Drapers Tavern has a wonderful atmosphere and the perfect pint at just €4.70

MOVE over Shane Lowry, Johnny Sexton and David Clifford. Irish sports fans have a new hero to worship and he’s a rebel, a rebel with a cause.

While we didn’t quite make it to the city or the Ringmahon road, there was only one county our troops wanted to visit this week and that was Cork, home to the latest Irish national hero himself, Caoimhín Kelleher.

Kelleher became the latest Corkonian to become a hero on the world stage following his decisive match-winning penalty at Wembley stadium in front of 85,000 fans last weekend, and Pub Spy and the team were eager to gauge the local reaction, while having a pint or two at the same time.

Once we had the pub-mobile parked we decided to check out the Drapers Tavern, a newly-opened bar in New Square.

“Are those flags and bunting the Cork colours or the Liverpool colours I wonder,” the Young Commando said as we walked in the front door.

“The only colour I’m interested in is black with a hint of white, it’s called Guinness,” the Old Commando sharply replied.

Along with the red and white décor, Drapers is ready for St Patrick’s Day too as flags and balloons fill the two front windows. There is a neat astro turf area at the front of the pub on the street if you’d prefer to have your drinks outdoors.

We arrived in the front bar where it was quiet with just one local man sitting at the counter. He spoke to us and expressed a confused look when nobody from our travelling party answered his question. We weren’t trying to be ignorant or rude, we simply didn’t understand a single word he said.

“I think he mentioned the war in Ukraine,” said the Young Commando. “I thought he was speaking Ukrainian,” the Old Commando replied. We tried for a minute or two to engage with the man but the Cork accent was far too strong, we simply didn’t understand anything he said. We made up our excuses and moved on to the second section where it was far busier with a young all male clientele playing pool and watching the live football. We placed our order with the friendly barmaid and paid €4.70 for the creamy pint of stout.

There was a great atmosphere in the pub and everyone was enjoying themselves but again we had to keep to ourselves as we couldn’t understand any of the customers.

The brown leather bench seating was in good condition, as were the barstools. There are at least four large screen TVs and each table had its own red rose.

We eventually found one person we could understand but he wasn’t a fan of sports so our attempts to praise Cork’s latest hero fell on deaf ears. He did tell us that this pub opened last September having previously operated under the guise of Lilly’s bar so we hope the new venture goes well for the owner.

Our Young Commando said everything was above board in the toilets, but that the sink was covered over in black bin lining.

We really liked this new pub and we wish all the staff the very best for 2022.

Rating: Four pints out of Five

One for the road

J’S - Mitchelstown, Co. Cork

THIS could be the spot for you if you’re into your sports and fond of a pint. We counted at least six TVs in the front bar and there are two more in the second section, as well as a very large projection screen.

Unsurprisingly, there was an all male clientele with everything from rugby, football and horse racing getting air time and plenty of discussion at the counter. Justin was the barman on duty during our visit and he served us without delay.

The timber floor was clean and the red velvet bench seating was OK too. The fireplace in the corner wasn’t lit, but there were old beer mats inside it and it looks a bit untidy. A framed and signed Cork ladies GAA jersey hangs across from the counter and there is a DJ booth at the rear. Our Young Commando inspected the toilets and told us that both the cubicle and stainless steel urinal were clean. A first time visit to J’s pub and we were satisfied with the experience.

Rating: Three pints out of Five