Taboo Bar

[Lighthearted]

Hi All,

Is it just me or has anyone noticed that taboo is ripping us off

for instance lately they have no budweiser smiroff ice is now replaced with cruiser ice red bull is replaced with shark and they are getting in cheap vodka and topping it into the smiroff bottle I am fed up with it they are buying cheaper drinks and we are be charged the full wack for these cheap drinks if you go into any other pub they have the right stock and would never be out of budweiser otherwise they would'nt get the custom. the feeling they have is shag us we are going to go in there anyway as there is not much more to choose from but they should not be exploiting us

[(!]
Anyone else feel the same way

[skysabove]

i've heard that a lot of pubs actually substitute cheap vodka for smirnoff, particularly, ahem, "downmarket" ones. in any case, it's completely unacceptable, along with the other points you made. maybe a boycott of taboo in favour of loafers is in order.

[corkguycork]

what a load of crap

[Bootyzilla]

At the risk of being illegal all names have been changed to try and be funny...

The Roundega does it.
The Bodegy does it.
The Vasoy does it.

Grow up! Taboo doesn't charge through the nose for drink and look at it this way Restaurents use cheap marge instead of butter for cooking. Hospitals use generic disinfectants. It's called being cost-effective. You're not paying for the best alcohol money can buy in most pubs. I thought pubs were for socialising, not the deconstruction and classification and grading of a bloody G & T.

[porter]

Bootyzilla (btw, love the name!), don't you care that you are being ripped off? If a pub is passing off cheap vodka as smirnoff, then that to me is unacceptable. I take your point about being cost-effective, but if a record store sold you a bootleg CD as the real article, wouldn't you be mad you were forced to pay more than you should have?

[Tom RED]

Don't buy vodka so, have something else. Or you could always sneak a naggon of 'real" Smirnoff vodka in your handbag like a 'young wan' and pour it into your coke etc . 'Thatd be real cost effective like!'

[Bootyzilla]

All I'm saying is you'd be right to feel ripped off if Taboo was the only pub substituting brand name with cheaper, but at the end of the day, everywhere does it, and is it really that big of a deal what vodka is putting the kick into your otherwise innoffensive glass of coke, lime, cranberry etc?

What I'd really love to know is since when was Smirnoff Red Label the Conoisseur's Choice when it comes to Vodka??? Nobody ever heard of Stolli?

[KTS]

Taboo sucks. Its a dull pub version of The Other Place. They're both manky, small, dark, dingy holes mainly catering to men - and they feel so like meat markets. Line up boys, let's get some action... please. Furthermore, it's also known as Taboo Disco Bar. 70's, 80's anyone? Loafers is nice. Ok it's old and a bit dingy but its comfortable and fun and the best of its kind here in Cork. Why can't we for once get a decent gay pub or club? Even Isidingo sucks... 10 euros to get into a tiny room.

[Bootyzilla]

I agree with you RE the club side of things... The Other Place is a bit of an embarassment. Haven't been to Isidingo yet but apparently am not missing much. I like Taboo and Loafers equally... besides the issue of the Loafers Loos I think both of them stand up fairly well to other gay pubs around the country, Smirnoff or no Smirnoff [D] I think that Cork has too many nightclubs in general though. There isn't one place that springs to mind as consistently good. Too many mediocre clubs and none of them fantastic. Ho hum.

[tiptop]

Leading on from the debate re drinks and boozy establishments.. Question??[?] Am I getting more hormonal[p] or are the bar staff in Loafers getting yummier by the hour?? I am only damp by the time I get my drink and spend several uncomfortable hours drooling thereafter!Is this correct or do my glasses need to be upgraded and get two pairs of bifocals for the price of 1!![8D]

[paul_cork_24]

I think taboo and loafers are ok pubs... always have a good time in there when i go to these places the bar staff are friendly and nice ... for the price of drink etc its no different to other places... granted so pubs are cheaper than others but the prices are roughly the same... although i have noticed that bottles of budwiser have gone up 20cent recently in taboo from 4 euro to 4-20 which is a big jump for students who have to budget... bottles are 4 euro in most nite clubs but yet there 4 20 in taboo... the only place so far in cork i have had to pay that for a bottle ... there 3 80 back home in my local... as far as waterin down volka i dont think thats true at all had a few str8 volkas a wk or so ago and it wasnt watered down .. as for the change over from smirnoff ice to the other brand only noticed that over the weekend... dont think much about it as i dont drink that stuff ... i guess bring it up with management if ya feel ure been ripped off... im just keepin an eye on the price of bud and if it goes up again in the nxt six months im goin to look into it to c is it legal to b puttin the price up every 6 or so months....
all in all there not bad places to go...

pm

[skysabove]

to tiptop
yes, the barstaff at taboo are much improved on the old days - must be the new management. speaking of which, i wouldn't mind giving that hoggy a doing...

paul_cork_24 - you must be an economics student!

[laserbeam]

Am i alone in thinking that taboo would be a great bar if it was twice as big? As for taking over a straight pub, how about waxy's?

[tiptop]

To paul_cork_24
Paul, have you written that correctly?? The staff in Loafers I was talking about! Also, on the last visit to Taboos, was I losing my marbles or is the gallery type effort only now dedicated to the faces of the Taboo personnel? Its beginning to look like the sitting room of my house with the rogues gallery there. And ur sentiments on Hoggy!!!!!!!!.....I wont make u blush by commenting!![I]

[tiptop]

Apologies paul_cork_24
It was to Bill, I was directing my last comments not to you, And by the way there is nothing wrong with being an economics student...At least u are able to calculate out the weights and measures accurately!Very useful job... does any one agree??

[Bootyzilla]

I'd do Hoggy too!
He's fine.

Anyway, whoever it was that thinks Waxy's would be a good idea is off their frigging trolley. Are you a fourteen year old tracksuit-and-sovereign-wearing girl? Do you want a teenage pregnancy? No? Then stay out of Waxy's.

I don't think the Scene in Cork is the best but it certainly isn't the worst, by a long shot. Mind you, some art in Taboo would be nice again. Unless it was like the last Exhibition. Those willy drawings were awful.

[skysabove]

tiptop, yeah i was talking about the staff in loafers too, i typed "taboo" by accident. and what's wrong with hoggy? he's lovely.

cant comment on waxy's as i've never been there, but i think the point was to take over a straight pub completely and make it gay. the tracksuit-sporting beors would presumably desert the place. or maybe they'd become fag-hags.

as for the art in taboo, a ucc student called mark used to do really good drawings, but i dont think they've displayed his stuff for a while.

[mattyboy]

[(] Got was anyone in Taboo last night? What was all that about it was so crap, Cork needs a new decent gay bar queen free.

[KTS]

Lofers loos are a bit dowdy all right... being outside and all, reminding me of a summer camp! However for the most part they're relatively clean; and the ones in Taboo and The Other Side ARE NOT!! The one in Taboo doesn't even have a door on the toilet stall! Although the ladies loo (yes i have been in there once or twice!!) is fairly nice...

[mattyboy]

Stop press Loafers arew getting new loo's and a total makeover..Don't know if this included Hoggy or does he need it.... Hee Hee....

[KTS]

Well, I wouldn't do Hoggy... but I like the idea of a boycott of Taboo in favour of Loafers.

LET'S ALL DO IT!!

Speaking of Waxy's not a bad idea.

ANYONE THINK OF ANY OTHER ST8 PLACES WE COULD TURN GAY?

[KTS]

Speaking of Mark the UCC student. He's a friend of mine. They haven't displayed his work in a while. They should again. He's very talented. HI MARK!J -)

[mattyboy]

[o)]Hey killing the shadows what about turning Bishopstown bar gay,He seems to have got a bit gay friendly lately.. or is it just confused students?

[skysabove]

Since when is the Bishopstown Bar gay-friendly?!

[Tom RED]

The manager in the "Bishopstown Bar" is handsome! Tony or something is his name he's str8 though. As for turning the B-Town gay are you MAD!! I'd say the "Cotton Ball" in Mayfield or even better the Fob and Gill also known as the "Rob and Kill"[;)]

[mattyboy]

[I][o)]The reason i said that about Bishopstown Bar which by the way was kinda a joke it's just some phone number have started appearing on the cubical walls in the gents..Anyway im sure im well of the mark and yes Tony is the man in charge and he's a nice guy..

[northsider]

Thank god Loafers is gettin refurbished. While it was nice and cosy it was also damp and mingin!. Hopefully this will make taboo respond as competition can only benefit the rest of us.
As for turnin a straight bar gay. Waxy's is a joke and the Fob and Gill? we would all come home in body bags!!!! (Nothing against Mayfield, I live closeby myself) I'm suprised nobody has suggested the Catwalk!!!
Really though, that new pub on the coal quay has the potential to be turned gay.
Anyone agree?

"Poor is the man whos' pleasure depends on the permission of another"

[cutebois1]

Lets face it, Taboo is a kip that rips you off for the privilege of mingling among probably the biggest queen population in all of Irelad. Now the front lounge or Gubu in Dublin, thats more my style!! Better talent too not these puppy fat teenagers wit double chins. As for loafers aagggghhhh!!!!!!!!!

[maxbud]

hey lads
well have only just found this site, but unfortunately found loafers and taboo a good while back!! they are seriously crap, theres no denying it im afraid. ive been to dub, limerick , galway, belfast, pretty much everywhere and they all have a better scene than our fair city. i know u may say that i only think this because im from here and live here, but seriously its true. its not the people, not by a mile, we are still a pretty friendly bunch in comparison to most places.[)] but our venues here are appauling. i remember when friends of mine from dublin and belfast came to visit and the look of horror as they walked into the shoe box known as taboo and watched them consume copius amounts of alcohol after they realised that the best we had to offer was the otherplace...or "anyotherplace!" as they began to call it. we are irelands second city, a good population, so why dont we have what other cities have? lack of money? lack of talent? or lack of interest and demand? wish i knew![V]

maxbud

[cutebois1]

Well said maxbud. Get real people!![D]

[mattyboy]

[I]By the way what happened to the club we we're talkng about above?

[paul_cork_24]

Ive notice over the last few wks that taboo is actually one of the most expensive pubs in cork city.... It has no printed price list on the premises which i believe is illegal.... Its 4euro 20 cent for a bottle of budweiser its 4 euro in all nite clubs doesnt add up to me and 4 euro for a pint when its 3euro 55 to 3euro 80 in most pubs in cork... u order a coke and volka ure lucky to c 5 cent from 5 euro... A 7up is 2 euro in most pubs but off course taboo has to be 20 cent dear than most places.... i dont think its just and i certainly believe they should ahere to havin a price list present on the premises.... who has heard of a pub been out of budweiser on draft for over a wk... only 1 word for that BAD management.... im in a business and if i came sort with supplies id be sacked for losin business ... i thionk its a pub that has potential but needs to be run rite... has the rite staff just needs a new manager doesnt seem to b one since christy left.... thats my opinion on the matter...

[Pipe Dreams]

Have to totally agree with you paul..

and whats with this cheap russian/polish alco pops??

I want smniroff ice... [;)]

[jc]

the scene in cork is the pits! i mean...the other place is a joke of a nite club! the best night i think is wednesday in the savoy...even though its not exclusively gay.... taboo.... i mean would they come on and hurry up with the refurbishment! (not that i think its gonna make much difference)... at least there will be more seating area space. i mean lately if u dont get there by 7 u have to stand...and by stand i mean be pushed and shoved as over sized straight loud women make their way thru to the bar...or old creepy guys pushing up off u just to get a thrill.... how exciting like! im not being a horrible its true!
and whats with taboo as well.... they always run out of change... its happened three times to me that they ahd no fivers left...i get oh we owe u five euro... and me being drunk... (for come on..being sober in there...id last 2 seconds)- replying, thats grand...but never seeing the fiver again! anyway, thats enuf bitching!

[damien]

Taboo does suck when it comes to being packed into the place like sardines and that change thing is just a right joke. Good trick too.

[northsider]

i don't mind it being packed cos it would be a lot worst if it was empty. I think it's a disgrace that they run out of change. I mean it happens almost every night and i never heard anything like it in another pub. Also doesn't anybody do any ordering there? I mean for a pub to be sold out of Bud, Heineken and Miller is an absoloute joke. Give me the job people and i'll get that place sorted!!!

Have to agree with JC above. The Savoy on a wednesday is the best night of the week.(apart from Fever once a month)

[damien]

Theres packed and theres the situation where if theres a fire half the gay population of cork get melted.

[amnesiac]

But Taboo and Loafers are DEAD Monday through Thursday... don't really know if an exclusively gay venue is viable... with a bit of luck FEVER @ the Savoy might become a weekly occurence...

You should have stayed at the party Maxine.

[amnesiac]

Well people, recent renovations ahve seent he opening of THE BUBBLE BAR in Taboo. What do you all amke of the new cocktail bar upstairs? The barman up there is a bit of alright isn't he? Phwoar... and those prices... PHWOAR!
;)

Yes, Ross. One of Pauline's pens. And me and Mr Pen are going for a little walk, down the High Street where we'll see lots and lots of people doing lots and lots of jobs...

[lil mizz pyx]

I likes the bubble bar anyhoo. On the other hand i think that's cuz I go slightly magpie-like for all the shinyyyy sparkkkkkkkllllly cocktails... oooh shiny......

[redbulljunkie]

have yet to see the bubble bar, will have to see it next time I'm there. mmmm, cocktails

Bouncers - bigger than your average bear but not quite as smart

[crkguy]

im hoping to get to those pubs soon,just wondering does every1s eyes turn to the door to check whos comin in next.10.00 too early to b in there?

[jc]

ckguy,
yes that is one thing i hate about taboo... u walk in the dorr and they might as well put a spotlight on u! i used to be paranoid about it but i realize now that this is normal! dont worry about it! i mean, they can look all they want! 10.00? hmmmm, depends what night! on a sat or wed yeah, 10 is fine, but id leave it till 11 any other night! unless u want to get a seat...then id recommend 9, before the lesbians take them all!

[KTS]

I recently had quite a bad experience in Taboo, not going to go into details, but let's just say I was treated very unprofessionally and the experience quite upset me. I certainly won't be going back there, Loafers and even the club are much friendlier.

[markinmanc]

found that atmosphere in taboo better than in most manc bars, but i guess its just horses for courses.

will go there again. i guess if i had a bad experience i wouldnt go there either.

[damien]

It becomes a bit more comfortable the more you go there but its still chronic

[amnesiac]

The thing with Taboo is.... it has a lot of criticism levelled against it but the punters keep on coming. So obviously they're doing something right. Nobody is forced to drink there, it's not as if a gay/lesbian couple have no other watering holes in the city. Every pub has a unique atmosphere and speaking from a purely personal point of view, I love the ambiance in Taboo. I find the bar staff and management incredibly friendly and would count many of them among my close friends.

[Cyberdog_nl]

I have to agree with amnesiac on this 1 Seldom have i stept into a gaybar on my own (and trust me the amount of times ive moved in my time i've had to do it a lot) and have i been welcomed so friendly by the barcrew. They seem to have a real intrest in you and helpt me meet sum people in Cork (where i knew no one) A big thumbs up to the staff there and keep going [D][;)]

[solice]

it gets alot of criticism against it, but ppl keep on going back. yes thats true. but maybe just mayb ppl keep going back there cos it is only 1 of two exclusively gay pubs in cork. its got a monopoly. maybe it deserves the criticsm it gets

[markinmanc]

its a trade off - taboo may not be the best bar in cork, but it is a safe space - and doesnt have the trendy/closet thing going on, a la loafers.

cork isnt big enough to have a variety of gay pubs (i do wonder about that tho), taboo cant please everyone. however the diverse mix in there is good. gay pubs in places of a similar size have in my experience been fairly naff - you cant accuse taboo of that.

[KTS]

LOAFERS RULES!

http://www.corkscene.com/Loafers/images/loaferspic4.jpg

[markinmanc]

do you work in loafers kts? i am unlikely to darken its doors im afraid.[I]

[KTS]

No I don't work there but I promise it is a lovely bar, very relaxed, very nice, great renovations, comfortable, friendly bar staff, fairly good music (when John Broz is present anyhow). Try it markinmanc - it's not bad!

Hey (speaking to Admin or moderators of this forum) about we rename this topic LOAFERS VS. TABOO?

[markinmanc]

havent got anything against loafers per se (maybe in the past). its just personal stuff. nothing heavy,more embarassing[D]

when i come home i want light silly fun - which is taboo i guess!

mind u i drink in the hi-b as well!

[KTS]

The Hi-B? Oh, no... don't make me loose faith in you markinmanc! Just kidding... Kisses, KTS

[damien]

Thought that was shut down ?

[KTS]

I did too actually, come to think of it. Does anyone know - is it?

[markinmanc]

well it wasnt shut down weekend before last[)]

i love the h-ib. more for people of a certain age methinks.

as a pub it is an acquired tase - if i know anyone going to cork i tell them to go there.

[KTS]

A certain age? KTS wonders, what age are you markinmanc?

[markinmanc]

i am now 36. and never been kissed. (well felched anyway!)

[solice]

is felching now going to be brought into every topic of conversation cos i mean seriously, EEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[KTS]

quoteOriginally posted by solice
is felching now going to be brought into every topic of conversation cos i mean seriously, EEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

I agree (in the best possible Phoebe voice) EEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW

[Bootyzilla]

Felching must be found and stopped.
That is all.

[markinmanc]

quoteOriginally posted by Bootyzilla
Felching must be found and stopped.
That is all.
felching must be found? mmmmmmmmmm[p]

[amnesiac]

OK, one more felching related comment and they are all deleted. This thread is supposed to be for discussing Taboo and Loafers. And to try and get back on topic... what do you think of the music in both bars? Personally I think both establishments could be a bit more adventurous and branch out form the cheesy pop. An alternative night (Wednesday?), once a month even, in either of the two might prove quite popular.

[damien]

Yes adventurous yes. Playing new stuff yes. Its got to the stage now where you know the tracklistings and whats going to come next.

An alternative/night would be cool.

Eamon Dorans does a very good alternative night on Tuesdays in Dublin.

[redbulljunkie]

Even if they changed the pop tunes they put on, it would be something. I'm not anti-pop just anti-crappy taboo music

[Bootyzilla]

That's a good idea, actually. Someone should suggest it to Mary and Hoggy, I'd say they'd be up for it.

[damien]

In Dublin now and I might stay up just to see this alternative night. Just need to buy more clothes before I go to it. Any excuse to get new clothes. []

[redbulljunkie]

In Eamonn Doran's Damien? Was talking to Dave last Sunday and he told me no they play crappy pop music.

[happyboi]

we are all complaining but who´s doing anything about it? ABSOLUTELY NO1
so stop bitching unless ye are willing to do something yourselves!

[amnesiac]

Well in fairness to Mary, the upstairs bar was completely revamped recently, she has some great and now more varied DJs and their are lots of great eevnts planned for the Pride weekend. Plus we've had the Shagtags, the fancy dress, the Eurovision parties etc...

[Bootyzilla]

I agree with Amnesiac!!!!

Okay, so Mary and Taboo are in business to make money, but who isn't?? At least she opened up a fun and lively alternative to the more relaxed Loafers, and before her, who was there?
Nobody!!!
Taboo's only been open three years and already they've redecorated lots and tried lots of different nights. Personally I can't wait to get back to Cork and go totally mad in there. I've always had a blast in Taboo.....

[amnesiac]

quoteOriginally posted by Bootyzilla
Personally I can't wait to get back to Cork and go totally mad in there. I've always had a blast in Taboo.....
Does that mean we'll be seeing you in Cork soon Booty?

[damien]

There may be a new club night happening in Cork in the next few months. WIll post when I have more details.

[Bootyzilla]

Might do -)
Why, who's interested?

[happyboi]

fair enough she has done it up but she had no other choice cos loafers was done up.
id pick loafers anytime over taboo
its too sleezy lately

[LeBaron]

I think Booty has hit the nail on the head, Loafers and Taboo actualy
compliment each other quite well. Loafers is good for a relaxed night with good conversation Taboo is good for a more hectic nite out, and we all ned a change of pace from time to time so vive le difference.
Also I think staff at both venues are well ok, especially when compared to the prententious twats that you get in Dublin.

[goalpost]

I know it been said here before but i really fine the staff in Taboo rude, was in there the other night and this little guy served me, not as much a thank you. Where do they get their staff? can they not get professionals?. I'd imagine the pay isn't very good min wage. I'd be more a Loafers or Bodega fan i just love space.
It's a pity Loafers is so out of the way, Another problem both bars have at the moment is music & dj's, was in Taboo on Friday night and the dj was tire, he's choice left a lot to be desired and his cd's kept jumping and skipping, he was talking and well shouldn't bother. If you can't add anything by talking then talk as little as possible. Loafers on a Saturday need to decided who their playing to,don't get me wrong i'm a fan of John B, but i've heard Hoggy say he'd like a few younger people in the bar, this is not going to happen if John is playing stop wait a minute Mr postman or the theme from The love boat.

[odyssey_scot]

lol. i love Mr. Postman...
*looks huffy*

i think they don't want to alienate their old customers, who after all, were there from the start. I personally do like Loafers, I like how it is for the older customers.

[Proud Mary 1980]

I find most if not all of the taboo staff really nice.

[amnesiac]

The best has left though girl!

[velma kelly]

excuse me goalpost .. the staff in taboo are far from rude. they are very accomadating to all their customers.they try to have the laugh nad make everyone feel welcome . ok i know the dj u r talking bout he's not great but he's not that bad.Have u been there on a thursday and saturday night . Dj Pat plays he is excellen.
This goes to all the people who said that taboo are ripping them off well i have a few things to say .. 1st the lagers are only 3.80 which is normal in city pubs. 2nd the spirits are 3.50 which is actually cheaper than any other pub in the city.3rd if ye don'ytlike why don't ye just go to loafers or someother bar and stop cribbing .. ye really annoy me . ye complain about it but ye will still go in ... Mary has done a lot for the gay scene i don't see any of ye opening a bar for the gay community. she organised loads of events during the pride weekend. i take my hat off to her ... taboo is hopping from tues right through till sunday.and as for killing the shadows the next time i see u in taboo i'll remind u and matbe mary what u said .. can i ask who served u .. what do u want the bar staff to wear shirts and ties and serve ye at the tables .. get a grip people. can'y wait to see u in taboo.

[odyssey_scot]

ouch...

As for the drinks rip-off, thats just Ireland. Seems like we put up with a stupid amount when it comes to paying for stuff..So its true that Taboo is not blame.

But Velma, its a drinking establishment, so they're providing a service. Hence people can 'crib' as much as they like about the place.
If people aren't happy with the service, it has to be complained about, cos maybe then the Taboo management might actually listen and change what's wrong with the place.

Same way as we can bitch about sommat shite like Reardens (straight meat market) or the pathetic excuse for a gay club that goes by the name of The Other Place. Or how The Wash is shite now, and An Brog is going the same way.

Sure people like those in Taboo may have done a lot for the scene, but they're still a business, and in that way, they're not immune to criticism.
Its not like people should just put up with something because there's nothing else there for queers.

[NuMarvel]

We could all do what I do... don't drink.... no wait never mind, just remembered that ALL pubs rip me off... has anyone checed out the price of a coke lately????

Actually in retrospect, the cost of soft drinks is relatively resonable in Taboo, Loafers and the Other Place. €2.20 in the Other Place i think (i can't be sure, it's not as if I actually count the change they give me! [D]!) And the last time I was in Taboo they gave me one of those 500 ml bottles! I felt like a school kid carting it around, all I was missing was my taytos and hang snagwitches (not a typo, just say it out loud)!!

Have been in pubs where I was charged something like €2.80 for a coke and that's usually one loaded up to the last with ice!

[jayx]

hello everybody!! I had to join to reply to this topic. Firstly all this talk of taboo versus loafers, oh my god!! talk about pigeon holing the community of cork to just two of the wide variety of pubs in the city. Just because a person is gay does not mean they are restricted to only socialising in gay bars, so if not happy with the two we do have go and sample some of the other pubs in the city, some of which are of the best standard in ireland. secondly nothing against the woman butt all this talk about mary doing so much for the gay scene in cork. hello. she did not even open taboo originally as i recall. she had the opportunity to take over the lease on an already established gay bar with a regular clientelle so jumped at the chance, who wouldnt. euro signs ringing in her ears obviously and thats what it comes down to a chance to make some money. has she put some of her profits back into the gay community? no she has not.

[LeBaron]

Sorry Jayx... Think you have your facts wrong there... Mary had it from the start, she hed a guy in managing it which may have given a
different impression

[jayx]

no i dont think so. liam bonner was the original guy who took over the lease on beechers and turned it into a gay bar, he put shane kiely in as manager, who was subsequently fired i beleive. liam left the country and mary took over the lease with christy as manager.

[LeBaron]

Dont Think so... I know Liam, I think Mary put up the cash

[jayx]

put up the cash for what? for liam to take on the lease and hire a manager to run a bar that he had no working involvement in? Having sold the oyster bar as its called now and owning oscar madisons in kinsale and that pub down the same lane as mangans (cant think what its called right now) dont think he had the need for anyone to finance a venture as small as taboo.

[LeBaron]

I bow to your superior knowledge

[amnesiac]

The history of Taboo. I was working one afternoon over the Summer and a German couple came in with a Guide book to Ireland telling them the food in "Beecher's" was fab. I directed them to The Strasbourg Goose instead! Maybe Mary should consider light snacks during the day D

[velma kelly]

The history of Taboo. Mary B. has owned the premises since the start. she employed liam bonnar to run it and he subsequently hired shane kiely to be his manager. so Mary actually opened as a gay bar first day. Hope that clears up a few things

[LeBaron]

Thank U Velma..... Vindication at last )

[amnesiac]

"Behind the RainbowTaboo Bar." A powerful BBC TWO documentary perhaps?

[jc]

hey,

i think all this credit you guys are giving to this mary wan is a bit much really! ya great she owns the place... she did this she did that... big f*%$ing deal! its a gay pub... gay ppl go there... wow.... all i can hear is chi-ching... and especially if shes connected to this guy who own half the pubs in cork! i mean, fair play to her for taking it on... but get real people... theres no haylo (that how u spell it?) over her head!

the other place needs to be bull dosed! in all fairness now like! what a hole! no matter how much they try to do it up... its still crap! and whats with that revolting insense they have! off the back of a lorry or what like! (lose it!!!!!!)

i dont know why ppl are going on about the staff in taboo and the prices! ur in ireland! ireland is expensive! daw! and the staff? i dont know how anyone would want to work there! everyone staring at u...eyeing u up and down.... ok that goes on anyway just walking in as a customer, but behind the bar? wouldnt be caught dead doing it! fair play to the staff for putting up with it.. maybe they like it... maybe they dont... i still wouldnt complain about the service... not that ive ever experienced anything to complain about the staff anyway.... whoever it was that was going on about the poor quality of service... get a grip... ur probably ugly and whoever served u wanted to get rid of u so he could go on to serve someone better! ha!

[redbulljunkie]

yeah I hate the old looking you up and down thing. I mean it's cute when shy guys make tentative glances in your direction in the hope of not getting caught (mmm flirting), but leering is creepy.

[amnesiac]

As someone who worked in Taboo, there is much less "leering" directed at those pulling the pints! Maybe it's just because you get to know the punters better and they know where they stand with you. There is definitely a level of security that comes from being on "the other side."

[Slayer]

Yes, as opposed to the level of security that comes with being in "the other place"?

[KTS]

Will this post EVER die? Or at least be RENAMED to Taboo Vs. Loafers - which seems more apt.

[LeBaron]

JC is right.... Its a pub, simple as that... and I don't think Mary ever claimed to be Mother Teresa of Calcuta either.... so just enjoy the pub, have a laugh and move on

[amnesiac]

I'll always have a special place in my heart for a bar where the CD of the Swedish Song for Europe Festival is on the playlist ;)

[LeBaron]

Actually someone commented last Sunday that if they took away dat CD the poor DJs playlist would be lost 4 ever

[amnesiac]

I'm sure Mary still has my "The Best on Icelands Song For Europe Hopefuls 1980s" there somewhere ;)
And bizarrely I think I left Elephant by the White Stripes behind the bar there too.

[OfficeGuy]

Am not all that sure bout the prices and stuff but Taboo is a bit small which is a pity because it would be better instead of being squashed like sardines but thats just an opinion although I never understand why they always have the music blaring at full volume its near impossible to talk to people without goin hoarse or does anyone else find that?

[redbulljunkie]

yeah I used to find that a lot when I used go in there.

[amnesiac]

The policy now seems to be that the music upstairs is at a much lower volume. This is a good thing.

[solice]

taboo is taboo. i dont like it that much but taboo has never tried to be anything other than a sardine tin that plays really cheesy pop music. you have to give it credit for sticking to its roots when so many people are crying out for change

[amnesiac]

It was also the first competitor in Cork to give people who wanted to frequent a "Gay Bar" any element of choice. And as bars go, both Loafers and Taboo are quite friendly and intimate (maybe not on a Saturday night). The staff and both have been really nice and supportive to me as a young lad coming out on the scene.

[LeBaron]

I agree both are very friendly but it must be said that Loafers used to be quite an intimidating place, especially for someone going on the scene for the first time ( anyone here remember the squeking door followed by the 180o head turnings ? ) but am glad to say that is a thing of the past

[solice]

i think one of the worst places in cork for people who are going out on the scene for the first time is not loafers or taboo but "the other place". its bouncers are quite forthright, which i suppose they have to be for security but if they dont recognise you in any way thats it, no chance

[LeBaron]

Very true.... and the long walk down the dark alleyway when, in your own mind, half of Cork just seen you turn into it, must terify the first timer... I know it did me the first time, and I was no chicken

[Proud Mary 1980]

Went to Taboo Friday night and left it was so so bad

[jc]

taboo isnt the worst of places... some nights are better than others but it all depends on ur mood.... was there saturday and it was a laugh! the club is going further and further downhill though... was there with some str8 friends and i walked str8 in the door but they go stopped for id! strange ... whats with that? and i think they should have bouncers at taboo as well... some people were there saturday and they were way too drunk... i know im guilty of this but these people were falling on the floor and bumbing into people the whole time

[Proud Mary 1980]

Bouncers would be a great idea for taboo jc I agree

[Rec]

Yeah I heard there was a bit of a ruckus in Taboo this weekend, anything serious?

[amnesiac]

02-03-04

[jc]

02-03-04...
and its curtains for taboo!

[shibuya]

ive given up on the scene completely in the last 3 years. Thankfully I dont drink or smoke, I dont particularly enjoy the scene anyway, I might as well be in waxys, at least I wont be able to get a 14 year old soverign wearing beor up the pole!

[joeohara]

yeah bouncers would be good for taboo but heres and idea how about MORE FUCKING SPACE

[amnesiac]

My ears!
*cowers*

[joeohara]

but seriously do they even have a proper fire exit cause that place looks like a death trap?

[amnesiac]

It can't go on fire... the leaking ceiling would put the flames out!

[joeohara]

well lets just hope that something like that never happens

[amnesiac]

So many flammable barnets and overly-fragranced queens... could be a tragedy of Titanic proportions!

[jc]

and all that cheap alcohol they use! is it true that they refill the brand named spirits with cheap imported foreign crap!? that has to be illegal! they could get in serious trouble if its true!

[amnesiac]

I worked there and never engaged in such a practice. Though a lot of other bars in Cork do and do much worse. I've said it beofre and I'll say it again, that bar comes in for a lot of flak. Much of it deserved but much of it equally unwarranted.

[redbulljunkie]

Some bars practice in slops. fuckers.

[shibuya]

just as well i dont go there that much, so many people off their faces in there, people have no manners either