Barfly: The Gasworks
Grand Canal Street, Dublin 4. Telephone: 01 2309628
Standing in the shadow of the gleaming new Landsdowne Road, The Gasworks shows what can be achieved when publicans quit moaning about people drinking at home and try to give punters a decent reason to leave the house.
On Friday nights, for example, a Nintendo Wii is set up in the lounge, allowing patrons to try their hand at virtual bowling and baseball on a big-screen -- for consenting adults of a certain age, nothing goes together like beer and video games.
But don't mistake The Gasworks for a nerd honeypot. The inky darkness makes it perfect for a discreet rendezvous and the clientele, on a weekend evening at least, is overwhelmingly young, dressy and up for a good time.
Décor-wise, we are adrift in the land of the suburban Dublin boozer, meaning there's a distinct whiff of the 70s in the air.
But at least The Gasworks was spared the plague of Euro-chic refits that swept the capital in the past decade. Bordering the much-heralded docklands sprawl, this corner of the city has no lack of high-concept bars. By keeping it old school, The Gasworks has ensured that it stands proudly apart from the competition.
Just organise a Guitar Hero evening and our devotion will be unlimited.
IN THE GLASS: Pint of stout €4.50, pint of lager €5 (€4 on Fridays)
AT THE BAR: Excitable young things
ON THE STEREO:Sky Sports, Lady GaGa
AND? In line with the old school ambience, there’s a daily carvery
- Ed Power
