The Church Bar refused dinner cause i was wearing runners+casual combats?

sasta le

Went to The Church Bar while in Dublin

It was around 5pm and when i went in the door,there is a kinda desk to be seated and a doorman and manager said we could not have dinner because i was wearing runners and casual cotton combat pants

Christ do they want the custom:eek:

Mr. Presentable

Not from the likes of you.

CWF

That's crazy, I was in there a few weekends ago and it didn't seem too posh of a place, granted this was in the afternoon

The Big Red Button

Mr. Presentable wrote: »

Not from the likes of you.

Apt username is apt

Slunk

Can't remember having any trouble in there before but if they are gone like that they don't deserve the custom. I thought casual afternoon beers was part of that places appeal. Its nothing spectacular anyway. You didn't miss much.

karl_m

I handed a CV in there today with grease from my bike all over my hands. I wonder if she gave the CV to the manager?

sasta le

I was wearing kinda retro style new balance runners,a grey cotton cargo combat pants and o neills rain jacket

Now maybe the pants they thought were trackie bottoms but they deffo not scummy looking i had bags of shopping with me

John_Rambo

Exact same happened to me! I was wearing jeans and a nice pair of Adidas Samba classics. It was one of the places to be considered for the work xmas drinks/food party (30 odd people, wealthy company). I quickly marked it off the list and haven't been back since. A friend runs a small tourist based business, he was considering it as an interesting stop for his tour groups for a pint. Not any more, a competitor had to take on extra staff with the new business.

sasta le

Just reading reviews on Tripadvisor of this place,the few replys is only too good reviews.And even the management replies to complaints seemed just to say they answered

Ive work in the trade so was shocked by the refusal

Birneybau

Never liked the place myself, charge too much for drinks too.

themandan6611

if they don't want your custom in a recession then stuff them, no doubt the Vintners will be on moaning how this and that is killing their members businesses - instead its attitudes like this and the price of gargle.


I went to Against the Grain on Friday at 11pm in runners and casual jumper, bouncer was friendly and had a joke with him, went in and it was hoping.

ProudDUB

In fairness to them, they do have a sign on the front door saying that proper attire (aka non sporting stuff) is required for admittance. I'm in there a lot.

I don't think it is snobbery on their part. I have seen them kicking trouble making hoodie wearing gurriers out & using the dress code as the reason. Am not saying that all hoodie or sporting clothes wearers are trouble making gurriers, but given the area that it is in, they get their fare share of them.

Piliger

I like the place because they keep standards up.

Lumbo

ProudDUB wrote: »

In fairness to them, they do have a sign on the front door saying that proper attire (aka non sporting stuff) is required for admittance. I'm in there a lot.

I don't think it is snobbery on their part. I have seen them kicking trouble making hoodie wearing gurriers out & using the dress code as the reason. Am not saying that all hoodie or sporting clothes wearers are trouble making gurriers, but given the area that it is in, they get their fare share of them.

I would agree with this but good staff should be able to tell the difference between scumbag junkies and someone who prefers not to wear a shoes when they go for a pint.

Wishbone Ash

Piliger wrote: »

I like the place because they keep standards up.

Me too. I like to have dinner in an establishment with a dress code - and especially one which prohibits runners, tracksuits, hoodies etc.

FensterDJ

good point raised there, you can't just say "no scumbags or junkies" but you can have a dress code prohibiting typical scumbag attire, so it keeps the undesirables out but unfortunately also some completely unscumbagesque but casually attire punters too

John_Rambo

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Me too. I like to have dinner in an establishment with a dress code - and especially one which prohibits runners, tracksuits, hoodies etc.

Ah come on, it's very very mediocre pub grub, not fine dining! You hardly think it deserves a dress code? Fair enough, tracksuited toerags not allowed in, but there has to be a bit of cop on when it comes to door staff. I was with two middle aged clients, not a gang of seventeen year old young fella's.

admiralofthefleet

i was refused lunch in there a few years ago too because i was wearing runners

Wishbone Ash

John_Rambo wrote: »

Ah come on, it's very very mediocre pub grub, not fine dining! You hardly think it deserves a dress code? Fair enough, tracksuited toerags not allowed in, but there has to be a bit of cop on when it comes to door staff. I was with two middle aged clients, not a gang of seventeen year old young fella's.

Each to his own but I'm entitled to spend my hard earned money in establishments which have rules which appeal to me. I've never dined there but I may now do so. Those of you who prefer dining with people wearing runners, tracksuits, football jerseys etc. are free to spend your cash in such venues. It's a free country as they say.

ProudDUB

Lumbo wrote: »

I would agree with this but good staff should be able to tell the difference between scumbag junkies and someone who prefers not to wear a shoes when they go for a pint.

I agree. But kicking someone out (or denying them admittance) based on their breaking a clearly signposted dress code is simple enough. All the scumbag junkie has to do is point at someone in runners and ask why they are not being asked to leave too. Then staff have an argument on their hands & a valid one at that.

Mgt/staff can't very well point to you and say "Oh that's ok, he's not a scumbag junkie, he's a gazillionaire from Ballsbridge. He just doesn't like to wear proper shoes..." & the scumbag junkie says "fair enough so..." and leaves quietly. :rolleyes:

SteoL

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Each to his own but I'm entitled to spend my hard earned money in establishments which have rules which appeal to me. I've never dined there but I may now do so. Those of you who prefer dining with people wearing runners, tracksuits, football jerseys etc. are free to spend your cash in such venues. It's a free country as they say.

I find it rather pretentious that someone should give a damn about the clothes another diner happens to be wearing. What business of theirs and why are they so concerned in another's affairs.

I have eaten in said pub wearing jeans and runners so am surprised to see this sudden dress code being announced as it is most definitely not my experience of the place at all.

EDIT; just to point out my runners aren't 'classic' trainers but usually a more fashionable item.

FensterDJ

John_Rambo wrote: »

Ah come on, it's very very mediocre pub grub, not fine dining! You hardly think it deserves a dress code? Fair enough, tracksuited toerags not allowed in, but there has to be a bit of cop on when it comes to door staff. I was with two middle aged clients, not a gang of seventeen year old young fella's.

that's the thing you can refuse a gang of 17 year olds for being underage, but you can't refuse someone because they are a toerag, there was equality laws against it. but you can have a dress code which will hopefully exclude most of the toerags and other people besides

Wishbone Ash

SteoL wrote: »

What business of theirs and why are they so concerned in another's affairs

Because in these recessionary times I can afford to be choosey and am entitled to spend my money in establishments which meet my expectations. Those who do not agree are free to take their custom eslewhere. Why would they want to go to a place that doesn't need their custom?

John_Rambo

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

in these recessionary times I can afford to be choosey

Choosing an eatery on of what footwear other patrons adorn is a first for me. I'm not a fashionista and generally feel people can be individuals and wear what they want. I guess I don't really pay much attention to other diners around me. Im usually to busy engaging with my god and the company I am with.

Of course any clothing that encorporates a wolf or an eagle will always bring a smile.

Quality of food, atmosphere, staff, price and service would be top of my list.

WoollyRedHat

sasta le wrote: »

Went to The Church Bar while in Dublin

It was around 5pm and when i went in the door,there is a kinda desk to be seated and a doorman and manager said we could not have dinner because i was wearing runners and casual cotton combat pants

Christ do they want the custom:eek:

Well, it is called The Church Bar.

Paparazzo

OP, it's annoying, but my advice is to just never go back. There's lots of places in the city that'll take your money, and there's a lot nicer places than The Church that dress code isn't an issue.

As for the "scumbag junkie" label, take a walk around O'Connell Street Upper at closing time and I bet you won't see 1 pair of runners among the scummers.

SteoL

What John Rambo said.

Choosing a restaurant based on other clienteles dress sense is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard.

Fair enough if it was The Ritz Carlton or some upper class establishment but a pub in the centre of town where people sit around in that little square it's on happily drinking their flagons or cans.

I think they may be punching above their weight just a bit.

Oh and you are correct, of course, when you say he should take his custom to someone who would be happy wih it.

Piliger

John_Rambo wrote: »

Ah come on, it's very very mediocre pub grub, not fine dining! You hardly think it deserves a dress code? Fair enough, tracksuited toerags not allowed in, but there has to be a bit of cop on when it comes to door staff. I was with two middle aged clients, not a gang of seventeen year old young fella's.

Well I for one welcome more places like this. Your interpretation of mediocre is your own, as is fine dining. I don't believe there is any connection whatsoever required between the quality of food and the desire to have people dress well.
If more places maintained this kind of standard we would get a major improvement in in people's dress and turnout, which I and many others would welcome.

ProudDUB

I don't think that anyone here is saying that they chose where to dine based solely on what their fellow diners are or are not wearing. It's just part of an overall dining experience.

Let's face it, there is a certain subsection of society who engages in anti social behaviour. They are generally unpleasant people to be around be it in a restaurant or else where. These people seem to have a common dress code that consists of hoodies and athletic gear. Are all people who wear hoodies and athletic gear anti social scumbags? No, certainly not. But by eliminating those items of clothing from your premises, you stand a better chance of your diners not being hassled by that anti social element, especially if your restaurant is in a location that attracts them in the first place. (Isn't there a methadone clinic just down the road on Capel Street?)

We all of us like to eat out on special occasions in surroundings that are pleasant & non threatening. Some of us like to put on nice clobber every now and then and go to nice restaurants where everyone else is dressed up too, and the waiter calls you Sir or Madam, and the table clothes are fine linen and the food is served on fine china. It's all part of the over all atmosphere. It's not just about what others wearing, but that is a part of it. We have all done that and enjoyed doing that, if not on a regular basis, at least for special occasions. To accuse people of being pretentious to elitist just for enjoying doing that is a bit silly and is reverse snobbery imo.

spurious

admiralofthefleet wrote: »

i was refused lunch in there a few years ago too because i was wearing runners

Did you ever bother going back?

Paparazzo

ProudDUB wrote: »

I don't think that anyone here is saying that they chose where to dine based solely on what their fellow diners are or are not wearing. It's just part of an overall dining experience.

Let's face it, there is a certain subsection of society who engages in anti social behaviour. They are generally unpleasant people to be around be it in a restaurant or else where. These people seem to have a common dress code that consists of hoodies and athletic gear. Are all people who wear hoodies and athletic gear anti social scumbags? No, certainly not. But by eliminating those items of clothing from your premises, you stand a better chance of your diners not being hassled by that anti social element, especially if your restaurant is in a location that attracts them in the first place. (Isn't there a methadone clinic just down the road on Capel Street?)

We all of us like to eat out on special occasions in surroundings that are pleasant & non threatening. Some of us like to put on nice clobber every now and then and go to nice restaurants where everyone else is dressed up too, and the waiter calls you Sir or Madam, and the table clothes are fine linen and the food is served on fine china. It's all part of the over all atmosphere. It's not just about what others wearing, but that is a part of it. We have all done that and enjoyed doing that, if not on a regular basis, at least for special occasions. To accuse people of being pretentious to elitist just for enjoying doing that is a bit silly and is reverse snobbery imo.

From your post it seems "reverse snobbery" is bad, but normal snobbery is ok.

John_Rambo

ProudDUB wrote: »

I don't think that anyone here is saying that they chose where to dine based solely on what their fellow diners are or are not wearing..

They did! Wishbone knows nothing about the food, atmosphere, price but she/he would go to the place purely based on what footwear the other patrons wear!

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I've never dined there but I may now do so. Those of you who prefer dining with people wearing runners, tracksuits, football jerseys etc. are free to spend your cash in such venues

To be honest, scangers don't really dine in pubs and restaurants, the go to fast food joints. Doormen refusing entry to what are obviously decent people is ridiculous.

Davidth88

ProudDUB wrote: »

We all of us like to eat out on special occasions in surroundings that are pleasant & non threatening. Some of us like to put on nice clobber every now and then and go to nice restaurants where everyone else is dressed up too, and the waiter calls you Sir or Madam, and the table clothes are fine linen and the food is served on fine china. It's all part of the over all atmosphere. It's not just about what others wearing, but that is a part of it. We have all done that and enjoyed doing that, if not on a regular basis, at least for special occasions. To accuse people of being pretentious to elitist just for enjoying doing that is a bit silly and is reverse snobbery imo.

Have you ever been to The Church ?

It's hardly fine dining , it does not have napery on the tables , and you have to go to the bar to order ... ITS A PUB .
In my opinion , it's an over priced tourist trap , still living in the celtic tiger.

However considering the area I can understand why they have a dress code , but perhaps they should just say ' no track suits ' As for the shufflers from the methadone clinic , I don't think they would want to go in there , they are too busy spending their money on other things.

D

you should dress up as you were and take pictures and post them here.

admiralofthefleet

spurious wrote: »

Did you ever bother going back?

havent been in it since, wont either. its not like its the only place to eat in town

the runners i was wearing werent exactly runners, they were dc's

paddyandy

There is an ongoing war on good taste these days .

SteoL

admiralofthefleet wrote: »

spurious wrote: »

Did you ever bother going back?

havent been in it since, wont either. its not like its the only place to eat in town

the runners i was wearing werent exactly runners, they were dc's

Fook them it's their loss. There are far better places in town to get a feed up.

Davyhal

Was in Dromoland Castle once and saw the bouncer having a huge argument with this young lad trying to get served in the bar, he was fairly well dressed but he was wearing runners (not chav-tastic ones I must admit). He was denied service due to dress code, and the young lad argued that the man eating drinking at the end of the bar was in ripped jeans, stretched out t-shirt and dirty white runners.... The fact that the dude at the end of the bar was Russell Crowe seemed to be good enough for the bouncer, but not for the young lad! Some places just dont mind being hypocritical I guess!

biko

Excellent, now I know where to go next time I'm over.

spurious

admiralofthefleet wrote: »

havent been in it since, wont either. its not like its the only place to eat in town

the runners i was wearing werent exactly runners, they were dc's

That would be my attitude to it too, though I have eaten there too and the food's not great.

WoollyRedHat

Davyhal wrote: »

Was in Dromoland Castle once and saw the bouncer having a huge argument with this young lad trying to get served in the bar, he was fairly well dressed but he was wearing runners (not chav-tastic ones I must admit). He was denied service due to dress code, and the young lad argued that the man eating drinking at the end of the bar was in ripped jeans, stretched out t-shirt and dirty white runners.... The fact that the dude at the end of the bar was Russell Crowe seemed to be good enough for the bouncer, but not for the young lad! Some places just dont mind being hypocritical I guess!

He was probably scared that if he refused Crowe, that he'd get hit with something.

Mr. Presentable

John_Rambo wrote: »

Choosing an eatery on of what footwear other patrons adorn is a first for me. I'm not a fashionista and generally feel people can be individuals and wear what they want. I guess I don't really pay much attention to other diners around me. Im usually to busy engaging with my god and the company I am with.

Of course any clothing that encorporates a wolf or an eagle will always bring a smile.

Quality of food, atmosphere, staff, price and service would be top of my list.

If you let people in track attire sit in for dinner and become the norm, what then for the pyjama and slippers wearer? Are you happy to eat at the table next to someone who is still wearing what she wore to bed last night?

_blank_

Overpriced shíthole anyway, wouldn't go near the place, you dodged a bullet there OP, the food is crap too.

Another similar place to avoid is "The Parnell", formerly The Parnell Mooney. They have it billed as a "heritage pub". I suppose it is, if you look at Ireland's heritage of ripping people off.

12 quid for two pints of lager one saturday night.

D

The thing that always annoyed me about the Parnell Mooney was the fact that it claimed to be Dublin's oldest pub. Not even close.

Piliger

Davidth88 wrote: »

Have you ever been to The Church ?

For me I can say I've been there twice since Christmas and a few times last year.

It's hardly fine dining , it does not have napery on the tables , and you have to go to the bar to order ... ITS A PUB .
In my opinion , it's an over priced tourist trap , still living in the celtic tiger.

I see no valid connection whatsoever between this fine dining analogy and proper dress sense. None.

However considering the area I can understand why they have a dress code , but perhaps they should just say ' no track suits ' As for the shufflers from the methadone clinic , I don't think they would want to go in there , they are too busy spending their money on other things.

That's one way of looking at it. I prefer the way they do it and more places should do it. It would bring in more business.

Piliger

Des wrote: »

Overpriced shíthole anyway, wouldn't go near the place, you dodged a bullet there OP, the food is crap too.

Actually it's quite a nice place with good food. I've recommended it to a number of people and they have been pleased.

SteoL

Piliger wrote: »

Actually it's quite a nice place with good food. I've recommended it to a number of people and they have been pleased.

Personally, I thought it was overpriced for what is effectively pub grub. Plenty of other pubs nearby of equal or greater value with higher quality food and cheaper prices.

I also thought the beer was crap.

admiralofthefleet

Des wrote: »

Overpriced shíthole anyway, wouldn't go near the place, you dodged a bullet there OP, the food is crap too.

Another similar place to avoid is "The Parnell", formerly The Parnell Mooney. They have it billed as a "heritage pub". I suppose it is, if you look at Ireland's heritage of ripping people off.

12 quid for two pints of lager one saturday night.

please say you didnt pay that?

lounakin

sasta le wrote: »

Went to The Church Bar while in Dublin

It was around 5pm and when i went in the door,there is a kinda desk to be seated and a doorman and manager said we could not have dinner because i was wearing runners and casual cotton combat pants

Christ do they want the custom:eek:

Be GLAD you were turned away. This place is disgusting. The only good thing is the church looks cool and it has a huge terrace for when it's sunny. Apart from that the service is really slow and mostly rude, they know they don't have to try hard to attract customers. I would take it as a compliment if I had been turned away by this poorly mannered people!

Jay D

I've had that happen before, with runners, they were nice about it but still it's not actually their rules.

Why?

Because I've been there many times wearing casual trainers and they didn't flinch.

Many times dressed smart with nice brogaí.

It's a bit stupid but that's just the way it is.

Piliger

SteoL wrote: »

I also thought the beer was crap.

I had a Guinness and it was as good as you get anywhere.