New gay bar in Dublin

cgcsb · 30-05-2019 3:43pm

Nice little village forming around there. Neelons doesn't seem to declare it's self as a gay bar, but clientele downstairs are pretty much all old gay guys and upstairs young mixed crowd. If one of the empty units on strand st became a little sextoy shop it'd be made. Get the crosswalks painted rainbow etc.

JupiterKid · 03-06-2019 8:40pm

Was out for dinner with some friends from another LGBT web forum and we went there afterwards on its opening night. It was jammed to the rafters so we only stayed for one drink.

Very nice decor inside and I withPenny Lane every success!

cgcsb · 04-06-2019 9:56am

I think it's nice, would love to know what's upstairs. The Brazillian bar staff all dressed as minions is a bit creepy, not sure what the theme is there.

gmisk · 04-06-2019 10:02am

I popped in yesterday it looks really nice, its a bit smaller than I was expecting.
They have done a really nice job, the minions bar men outfit is bizarre lol.

Interesting to note the price difference between it and Pantibar.....
I suppose they got to pay for the place...
but 3 pints of hop house in Pantibar €12.90
same in Penny lane €18.60....ouch.

I was drinking Moretti btw which you cant get in Pantibar

gazzer · 04-06-2019 11:40am

I always wondered why it is predominantly South American Bar men that work in Panti bar (and from the photos on Facebook it is the same situation in Penny Lane).

cgcsb · 04-06-2019 12:12pm

gazzer wrote: »

I always wondered why it is predominantly South American Bar men that work in Panti bar (and from the photos on Facebook it is the same situation in Penny Lane).

Well panti has a latino fetish and immigration rules here are pretty slack.

J_E · 04-06-2019 3:50pm

cgcsb wrote: »

Well panti has a latino fetish and immigration rules here are pretty slack.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest everyone working at Pantibar is legally entitled to do so... :rolleyes:

baby and crumble · 04-06-2019 4:04pm

it's a bit disappointing that it appears to be the same old same old, but hey, another queer space is to be welcomed.

gmisk · 04-06-2019 4:09pm

baby and crumble wrote: »

it's a bit disappointing that it appears to be the same old same old, but hey, another queer space is to be welcomed.

How is it the same old same old? (bar generally the same beers and brazilian bar men)
Have you seen the pictures of it?

cgcsb · 04-06-2019 4:22pm

baby and crumble wrote: »

it's a bit disappointing that it appears to be the same old same old, but hey, another queer space is to be welcomed.

I'm curious what you mean here? how would it be different? what would you have preferred?

baby and crumble · 04-06-2019 4:29pm

gmisk wrote: »

How is it the same old same old? (bar generally the same beers and brazilian bar men)
Have you seen the pictures of it?

I have seen some pics, but I'm not talking about decor (although exposed brick and greenery is hardly groundbreaking).

It's clearly geared towards queer men.

Same drinks.

Same all-male (or almost all-male) staff.

Where's the diversity? Like I completely understand, Rory is a smart businessman and will have done all the research and knows his target market. It's just a real shame, that's all.

cgcsb · 04-06-2019 4:31pm

J_E wrote: »

I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest everyone working at Pantibar is legally entitled to do so... :rolleyes:

Ya think so? I mean I know that some of them are working well beyond 20 hours a week which, for the typical 'language student' here, would be a breach of their visa terms. Panti is an astute business woman and cheap labour is cheap labour.

But nevertheless, it was a comment on the number of Brazillians here in general, not specifically the guys (and token female) who work in Panti/Pennylane. Turn on grindr there if you live in Dublin, Portuguese is the lingua franca.

gmisk · 04-06-2019 4:38pm

baby and crumble wrote: »

I have seen some pics, but I'm not talking about decor (although exposed brick and greenery is hardly groundbreaking).

It's clearly geared towards queer men.

Same drinks.

Same all-male (or almost all-male) staff.

Where's the diversity? Like I completely understand, Rory is a smart businessman and will have done all the research and knows his target market. It's just a real shame, that's all.

I didnt say it was groundbreaking, but they clearly put a lot of effort into the look of the place, I would say its very on trend, you will see if you go to it. I would say it is a world away from Pantibar.

When it comes to gay places I would say Street 66 has a pretty decent selection of drinks. They are clearly pitching this place to more of a cocktail/wine vibe.

I honestly dont think there is the volume of people to open a dedicated lesbian bar or similar in Dublin, if there was to be honest there would be one. In my recent visits to Street 66 it definitely skews more towards girls than guys crowd wise, and they have some female bar staff.

But lets be honest in general there are more guys working in bars than girls.

gmisk · 04-06-2019 4:40pm

cgcsb wrote: »

Ya think so? I mean I know that some of them are working well beyond 20 hours a week which, for the typical 'language student' here, would be a breach of their visa terms. Panti is an astute business woman and cheap labour is cheap labour.

But nevertheless, it was a comment on the number of Brazillians here in general, not specifically the guys (and token female) who work in Panti/Pennylane. Turn on grindr there if you live in Dublin, Portuguese is the lingua franca.

If that is true report the business.

baby and crumble · 04-06-2019 4:42pm

Oh look, I totally understand. I'm not saying 'death to Panti, Panti hates lesbians', not at all.

i just suppose I'm at an age and stage of my life where i just go 'meh' to bars etc unless they offer something interesting. I get that I am 100% not the target of Panti's bar or venues at all. It's just... there's loads of bars that (judging by photos and from a few people who have been in that I know) look and feel exactly like Penny Lane.

But like I said, I'm not Panti and Panti knows what she's doing.

gmisk · 04-06-2019 4:54pm

baby and crumble wrote: »

Oh look, I totally understand. I'm not saying 'death to Panti, Panti hates lesbians', not at all.

i just suppose I'm at an age and stage of my life where i just go 'meh' to bars etc unless they offer something interesting. I get that I am 100% not the target of Panti's bar or venues at all. It's just... there's loads of bars that (judging by photos and from a few people who have been in that I know) look and feel exactly like Penny Lane.

But like I said, I'm not Panti and Panti knows what she's doing.

Not gay ones in Dublin IMO.

I do know where you are coming from. I think in general gay people in Dublin have no issue going to any bar around which really diminishes the demand for dedicated queer spaces. I tend to go to other non gay bars more anyway myself, where where I can get something better to drink like P Macs or the Blacksheep.

imme · 04-06-2019 7:57pm

gmisk wrote: »

I popped in yesterday it looks really nice, its a bit smaller than I was expecting.
They have done a really nice job, the minions bar men outfit is bizarre lol.

Interesting to note the price difference between it and Pantibar.....
I suppose they got to pay for the place...
but 3 pints of hop house in Pantibar €12.90
same in Penny lane €18.60....ouch.

I was drinking Moretti btw which you cant get in Pantibar

Is hop house 13 ever €4.30 in pantibar to begin with?

Are you comparing like with like, time of day, beer etc

ceebee1981 · 04-06-2019 8:17pm

imme wrote: »

Is hop house 13 ever €4.30 in pantibar to begin with?

Are you comparing like with like, time of day, beer etc

I had hop house in both Panti and Penny Lane on Saturday night, I think the difference was 60c dearer in Penny Lane.

cgcsb · 04-06-2019 8:42pm

Some lesbian friends of mine did have a rant about male centric spaces over the weekend, but of course the only people who can change that is lesbians themselves.If they weren't sitting at home avoiding their exes or in extremely cloistered relationships, there would be a lesbian scene.

imme · 04-06-2019 8:44pm

Doesn't pantibar do pints (regular pints not the usually more expensive, moretti etc) for €5 before 8pm.

I was talking to a tourist to Dublin in pantibar last night.

He'd been to penny lane on Sunday.

His take was that penny lane was fancier than pantibar.

The clientele was better dressed, better turned out.

gmisk · 04-06-2019 8:48pm

imme wrote: »

Is hop house 13 ever €4.30 in pantibar to begin with?

Are you comparing like with like, time of day, beer etc

I have a picture of the receipts.
It was between 7-8 for both places.
It could have been a mis price if someone else is saying only 60c difference.

It wouldn't put me off tbh, different crowd, different place and chilled out vibe

baby and crumble · 04-06-2019 9:06pm

cgcsb wrote: »

Some lesbian friends of mine did have a rant about male centric spaces over the weekend, but of course the only people who can change that is lesbians themselves.If they weren't sitting at home avoiding their exes or in extremely cloistered relationships, there would be a lesbian scene.

OR maybe if there was a queer bar that wasn't a total sausage fest every night and where you don't have gay men grabbing your boobs saying "oh it doesn't count I'm gay!!" maybe those places might be more appealing? Lesbian nights like Spinster sell out regularly. There's a definite desire for it.

But hey, what do I know, cloistered away in my relationship, right? :rolleyes:

gmisk · 04-06-2019 9:27pm

baby and crumble wrote: »

OR maybe if there was a queer bar that wasn't a total sausage fest every night and where you don't have gay men grabbing your boobs saying "oh it doesn't count I'm gay!!" maybe those places might be more appealing? Lesbian nights like Spinster sell out regularly. There's a definite desire for it.

But hey, what do I know, cloistered away in my relationship, right? :rolleyes:

Well in that case recently Street 66 is a regular vagina fest.
But hey it doesnt bother me.

If a man is grabbing your boobs report them to the bouncer and get them chucked out simple its not on.

cgcsb · 05-06-2019 10:16am

gmisk wrote: »

If that is true report the business.

will do.

cgcsb · 05-06-2019 10:24am

baby and crumble wrote: »

OR maybe if there was a queer bar that wasn't a total sausage fest every night

Literally the only way that will happen is if women actually leave the house and go out of an evening. If the women don't go anywhere, then logically everywhere is going to be a sausage fest.

baby and crumble wrote: »

and where you don't have gay men grabbing your boobs saying "oh it doesn't count I'm gay!!"

Eh complain if that happens. I honestly have never heard of that before. An isolated incident perhaps? I mean you're hardly suggesting that women don't go out because of fear of gay guys grabbing their boobs??:pac: like you could also be struck by lightning.

baby and crumble wrote: »

maybe those places might be more appealing? Lesbian nights like Spinster sell out regularly. There's a definite desire for it.

Some enterprising gay woman should capitalize on that then instead of expecting gay men to create 'appealing' spaces for them, in the vague hope they'll actually leave the house for a few hours.

baby and crumble wrote: »

But hey, what do I know, cloistered away in my relationship, right? :rolleyes:

Well you obviously know what furnishings and bar staff would appeal, why not rent a unit and get going.

L1011 · 05-06-2019 11:54am

There are maybe five licenced/reactivateable pubs in Dublin City available to rent and it requires a good quarter of a million minimum to get a building converted and licenced if it isn't already one. What I've seen of the fitout here would suggest a multiple of that.

All bar one is in awful condition and that one is on a side street in Kilmainham!

baby and crumble · 05-06-2019 12:00pm

cgcsb wrote: »

Literally the only way that will happen is if women actually leave the house and go out of an evening. If the women don't go anywhere, then logically everywhere is going to be a sausage fest.

I honestly have no idea where you get this idea that women don't go out? At the women friendly events I go to there's piles of women going out. Spinster sells out regularly. Street 66, as you mentioned, is very popular BECAUSE it feels inclusive. There's a desire there.

cgcsb wrote: »

Eh complain if that happens. I honestly have never heard of that before. An isolated incident perhaps? I mean you're hardly suggesting that women don't go out because of fear of gay guys grabbing their boobs??:pac: like you could also be struck by lightning.

Honestly, yes, I am suggesting that gay women don't go out because we often get dogs abuse in male dominated spaces. I'm not saying I want no men around, I'm simply saying it happens. More than anyone thinks. It often doesn't get reported because of attitudes like yours, frankly.

cgcsb wrote: »

Some enterprising gay woman should capitalize on that then instead of expecting gay men to create 'appealing' spaces for them, in the vague hope they'll actually leave the house for a few hours.

Jesus, nobody ever said I want gay men to create spaces for lesbians and bi women, I'm simply saying that having spaces that are MARKETED as LGBTQ+ but which are designed pretty much with only ONE of those demographics in mind are hardly inclusive like they sell themselves as. I couldn't give a toss if there were 15 men only bars/ nights across the city. That's fine. But don't market it as a "queer" bar when really it's entirely marketed one demographic.

And did you ever think that the reason you don't see more women in these spaces is because they don't feel welcome or appreciated there?

cgcsb wrote: »

Well you obviously know what furnishings and bar staff would appeal, why not rent a unit and get going.

Oh I'm sorry, am I not allowed have an opinion and take part in a discussion on a discussion board? I'm sorry I'm not fawning over Panti and praising all the amazing cis gay men who are clearly the only ones who matter on the scene. :rolleyes:

Goodshape · 05-06-2019 1:18pm

cgcsb wrote: »

I honestly have never heard of that before. An isolated incident perhaps? I mean you're hardly suggesting that women don't go out because of fear of gay guys grabbing their boobs??:pac: like you could also be struck by lightning.

You're hearing about it now though. You're not part of that demographic and someone who is is telling you that it happens. "I honestly have never heard of that before" – so what? why would you have? Regardless, when being told that it happens, you're not really in a position to equate it with being "struck by lightning". Bit disrespectful and dismissive to be honest.

Anyway, haven't been into Penny Lane yet (happy living a pretty "cloistered" life with my partner these days) but I was hoping / expecting something more 'relaxed' and inclusive than PantiBar itself. If it is just the same staff/music/drinks (at higher prices) with a new decor, that's a bit disappointing.

J_E · 05-06-2019 4:35pm

I think it's a combination of Dubliners not willing to support what they say they want and prohibitive rents/spaces that are suitable and affordable - I've been involved with setting up niche/alternative queer nights in the past and so many who complained and commented on wanting a night like it ended up making their excuses time after time and as a result it can't stand on a leg because it's costing too much. Even just getting a temporary venue can be a total pain.

ongarboy · 05-06-2019 7:58pm

For the record, Pantibar only discounts pints up to 8pm Mon to Fri (4.80e) and not Sat or Sun. They may also do spirits or cocktail deals but comparing a pre 8pm Fri drink in Pantibar to other bars who charge standard City center prices is not comparing like with like.

On the note about catering for lesbians, as a cis gay man, I empathize with what Baby and Crumble says. The scene is overwhemingly oriented towards my demographic but that is the same with gay scenes everywhere. It is tougher to be facilitated if you're not part of the standard Cis born male (and some might even add white, middle class, young and gym bodied) demographic. I do think Street 66 (particularly the front part) does cater for ladies really well and has less of the sexualized (dare I say sleaze) element that other bars have (particularly when you're using restrooms).

Looking forward to visiting Penny Lane soon once the novelty crowds and usual teething problems subside.

imme · 05-06-2019 8:11pm

ongarboy wrote: »

. It is tougher to be facilitated if you're not part of the standard Cis born male (and some might even add white, middle class, young and gym bodied) demographic. I do think Street 66 (particularly the front part) does cater for ladies really well and has less of the sexualized (dare I say sleaze) element that other bars have (particularly when you're using restrooms).
.

Regards the gym bodied white young male that proliferate, have you seen guys that drink in pantibar or street 66.

Not trying to be smart or overly taking a position but I think you get a great variety of guys in both, in terms of shapes and sizes and ethnicity and class.

Regards the toilet stuff, maybe a new thread is called for!

Gael23 · 05-06-2019 10:07pm

ongarboy wrote: »

For the record, Pantibar only discounts pints up to 8pm Mon to Fri (4.80e) and not Sat or Sun. They may also do spirits or cocktail deals but comparing a pre 8pm Fri drink in Pantibar to other bars who charge standard City center prices is not comparing like with like.

On the note about catering for lesbians, as a cis gay man, I empathize with what Baby and Crumble says. The scene is overwhemingly oriented towards my demographic but that is the same with gay scenes everywhere. It is tougher to be facilitated if you're not part of the standard Cis born male (and some might even add white, middle class, young and gym bodied) demographic. I do think Street 66 (particularly the front part) does cater for ladies really well and has less of the sexualized (dare I say sleaze) element that other bars have (particularly when you're using restrooms).

Looking forward to visiting Penny Lane soon once the novelty crowds and usual teething problems subside.

Which is your preference as a gay man?

suicide_circus · 06-06-2019 4:13pm

surely the market decides what way a venue ends up? if there were big bucks to be made catering to the ladies, thats what business people would do. "straight" venues are 90% the same. same drinks, same music, same tatty decor.

hotmail.com · 06-06-2019 8:55pm

A very nice bar. Small, probably deliberately so. There isn't demand Monday to Thursday for another gay bar in Dublin. So keeping it small will ensure that it seems busy.

The location of the toilets are a bit awkward. My only complaint.

Annasopra · 06-06-2019 9:49pm

cgcsb wrote: »

Literally the only way that will happen is if women actually leave the house and go out of an evening. If the women don't go anywhere, then logically everywhere is going to be a sausage fest.

Eh complain if that happens. I honestly have never heard of that before. An isolated incident perhaps? I mean you're hardly suggesting that women don't go out because of fear of gay guys grabbing their boobs??:pac: like you could also be struck by lightning.

Some enterprising gay woman should capitalize on that then instead of expecting gay men to create 'appealing' spaces for them, in the vague hope they'll actually leave the house for a few hours.

Well you obviously know what furnishings and bar staff would appeal, why not rent a unit and get going.

Mod

This forum is LGBT. Your posts on this topic are coming across as disrespectful and dismissive of womens viewpoints. Please in future post more respectful posts to and about LGBT women.

Gael23 · 06-06-2019 9:54pm

hotmail.com wrote: »

A very nice bar. Small, probably deliberately so. There isn't demand Monday to Thursday for another gay bar in Dublin. So keeping it small will ensure that it seems busy.

The location of the toilets are a bit awkward. My only complaint.

Is this Route 66 we’re talking about?

ongarboy · 07-06-2019 10:14pm

Gael23 wrote: »

ongarboy wrote: »

For the record, Pantibar only discounts pints up to 8pm Mon to Fri (4.80e) and not Sat or Sun. They may also do spirits or cocktail deals but comparing a pre 8pm Fri drink in Pantibar to other bars who charge standard City center prices is not comparing like with like.

On the note about catering for lesbians, as a cis gay man, I empathize with what Baby and Crumble says. The scene is overwhemingly oriented towards my demographic but that is the same with gay scenes everywhere. It is tougher to be facilitated if you're not part of the standard Cis born male (and some might even add white, middle class, young and gym bodied) demographic. I do think Street 66 (particularly the front part) does cater for ladies really well and has less of the sexualized (dare I say sleaze) element that other bars have (particularly when you're using restrooms).

Looking forward to visiting Penny Lane soon once the novelty crowds and usual teething problems subside.

Which is your preference as a gay man?

Bars with friendly people.

hotmail.com · 08-06-2019 9:03pm

Gael23 wrote:

Is this Route 66 weâ€™re talking about?

You mean Street 66?

And no.. Penny Lane.

Gael23 · 08-06-2019 9:09pm

hotmail.com wrote: »

You mean Street 66?

And no.. Penny Lane.

Apologies I did mean street 66.

J_E · 09-06-2019 1:08am

I popped in for a visit. It was okay. The whole thing is one open space, which means you can't really get a corner to yourself or hide away. The uniforms are just a bit strange... I hope in time it develops its own character, it feels like it could be a hotel lounge in any city if not for the male statues (which are fetching but I can get where people would draw the conclusion it's very focused on white gay men from that)

I don't want to be pooping on a new venue which is obviously welcomed in town. I just think Street 66 or Nealons has more colour.

ILoveYourVibes · 09-06-2019 5:39am

J_E wrote: »

I popped in for a visit. It was okay. The whole thing is one open space, which means you can't really get a corner to yourself or hide away. The uniforms are just a bit strange... I hope in time it develops its own character, it feels like it could be a hotel lounge in any city if not for the male statues (which are fetching but I can get where people would draw the conclusion it's very focused on white gay men from that)

I don't want to be pooping on a new venue which is obviously welcomed in town. I just think Street 66 or Nealons has more colour.

Kind of reminded me of bars in spain for some reason.

I liked it.

I HATE the chairs though.

I hadn't gone in Nealons for long time avoiding it because it just looked like an old man pub. I was kind of scared to until just last year I had no idea it had a huge gay customer base until someone brought me there. I was like are you sure? I love it now.

Seamai · 09-06-2019 10:33am

At a time when the gay scene seems to be changing and places closing down, the opening of a new bar is welcome, let's hope it offers an alternative to The George and Pantibar neither which appeal to me (the latter's staff can be pretty obnoxious) they're usually too crowded and it's impossible to have a conversation in either. Street 66 is OK, it's redeemed itself since changing hands but it's not as good as The Front Lounge, Nealon's is great for conversation, good atmosphere, if only they could spruce up the toilets (sometime you can smell them from the bar).
Like I said above, hopefully Penny Lane will offer something different, a more relaxed vibe with less attitude lending itself to decent chat would be welcome especially for those of us who are no longer in the first flush of youth but at the same time not ready for the free bus pass just yet.

Gael23 · 09-06-2019 10:39am

Are there any bars that are good during the day at weekends?

imme · 09-06-2019 1:18pm

Gael23 wrote: »

Are there any bars that ar stood during the day at weekends?

Pardon me?

Mr.Frame · 09-06-2019 1:36pm

ongarboy wrote: »

I do think Street 66 (particularly the front part) does cater for ladies really well and has less of the sexualized (dare I say sleaze) element that other bars have (particularly when you're using restrooms).

Curious by this particular paragraph. Can u elaborate as to what you mean by the above ?

Are you saying that many gay bars in Dublin are sexualised and sleazy? and in particular when using the toilets?

Ive never seen any evidence of this

imme · 09-06-2019 2:08pm

Penny Lane does have a hotel feel to it.
It is clean and new but after that feels a bit character less.

There was a noticeable turnaround in tables the day I was there.

The shape of the place it was more noticeable than for example pantibar.
People moving on after one drink and being replaced in the resulting space.

The uniforms that the staff wear t-shirt and an apron type thing is silly looking.
Yes they do wear trousers.:D

Prices are obviously higher than pantibar.

Gael23 · 09-06-2019 2:38pm

imme wrote: »

Pardon me?

Sorry, iPhone autocorrect done it’s thing. Are any bars good during the day was what I wanted to say.

imme · 09-06-2019 2:57pm

Gael23 wrote: »

Sorry, iPhone autocorrect done it’s thing. Are any bars good during the day was what I wanted to say.

Pantibar opens at 4pm everyday.

Street66 opens at 12.30 everyday except Sunday which is a 12.00 opening.

The George bar opens at 2 pm on weekdays.

Apart from gay bars it depends which part of the city you're looking to experience or what type of bar you want, food or not food, indoor or outdoor.

Seamai · 09-06-2019 3:49pm

Mr.Frame wrote: »

Curious by this particular paragraph. Can u elaborate as to what you mean by the above ?

Are you saying that many gay bars in Dublin are sexualised and sleazy? and in particular when using the toilets?

Ive never seen any evidence of this

Neither have I, though I have seen a lot of guys (probably non Irish) heading into the ladies toilet thinking Mná was Men spelt incorrectly.

ongarboy · 10-06-2019 5:47pm

Mr.Frame wrote: »

ongarboy wrote: »

I do think Street 66 (particularly the front part) does cater for ladies really well and has less of the sexualized (dare I say sleaze) element that other bars have (particularly when you're using restrooms).

Curious by this particular paragraph. Can u elaborate as to what you mean by the above ?

Are you saying that many gay bars in Dublin are sexualised and sleazy? and in particular when using the toilets?

Ive never seen any evidence of this

Toilets where the guy at the next urinal leers at you(or your equipment), passes comment about it or gropes you from behind. One bar in particular (Jurassic), it has happened numerous times but I've had it happen in other bars also. It would be less than one in 20 times that these incidents happen (I go out a lot!) and I can handle it but it does happen more than just once in a blue moon and I'd rather it didn't. I've a couple of straight male friends that sometimes join us out on the scene and I would avoid bringing them to the aforementioned bar for that reason even though I'd go there myself despite as I like the bar itself....and jukebox!!

As regards Penny Lane, we went there for one on Friday night. Very nice bar, modern and smallish. I do wonder how it will fit in to the scene overall long-term as it's not a venue set up for DJ, dancing etc or a pint at the bar (maybe that's the point) but great to have an alternative addition. Agree about the toilets, you feel like you're leaving the venue to use them but they're very clean. The outdoor patio will be nice on warm evenings. It was busy with smokers on our visit.

New gay bar in Dublin

Comments