You just cannot beat Mema's on Parnell St for food, drinks and great atmosphere

AFTER plenty of long distance driving over the past few weeks, Pub Spy decided it was time to park up the pub-mobile and take a stroll around Dublin's fair city.

For the first time in 2022 we were patrolling the streets of the capital and the Young Commando was quick to suggest a new boozer on Parnell Street that he'd heard about.

"The old Metro pub on Parnell Street is revamped and renamed, can we go check it out?" he said as we walked towards O'Connell Street.

"It's supposed to be lovely and good grub too," he said in an effort to persuade us.

"Have they Guinness?" the Old Commando responded sharply. "If the answer is yes then that's good enough for me."

After a ten-minute walk we arrived at 155 Parnell Street where the bright green neon lights displayed the name over the door, Mema's.

As we walked in the front door the Old Commando was quick to notice the stained glass fan light over the door still displayed the old Metro Bar engraving.

A sign in the hallway advised us that neat dress was essential and no tracksuits were allowed. Our troops had no issue with any of that.

There were at least five bar staff on duty during our stay and they were all quite friendly. We took our seats across from the counter and began to read through the menu as there is a vast array of beers and cocktails available in this pub.

Large chalkboards behind the counter have the drinks listed but for some of our Commandos their specs weren't strong enough to read it.

Each table has its own unique barcode to scan if you wish to read the food menu although apps like this are of little use to the Old Commando as he still works off a Nokia 3210.

We counted 19 different drinks that are available on draught including Peroni, Island's Edge, Ambush Pale Ale, Birra Moretti and their own Mema's tap.

'Cocktail Towers' are also on the menu but at €45 a go we were willing to give them a miss.

The pints of Guinness were expertly poured and quickly devoured by the Old Commando who was full of praise for the taste and texture.

At €5.70, it's not the cheapest in town, but you'd certainly pay more in certain parts of the city, that's for sure.

The red leather barstools are nice and comfy and all the furniture was in good condition.

There was a mixed clientele of all ages in the bar during our visit, whether it was a group of young women grabbing a bite to eat and having a French Martini or the American tourists who sat near us complaining about coronavirus and the restrictions.

We thought that was a thing of the past?

A large-screen TV at the end of the bar had live football and there was a brilliant atmosphere throughout the pub. There was music playing from the overhead speakers and it added greatly to the experience.

The barman who served us was certainly on top of his game and he landed another round of stout in front of us before we even polished off the last drop from our first glass.

The quick nature of consumption got the better of the Young Commando and he was the first one to make the journey to the toilets.

He told us they were small but clean with one cubicle and three keg barrels converted into urinals - clever and unusual.

Mema's pub is not somewhere the Old Commando would find himself drinking every day of the week as he's more accustomed to dusky snugs but even he enjoyed the occasion.

The bar staff were extremely friendly and efficient and the décor is bright and colourful.

It's a short distance from HQ and we'll be making it our business to call again some day for a liquid lunch.

Rating: Four pints out of Five

One for the road

Thomas Clarke’s – O’Connell Street

WE were steeped to get the last few seats available in this busy boozer as the traffic just kept on coming through the front door during our stay.

It was very busy with a mixed clientele of all ages and there were at least four bar staff on duty with the barmaid providing table service, although you could queue at the bar if you so wish.

There was a brilliant atmosphere and they were very busy serving food during our stay.

There is a TV at either end of the counter and a cosy snug area just inside the front door. The brown leather barstools were in good condition and the timber flooring, although worn in parts, was nice and clean. The toilets are down two flights of stairs but they were immaculately clean.

We’ve already bookmarked a return to this fine establishment.

Rating: Four pints out of Five