Saint Vincent’s Boston Irish Bar

When Failte closed in May 2015 there was an opening for a city cente bar that catered for Celtic fans. Although the opening of this bar brought comments from the management that they were trying to steer away from being a strictly ‘Celtic pub’ St Vincent’s serms to me to be very much ‘Son of Failte’. 3 months after it opened I srill do not know if I like it.
The actual bar itself is far too small– Failte’s was one of the longer bars in town– which leads to three deep queues to get served if the pub is even moderately busy. The gantry is not particularly well stocked — very little in the way of malt whisky– and service is patchy although when I was last in it was better than previously
There has been live music every time I have been in and because St Vincent’s haa a low ceiling it can be quite hard to have a conversation and, if you have been ar a game or there’s a game on TV, I quite like to be able to hear what people are sayng. I am not against singing the old rebel songs at all but the list of songs is quite a short one and some variety would help in the music perforned. The musical acts are usually good though.
The bar has always been busy when I am in it and it fills a gap in a market quite well but it has faults and to date lacks a bit of character. As my old report cards used to say ‘could do better’

My friends and I came here at the weekend to catch up. Having read an article in the paper about a new Irish bar opening claiming to provide live music, a good range of drinks and a good atmosphere we went along. I was also reassured by the managers comments that they were not aiming to become a Celtic bar. Drinks were reasonably priced, but choice was lacking — no slimline tonic and only 3 bottled beers (Sol, Miller and Bud) were available. After a while the live music started — all Irish songs as could be expected. However, every song was turned into a bigoted chant. Celtic songs, even the performer was singing about the IRA, then later when the Irish national anthem was played my friends and I were verbally abused by a group of girls for not standing up. The atmosphere was aggressive and unwelcoming; and after several rounds of Celtic chanting very intimidating. We will not be back.

I came here on Friday to meet up with an old friend before heading elsewhere.
St Vincent’s Boston Irish bar doesn’t look like a chain bar but is owned by the same people as Oran Mor on Byres road.
The bar looks very minimalistic with drinks and furniture and looks more of a working progress with cables hanging out of the walls.
For an Irish bar it certainly didn’t have an Irish look or feel to the place but looked more like a cocktail bar with the white seats minus the drinks.
The first two drinks that l tried to order was out of stock as no delivery came, I ended up with a Guinness and possibly the worsted that I’ve tasted in years.
For a Friday night there was only a stereo on for entertainment the bar did however have a funny smell like an old persons house.
No TVs or sky yet
No jukebox.
I will come back in a few weeks to update if there is any change.