The George Bernard Shaw

The first few times I walked by the Bernard Shaw. I was intrigued. Standing alone, defiantly challenging the fate that had befallen the buildings on either side, the run-down yet quaint pub never seemed to be open. The huge steamed-up windows weren't giving much away, but I still got the distinct impression something interesting was afoot inside.

Braving the biting wind one evening, I decided to solve the mysteries surrounding this spectre of a pub and was not dissapointed.

The 112-year-old boozer ticks all the boxes when it comes to old style Dublin pubs – original features, low-lighting, friendly bar staff, the obligatary local complete with pint of Guinness, all wrapped up in a trendy little package by new owners Bodytonic.

Bodytonic, which runs club nights in Dublin and further afield, took over the establishment in October 2006 offering punters something different not just music-wise.

Thankfully, the new owners haven't changed the pub interior, which isn't much to look at anyway, and it retains a certain charm –  mixing dull 1970s decor with contemporary artwork. The pub doubles as an art gallery hosting rotating exhibitions every six or seven weeks, so if you're finding your company a little boring there's always something on the wall to look at. The graffiti-covered smoking area is top notch with a snooker table and food-van-come-cocktail-bar thrown in for good measure and there is a good selection of reasonably priced world beers, spirits and ,eh, Buckfast tonic wine, at the two main bars. The Bernard Shaw seems to be all about the music, hardly surprising considering Bodytonic are running the show and their resident DJs provide music five nights a week, excluding Mondays and Tuesdays. I happened in on their 12 hour music session on a Sunday, where the friendly and relaxed crowd were enjoying a mixture of latin jazz soul, disco and house.

The Bernard Shaw is definitly worth dropping into if your looking for a nice pint and some good mid-week tunes.Fire, Dawson St
 

The George Bernard Shaw
Portobello, Dublin 8