I tried the eagerly anticipated Old Bear Pub on Barrack Street tonight, its opening night.
I was kinda sceptical as I didn't like Barbarella at all and couldn't see what could be done to improve the place. And before we go any further, people would want to move on from this "shud haVe bEeN namd d g8way" bollox. If you want to have it called the Gateway then fuck off and buy the place. This man Bunty has put his cash into it and can call it Bunty's Bunker for all I care.
Anyway, back to the pub.
It feels much cleaner than Barbarella was, and indeed more comfortable. I'd have had one pint in Barbarella and then moved on, but I can see myself settling in for a few pints some evening in the Old Bear.
Speaking of pints, we come to the most important part of any pub (something a lot of pubs seem to have forgotten, while they splash money on new TVs instead of making sure customers are getting a clean glass). #GetTheFuckingBasicsRight
I've said many times that I don't have any problem paying top dollar for a pint as long as it's a top quality pint, and likewise I'll never go back to a place that takes my money and gives me a shit pint in return.
The Guinness was probably the closest I've had to the Guinness in the Gables, which is the benchmark for me, and undisputedlely the finest pint of Guinness in Cork. If the quality of the pint in the Old Bear stays consistent at this level, I can see myself becoming a regular. Particularly handy as I live a five minute walk away.
Finally, I'm told that Saoirse, the gaelgoir legend who used manage the Hyde Out (formerly Nanas) has been brought in as assistant manager. That's a massive loss for the HO and a massive gain for the OB. A real character, fantastic bartender, and a person who'll turn someone who calls in for one pint into someone who stays for the night.
Overall, 8.7/10.
