Hara's IPA in shortly.

&amp;quot;baconsarnie&amp;quot;:3tevwyza wrote: Hopefully they will get O Hara's IPA in shortly.[/quote:3tevwyza]They have it bottled, which is the best version, IMHO.

Yeah, the Bay Ale is a bit, erm, intense. The Lager's better.

&amp;quot;TheBeerNut&amp;quot;:2k6wwjw1 wrote: They have it bottled, which is the best version, IMHO.[/quote:2k6wwjw1]

Agree- but didn't see it on their lists. And that rather scuppers my earlier comment about the bar staff- i asked if they had any or intentions on getting in some bottles and was told not for the near future.

Knowledge is power and all that....

I've never been to an Irish pub that has managed to keep its beer lists up to date with the stock. Tippy-toed peering into the fridges is the only way.

Popped in last night.It was a bit quiet but got a lot busier as the night wore on. I liked the Bay Ale and the Bay Lager. Certainly different and worth a look. Next trip I'll check out the grub.

It was interesting to hear, while sitting at the bar, punters coming in looking for Heineken or Coors light and not really getting the fact that a pub does not need to have the same 5 beers and nothing else. They must have 40 beers in there between taps and bottles but some people just like piss I guess.

Oh I agree- but shortarses such as myself are discriminated against on an constant basis.

And it becomes a tad trickier as the night progresses. I suppose i could try and get my chosing out of the way earlier in the night, but that would be too close to common sense for my liking...