Cork City the worst EVER for drinking

JabbaTheHut

Have to say. I've drank all over the world; Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Rome, Hong Kong, all over Australia, New York, Vegas, Florida, and a lot more towns and cities too. I've drank all over Ireland too; Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Donegal, Waterford, and a heap more in between. There's been a good few places I really wasn't in a fit state, and yet, there was no problems with getting into pubs/bars/nightclubs. Door staff never gave me any hassle. And I wasn't interested in causing any. I never got kicked out of a bar or nightclub. I wasn't there to look for, or cause any trouble. But Cork City. Wtf?

I had 4 pints in Costigans, and myself and my wife decided to move to another pub, as you do. She had 3 small bottles of west coast cooler. First after that, was the Washington, I think it was called, and we were "interviewed" by a young bouncer, who didn't give us a reason to refuse us entry. Second was a place we didn't even bother to take the name of, where the bouncers , while nice and sound, "preffered" we didn't enter. We finally ended up in some pub/late bar where the response of the bouncer was "oh, go on", after being asked the usual 2 questions, obviously standard with Cork bouncers:

Where are ye coming from?
How many have you had?

I wouldn't mind if we were flaming, or even well drunk, for that matter. We were well dressed and we're not scumbags. If we were part of a crowd, well then maybe I could understand that; A gang causing trouble would be harder to control than one or two people. But a COUPLE. Man and wife in their thirties?

Of all the places, no, cities, I/we have ever went out in, Cork City was by FAR the worst for scrutiny.

I have no desire to ever go out in that city again.

Chuck Stone

In before thanks whoring 1st post ninja lurker.

I think this is about bouncers rather than Cork City tbh - maybe you just hit some bouncer turbulence?.

JabbaTheHut

Chuck Stone wrote: »

In before thanks whoring 1st post ninja lurker

Ummmm. I'm lost

Maybe we did, but it's pretty odd to meet that many on the one night

dave1982

Its the bouncers and the street you were on Washington street.

I agree bouncers here are on power trips and sadly we must put up with them or don't go out

Chuck Stone

JabbaTheHut wrote: »

Ummmm. I'm lost

Maybe we did, but it's pretty odd to meet that many on the one night

True, but there is a good chance you just got unlucky - I can't imagine that bouncers in Cork City are any more 'choosy' than say Limerick or Waterford or Dublin.

The door security industry should be way more professional though for sure. It'd be good for customers to see that they had some sort of accreditation and it would probably weed out the assholes who get off on the power of being able to ruin someones night if they feel like it.

I've had my fair share of being stopped for no good reason and know how frustrating it can be.

JabbaTheHut

That's the thing. I left Cork with the impression that the nightlife with regarding to bouncers was crap. I know bouncers have to weed out the "good from the bad" but we couldn't have been bad, even if we tried. The reason I stated some of the cities I drank in was to show that the bouncers in Cork seem to be way off the scale.

-Corkie-

Seems ridiculous to me. I am the same profile as the OP and I would be fairly miffed if my self and the wife were refused access by a bouncer..

CHealy

You were on Washington street, student central, its your own fault. If you were out with your wife there are plenty of other places you could have went and this thread wouldnt even exist.

-Corkie-

CHealy wrote: »

You were on Washington street, student central, its your own fault. If you were out with your wife there are plenty of other places you could have went and this thread wouldnt even exist.

Thats grand for you to say but how is a visitor to the city supposed to know that??.

BArra

depending on your age bracket you do seem to have landed on the younger crowd pubs, the wash i wouldnt even goto anymore and im only 26

maybe next time try, suas, the classic, long island

Sonics2k

-Corkie- wrote: »

Thats grand for you to say but how is a visitor to the city supposed to know that??.

By the crowds of students standing around, the signs that say "Student Prices" and so on.

I've been drinking in Cork for many many years, and just like you across the U.S. Europe and Australia. But I've never encountered hassle with bouncers here, and I even worked as a bouncer for a while.

9 times out of 10, if a bouncer says no, it's because you're not suited to the bar you're trying to get into, they don't think you'll fit in, enjoy it or simply like it.

Honestly, putting Cork down as a bad place to drink based on your interactions with doormen at two separate bars is just plain silly.

Balmed Out

Never get refused by bouncers but then again I wouldnt be trying to get in somewhere full of people 15 years younger then me. Ive drank in all of your list except hong kong and florida and plenty more beyond that and wouldn rate corks bouncers as being any worse then average. How you would assume all the bouncers were in the wrong in place after place and not ye is beyond me. Stupid thread.

johnnyjb

Bouncers from Cork are terrible. OP is dead on the money. There nothing wrong with 30 somethings drinking on Washington St.

Im from cork and have been around the country drinking and totally agree with his post.

Just looks like the local business are after losing another paying visitor. Its their own fault

-Corkie-

Sonics2k wrote: »

By the crowds of students standing around, the signs that say "Student Prices" and so on.

Hardly students out on a saturday night in fairness.

Nonoperational

Washington street is an acquired taste to be honest. Havn't been refused in years though, strange that the OP had so much hassle. Do you look a bit dodgey?! (messing).

vampire of kilmainham

Chuck Stone wrote: »

In before thanks whoring 1st post ninja lurker.

I think this is about bouncers rather than Cork City tbh - maybe you just hit some bouncer turbulence?.

what are you on about

bah1011

bouncers in Cork are easily the worst i'v ever dealt with. Its just a luck of the draw most of the time if you get in and if your out in a group the chances of everyone getting in to the one pub/club are zero

mudokon

Sonics2k wrote: »

9 times out of 10, if a bouncer says no, it's because you're not suited to the bar you're trying to get into, they don't think you'll fit in, enjoy it or simply like it.

That's not really a bouncers choice to make, if somebody is dressed respectably and not falling around drunk then there should be no issue. If people get in and they don't like it they leave again.

vampire of kilmainham

Sonics2k wrote: »

By the crowds of students standing around, the signs that say "Student Prices" and so on.

I've been drinking in Cork for many many years, and just like you across the U.S. Europe and Australia. But I've never encountered hassle with bouncers here, and I even worked as a bouncer for a while.

9 times out of 10, if a bouncer says no, it's because you're not suited to the bar you're trying to get into, they don't think you'll fit in, enjoy it or simply like it.

Honestly, putting Cork down as a bad place to drink based on your interactions with doormen at two separate bars is just plain silly.

well if the mutton headed bouncers had any cop on they would of told the OP that the pubs were for young people and directed them where was best to go for a drink...

vampire of kilmainham

Balmed Out wrote: »

Never get refused by bouncers but then again I wouldnt be trying to get in somewhere full of people 15 years younger then me. Ive drank in all of your list except hong kong and florida and plenty more beyond that and wouldn rate corks bouncers as being any worse then average. How you would assume all the bouncers were in the wrong in place after place and not ye is beyond me. Stupid thread.

up the Dubs:p

nightster1

JabbaTheHut wrote: »

Have to say. I've drank all over the world; Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Rome, Hong Kong, all over Australia, New York, Vegas, Florida, and a lot more towns and cities too. I've drank all over Ireland too; Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Donegal, Waterford, and a heap more in between. There's been a good few places I really wasn't in a fit state, and yet, there was no problems with getting into pubs/bars/nightclubs. Door staff never gave me any hassle. And I wasn't interested in causing any. I never got kicked out of a bar or nightclub. I wasn't there to look for, or cause any trouble. But Cork City. Wtf?

I had 4 pints in Costigans, and myself and my wife decided to move to another pub, as you do. She had 3 small bottles of west coast cooler. First after that, was the Washington, I think it was called, and we were "interviewed" by a young bouncer, who didn't give us a reason to refuse us entry. Second was a place we didn't even bother to take the name of, where the bouncers , while nice and sound, "preffered" we didn't enter. We finally ended up in some pub/late bar where the response of the bouncer was "oh, go on", after being asked the usual 2 questions, obviously standard with Cork bouncers:

Where are ye coming from?
How many have you had?

I wouldn't mind if we were flaming, or even well drunk, for that matter. We were well dressed and we're not scumbags. If we were part of a crowd, well then maybe I could understand that; A gang causing trouble would be harder to control than one or two people. But a COUPLE. Man and wife in their thirties?

Of all the places, no, cities, I/we have ever went out in, Cork City was by FAR the worst for scrutiny.

I have no desire to ever go out in that city again.

Washington street is student territory. As you were an out of towner, the bouncer should have elaborated on his reason for refusal. Take your business elsewhere in Cork city. These bouncers need to do a course on how to be civil

Sonics2k

mudokon wrote: »

That's not really a bouncers choice to make, if somebody is dressed respectably and not falling around drunk then there should be no issue. If people get in and they don't like it they leave again.

Actually, it is one of the duties of Doormen at good bars.

Perhaps not on official policy, but every doorman I've spoken to, mainly ones who are family or friends, do it as part of their job.

Kensworld

My friend was in Belfast for the Ireland vs Wales game. They asked where the best place to watch the match was and they were directed to a local pub. One of his buddies was wearing runners and wasn't allowed in. Since they were close to their hotel, they waited at the door while the buddy went back and changed his shoes. When they eventually got in they saw a guy wearing a full Nazi uniform. Now that was a bouncer on a power trip

gimmick

Add the fact that a lot of the door staff on Washington St are all on the same walky talkies to each other as part of the "Washington Village" concept they tried a few years ago.

Seriously, Washington St is a terrible night out.

Shame that that hole has tarnished our City in your opinion. Give it another go, and avoid that place.

nightster1

nightster1 wrote: »

Washington street is student territory.

As said Saturday night in Cork is not student night.

I reckon either the OP or his wife looked well sloshed or else look scummy or something. I've never had trouble getting in anywhere in Cork unless I was in the company of someone intoxicated.

-Corkie-

RoverJames wrote: »

As said Saturday night in Cork is not student night.

I reckon either the OP or his wife looked well sloshed or else look scummy or something. I've never had trouble getting in anywhere in Cork unless I was in the company of someone intoxicated.

Op should post pics of themselves so we can decide if they look scummy or not!!

Vain

Not from Cork, but was out few weeks ago, cant think of the name of the pub its a big pub tho always has live bands and its near st Patrick street. Anyway got the the door and straight away the bouncer said come on in ladys to my gf and her two friends.

Away they went off in and i was just joking with the bouncer thats my gf can i come in too and he was just asking me how long we were going out and crap anyway off i go to walk in and out goes the hand to stop me. Got the how many had you to drink to night and any ID. I got in anyway but was a joke the way the acted.

mudokon

Sonics2k wrote: »

Actually, it is one of the duties of Doormen at good bars.

Perhaps not on official policy, but every doorman I've spoken to, mainly ones who are family or friends, do it as part of their job.

So what criteria do they use to judge who gets in or not? As for good bars, surely that is a subjective term.

Half the problem is that without an official policy, you are at the mercy of the doormen who don't ever provide a reason for you not being allowed in.

Sonics2k

mudokon wrote: »

So what criteria do they use to judge who gets in or not? As for good bars, surely that is a subjective term.

Half the problem is that without an official policy, you are at the mercy of the doormen who don't ever provide a reason for you not being allowed in.

It's usually quite simple.

Alot of "student bars", will quite possibly turn away say, a middle-aged couple, Influx will turn away someone who looks like a scobe, the Kat Club will turn away a Goth/Metal head.

Now, I will admit that there are Doormen who go on power trips, I remember one who worked at the Bróg years ago, and he was a royal pain in the arse.

My personal experience is that most are fine, Long Island for example is a decent place and the Doormen are pretty relaxed as well.

Stark

Thing is, in most places (not Cork) you won't be rudely turned away. As in you might be told "it's a young crowd tonight" but you won't be flat out refused entry. I used to take rude bouncers as part of the parcel in Cork until I moved to Dublin for a few years and became used to professional treatment. Quite often, the out of place couple could be calling in just to have a quick chat/buy a drink for someone (my parents called in to buy me a drink on my 21st for example). Only someone who's power intoxicated to the point where they can no longer see it for themselves would argue that they shouldn't be allowed to. Like someone else said, they'll leave of their own accord once it's obvious they're out of place. It's not a respectable middle aged couple is suddently going to start causing trouble and thrashing the place if they walk into somewhere studenty.

The best time was when a friend of mine was refused entry to a supposedly "trendy" establishment for wearing those River Island type tennis shoes that the bouncer referred to as "runners". Place closed down less than a few months later. I'm sure most places have copped themselves on now a bit since the "R word" hit, not that I would know, I try to avoid the city centre for the most part if I want to go for a drink when I'm down at the weekend.

Buceph

Cork is fairly crappy for bouncers, but I suppose I've only been to other cities for a weekend or so so it's hard to get an idea of what they're like. Usually I'd just say I'm up for the weekend and they'd explain what the story is.


That being said, I rarely go into the city anymore. I always go to a pub close to where I crash in the city (Cissie Youngs) and would only go into the city if there's some of with lots of cash and looking for a late bar. And then it's either the Quad or The Slate, where I've never had hassle. The Bróg as been crap since they knocked through to the Hairy Lemon and the Crannóg, a few cases of crappy bouncers, and one of the worst young crowds in the city.

The best place I've found for bouncers has been the rock bars, Freds and the Cruiscin. We were in town on New Year's Eve before heading to the house party for a few warm up drinks. We went to the offy before they closed and picked up two slabs and wanted to have one more drink before getting a lift to the party. Not a single pub would let us in, and we'd hardly be sneaking cans when we have two full slabs, would be kinda obvious. Went to Freds and not a bother, didn't even have to explain ourselves, bouncer just said "Heading to a party after" and opened the door.

Another story with The Quad. There was about 30 of us coming down from UCC from a society event. Went to the Quad and said to the bouncer, "We're a big group, coming from an event in UCC." He asked us what society we were with, which explained what was in all our bags and suitcases (society gear,) he checked a few IDs and waved us in. I doubt there'd be few places in the city that would have been like that.

mudokon

Sonics2k wrote: »

It's usually quite simple.

Alot of "student bars", will quite possibly turn away say, a middle-aged couple, Influx will turn away someone who looks like a scobe, the Kat Club will turn away a Goth/Metal head.

Now, I will admit that there are Doormen who go on power trips, I remember one who worked at the Bróg years ago, and he was a royal pain in the arse.

My personal experience is that most are fine, Long Island for example is a decent place and the Doormen are pretty relaxed as well.

For the student bars it would be just as easy for the doorman to say to a middle aged couple that there is a student crowd in and that they are welcome to come in but may prefer to go elsewhere rather than just refuse them. This would give these bars a better reputation.

For bars like Influx which cater to a specfic social scene then I can understand them having a stricter door policy. Not sure about the Kat club clientele as I've never heard of it and Google was no help.

I've never really had hassle with the doormen anywhere either, have probably been stopped a maximum of 5 times and rarely refused entry. That being said it would be a positive step if the bars instilled in the doormen that they are the first point of contact for the bar and to treat people with the same respect as the bar staff are expected to. There will always be occassions when the doormen have to assert their authority but sometimes common courtesy seems beyond them.

Sonics2k

Sonics2k wrote: »

It's usually quite simple.

Alot of "student bars", will quite possibly turn away say, a middle-aged couple, Influx will turn away someone who looks like a scobe, the Kat Club will turn away a Goth/Metal head..

Influx is a gay pub/club, you don't get gangs of scobes going there I imagine. The Kat club?? As in Cork Arts Theatre?? Not a pub or club really, surely they only have functions every now and then.

Oafley Jones

mudokon wrote: »

So what criteria do they use to judge who gets in or not? As for good bars, surely that is a subjective term.

Half the problem is that without an official policy, you are at the mercy of the doormen who don't ever provide a reason for you not being allowed in.

Aren't bouncers required to provide a reason for refusal to entry?

gimmick

The worst doorstaff in Cork are Reardens, by a considerable distance in fact. Soho would be 2nd.

Most other places I actually find are very good for a hello and open the door for you etc.

Rudest bar staff gong goes to Tom Barrys though. They are in a class of their own for downright obnoxiousness.

padma

Any pub that needs a bouncer is not a real pub

Sephiroth_dude

gimmick wrote: »

Rudest bar staff gong goes to Tom Barrys though. They are in a class of their own for downright obnoxiousness.

+1 to that

Collumbo

Have to agree with the original poster here about the city in general. a few years back I was refused
1) entry to a place because I was not wearing proper attire. WhateverTF that means. I was wearing jeans, a shirt, and those old ellesse shoes.. he said they were innappropriate. the place was a ****hole. I was sober, as I was driving that night. I wouldnt mind but most folks in there were plastered.
2) a pint of water in a different pub because I was driving home (I had 1 pint about an hour earlier). the bartender (about 23 I'd say) said I had to buy a drink. again, the whole place was a raging session.. most people in there were buckled drunk.

I had the same series of interview questions every time i've gone to a late bar or nightclub in the city.

there is a certain arrogance about the doormen there in general that just isn't as bad in other places around the country. i can't stand it, so i just don't bother going out in the city any more and i'm there a few times a year. Like the O/p, I'm mid thirties... too old for that BS.... it annoys me to say all this as i'm from cork originally.

As for the pub business having a hard time of it... that's part of the reason why ye're having a rough time of it! the eejits on the door.... rant over!

shnaek

Buceph wrote: »

He asked us what society we were with, which explained what was in all our bags and suitcases (society gear,)

Yeah, the ganga growers society is one of the best up there alright

Milly33

God we had the pleasure of heading to town on Saturday night and why oh why. I wouldnt be a mad fan of the old night clubs but feck it we went to the Bodega and being my 2nd visit to the place I can defo say I will never be going back in there again. Shocking and people have gotten so rude...

I agree with the bouncer thing in Cork too a lot of them are on such power trips, and yep they should give you a ligit reason for not letting you in but what do you do if they say no and to bugger off waste your time arguing with them...Twats

Seloth

Seeing as many of you are posting from an older perspective I guess I'll jump in with a young person/student one.

I go to college in Limerick but seeing as I'm from Cork I also go out allot here too...and Cork is indeed truly bad for bouncers!

The worst by far is Havanas,where the odd you getting in as my friends in UCC say are 50/50!.I once got rejected for being too intoxicated...I didnt even drink that night,and when I asked to speak to the bouncer to tell him I was told to get the **** away.I also heard of a Mother who went to ask what time they closed at(Not wishing to enter,had to collect him after a family accident at home)and she was told"Your too old so dont even try!".

Suas and expecially Bróg/Gorbies are by far the best.By far the most friendliest and helpful bouncers,You may get the odd one or two but in general they are dead on.

But yeah as people are saying Cork bouncers in general are some of the most unfriendliest and rudest compared to other places.

Kensworld

Was in Tom Barry's last year with my now ex-Girlfriend, my housemate and his girlfriend. My housemates girlfriend had a bit too much to drink so they stopped serving all 4 of us. He took her home and myself and my ex stayed on thinking that since we were sober they would serve us again. How wrong we were. Had a 15 minute debate with the bar staff over the matter before we got up and left. Shame that for such a nice pub their staff treat people in such a way

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5

Not sure how it compares to other places really but Cork can be pretty bad.
Haven't been out much recently but I have been refused twice at Crane Lane, both times for being too drunk. Once was fair enough, the other absolutely was not, I'd had five cans over about two hours so I wasn't stone cold sober or anything but I was far from too pissed. I'd also walked ten minutes in the fresh air to get there so was much more sober than when I'd left the house. One bouncer let in my other two friends (who in any case were drunker than me) but I got some prick and he just wasn't budging, really annoying because I'd been at a birthday party and we were going in to meet everyone else. My friend came back out to argue with him and he was loving it, spewing out the lines and waving other absolutely pissed people past him inside because he was enjoying that particular little power trip enough so he didn't have to bother looking for another one for a while. Eventually I just wandered off down the street and into the warm smelly embrace of the Brog Apart from that I've generally found them sound enough at Crane Lane though.

I wouldn't bother with Washington Street anyway, pretty much all ****-holes, though Preachers is good enough actually.

Clare Bear

I know Cork people hate to hear anything bad said about Cork (:D) but I have to agree on this one. Nowhere in the world have I experienced such bad bouncers as I have in Cork. Being a girl I've gotten off pretty lightly really but the way I've seen some of my male friends and just random strangers I've seen trying to get in to places treated, it's ridiculous. I haven't been out in Cork city centre in ages, I was hoping it had changed a bit, obviously not. The city is well known for it's asshole bouncers. Whether you agree with that or not they don't have the bad name for no reason!

Sonics2k

RoverJames wrote: »

Influx is a gay pub/club, you don't get gangs of scobes going there I imagine. The Kat club?? As in Cork Arts Theatre?? Not a pub or club really, surely they only have functions every now and then.

You'd be amazed how many scobes try to get in to Influx.

I've probably got the name Kat Club wrong, it was down one of the allies off Oliver Plunkett Street years ago, no idea if it's still there though.

Sonics2k

Clare Bear wrote: »

I know Cork people hate to hear anything bad said about Cork (:D) but I have to agree on this one. Nowhere in the world have I experienced such bad bouncers as I have in Cork. Being a girl I've gotten off pretty lightly really but the way I've seen some of my male friends and just random strangers I've seen trying to get in to places treated, it's ridiculous. I haven't been out in Cork city centre in ages, I was hoping it had changed a bit, obviously not. The city is well known for it's asshole bouncers. Whether you agree with that or not they don't have the bad name for no reason!

I have to admit I am quite surprised by all the negative comments, but I guess it's because I go to a certain few bars around the City that seem to have good Doormen.

In my experiences, at the Bróg, The Quad/Slate, Long Island, Súas, Door 51, Fred Zepps, and Sober Lane have great bar staff, and doormen.

But then looking at some of the choices people are going to I'm not entirely surprised by the outcome (Havana's etc)

Clare Bear

Sonics2k wrote: »

I have to admit I am quite surprised by all the negative comments, but I guess it's because I go to a certain few bars around the City that seem to have good Doormen.

In my experiences, at the Bróg, The Quad/Slate, Long Island, Súas, Door 51, Fred Zepps, and Sober Lane have great bar staff, and doormen.

But then looking at some of the choices people are going to I'm not entirely surprised by the outcome (Havana's etc)

To be fair a lot of places are fine and I guess it isn't fair to tar them all with the same brush. Maybe we should change the thread title to Washington Street

professore

RoverJames wrote: »

As said Saturday night in Cork is not student night.

That's right ... Saturday night is get your head kicked in or beaten to within an inch of your life night around Washington Street / Grand Parade area especially after midnight. There have been a couple of fatalities over the years. One of the most intimidating places I have ever been in my life. Running battles with Gardai. Scary stuff. Stick to Patrick Street or pubs in that area in future.

There are some great places in Cork - just not there.

Sonics2k

Clare Bear wrote: »

To be fair a lot of places are fine and I guess it isn't fair to tar them all with the same brush. Maybe we should change the thread title to Washington Street

Very true :P

I never go past The Long Island, not a bad bar at all.

JabbaTheHut

It was a Saturday night that we were there, so the obviuos student-only entry to bars would have less apparant than week nights, when the students are the usual clientel to some of the pubs we went to get into. So to say that we(as out of towners) should have known better is nonsense.

It was the Brog that we ended up in. And at that, like I said, we were greeted with a " ah, go on in so", after been checked out first. As I said already, we were not drunk, or scumbags, but in out thirties. So that was the only reason why I could think we were refused.

Only thing is, as I stated in the first post, we drank all over the country/world, and had no trouble geting into any type of pub/bar, whether the crowd was old or young or middleaged. In fact, more often than not, the crowd would have been younger than us, but it seems in Cork, that can never happen. Maybe it was just because we picked these "student" pubs, but in every city in the world, this never mattered.

PhatPiggins

Clare Bear wrote: »

To be fair a lot of places are fine and I guess it isn't fair to tar them all with the same brush. Maybe we should change the thread title to Washington Street

You might change it to Washington Street,Grand Parade and South Mall. The bottom feeders on the doors at Soho and Electric seem to think they're interviewing for suitors to marry their daughters.