The Drunken Poet

All I can say is that any bar that has a painting on James Joyce on the wall has to be a pretty good bar in my books. Mind you, while the Drunken Poet is supposed to be a traditional British pub (or at least they claim to be) it doesn't really come across as one, but rather your not so typical hole in the wall bar. That does not mean that it is a bad place because it isn't, it just doesn't have the atmosphere of a British pub, with one exception it gets really, really crowded. However, the tables at the back of the bar always seem to be empty, which is why I always find myself a seat, however squeezing past the patrons sitting at the bar can be a challenge in itself. The guys toilets are also plastered with pages from a comic book which gives you some reading material.

This very welcoming Irish pub located across from the Vic Market is open 7 days a week and boasts a wide range of excellently priced imported beers, served by the lovely Siobhan. Aptly named, the Drunken Poet also earns extra points from me for hosting a monthly poetry reading for several years, although I hear this reading has finished for now. I do have several complaints - the shape of this pub makes it an awkward venue for watching poetry or live performance, and even as a fan of mercifully dark drinking establishments, I found it a bit too dark here. Nonetheless, I would definitely return for another poetry fix at the Drunken Poet should one occur, and recommend it as an authentic and unpretentious Irish pub in the meantime.

Excellent little Irish pub that feels like the real deal. Super friendly Siobhan will likely remember your name if you call again, and the Friday happy hour has cheaper Guinness than you can get in rural Ireland!