My favourite pub at the moment is The Bernard Shaw in Portobello. It’s been run by Bodytonic since October 2006. Despite hearing it was due to close in early 2008, it has stayed open and doesn’t seem to be closing anytime soon. The pub has an emphasis on art, music and multimedia with art exhibitions, movie screenings, regular DJ sets, carboot sales and live bands.
Saturday saw one of those events entitled “It’s Happening” take place. It ran from 4pm til about 10pm firstly taking in some electronic performances inside the bar which I missed. I did however manage to catch the closing band who played outside in the smoking area. The plan was for the band which included clarinet, bass, trumpet, keyboard, glockenspiel to play covers of cheesy ’90s songs. So think ‘Rhythm of the Night’ , ‘Groove is in the Heart’, ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ and loads of others. It was mental. The smoking area turned into a house party for two hours with people dancing on the pool table, up on table and chairs, sitting on people’s shoulders, lollipops, pass the parcel and a singalong led by the band’s singer and cheerleader, Jane. It was great, so much fun. The reason I bring it up is because it’s happening THIS THURSDAY again in the venue so pop down. Here’s a taste of what to expect – ‘Mr. Vain’:
More info here.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
You forget to mention the Bernard Shaw is the only place in Dublin (to my knowledge) where you can order pitchers of Buckfast!
Look class!
Twas only mega tastic fangerismic audience interactive madness
The most fun Saturday I have had in a lonnnnnnnnnnng time. I am in it that footage at 0:05! …..for a quarter of a second. Definitely will go to next ones. My highlight was “Word Up”.
the Bernard Shaw is the best craic ever for a midday rave-up in the middle of a bank holiday weekend when you have no other plans
It’s a great spot. They are trying something different. On the State end of things we have your latest postcard on our blog. Take a peek. People love the State Postcards. Keep up the good work
New Years Day this year I was there. I dont remember any of it, but I (think I) had a good time.
Saturday was most fun, the everyone was glorious. The band that played last were called Attention Bebe and can be found at http://www.myspace.com/attentionbebe. Come check us out…
The bar looks lovely. One restriction, though. Maybe too Californian. Cigarettes? Here in Santa Monica one is pressed to find where to smoke in public spaces.
I used t be a very heavy smoker till obstructive pulmonary disease caught up with me.
Sorry to hear that Tina.
[quote post=”1252″]You forget to mention the Bernard Shaw is the only place in Dublin (to my knowledge) where you can order pitchers of Buckfast![/quote]
yes please