Gub Dandys

 
Gub Dandys,Terenure, Dublin 6
Located at the rear of Bradys Pub in the heart of Terenure, Gub Dandys is a cosy bar locally renouned for its live music. Gubs opens at 9.30pm but forms part of the larger Bradys complex which is open all day. However, unlike Bradys bar and lounge, Gubs retains a weathered, unpretentious and communal theme. Wooden flooring and exposed stone walls largely comprise the interior, with one wall dribbling condensation on the crowded night Village visited. The revellers were unperturbed, and why would they be anything else; the bar staff ensured that no one waited too long for a drink.

Friday and Saturday nights draw a regular crowd who come to sing along with electric-pianoman extraordinaire, Aidan Coleman. Clad in a matching paisley bandana and cravat (and thankfully a whole lot more), Coleman entertains the crowd through a lengthy repertoire of popular hits from Queen, Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Pavarotti and most other big acts from the 1970s and ‘80s. Not only did Coleman mimic almost perfectly the musicians he covers, his playlist includes a few tracks that allow him to show off a talent for sound effects. Particularly memorable was Billy Joel's Goodnight Saigon complete with swooping helicopters and exploding bombs!

Live music is played mid-week as well and Gubs pips Terenure's other options for a couple of relaxing drinks. The Terenure Inn is a comfortable alternative but has eco-nasty plasma televisions jostling for attention from every corner. Vaughans is another nearby alternative but has lost some of the custom and atmosphere it used to have. The Bottler's Bank in Rathgar is another timber furnished pub with a good pint of stout and a beer garden out the back.

As the choppers passed, Billy Joel sang ‘And we would all go down together'. Our tip: rise it with Aidan in Gubs.