Sweeney’s on the Park

Why I like Sweeney’s on the Park:
–it sells two real ales from Fyne Ales at £3.30 and in good condition
–it has very friendly staff
–nicely refurbished interior
–feels like a locals’ pub even though it’s been gentrified somewhat
–has a selection of great value snacks such as pies and sausage rolls
–has sky TV for the fitba
–welcome break from some «classier» venues nearby
–breaks up the journey between John Striling Maxwell and Mulberry Street

We were booked as a band for a night of music in Sweeney’s, playing alongside some other local acts. The night itself wasn’t organised by the bar but someone outwith who hosts a regular music showcase. The evening felt very uorganised, and although, little of this is down to Sweeney’s, the staff were of little help.
We arrived early. The décor is eclectic, the pub definitely has a personal touch. I really liked the musical and instrument motifs by the stage area. There’s also some quirky signs by the bar. Although, it did all a bit funky and mismatched to me. When we walked in, instruments in hand, we made our way from one half of the bar to the other; one which has the stage. Although the bar staff in the first room had explained we’d to head through to the second, nobody welcomed us or explained what would be happening when we got there. Other than a heckle from some folks at a table and a ‘What will you be playing for us?!’, we were left to it. We took a seat and, noticing no other instrument-​in-​hand folks, wandered exactly what the plan was.
So we ordered drinks, and then I introduced myself and the band. At this point, more musicians were in the bar. Phew! The barman explained that the person who runs the night was running late. Understandably not their fault, what could they do? But then time went on and on. And there was no update from the bar. We just waited and waited. We’d presumed we were first since it had been listed that way without a mention of running times but after waiting till after the night should have begun (when the organiser finally arrived), we found out we were second. By this point, we just wanted to play; play and go home.
In addition, the monitor mix wasn’t great and the organiser had mistakenly thought there was two of us, so Sweeney’s only paid two of us for performing. The general feeling was that there’s venues out there doing amazing things for local music. The best and memorable gigs for us have had great hosts behind them. We just didn’t feel this way about Sweeney’s, and that’s a pity.

Friendly local bar with a great selection of drinks and reasonable prices (in comparison to others in the area).
They have regular live music nights, and a good roster of acts that regularly perform. If the music isn’t your thing though, you can sit in the separate bar area, where there’s plenty of TVs for the football etc.

Your Average Pub that won’t scare you to death
Nice enough for a pint and footie watching and if you’re into live music I suppose it’s worth a shot? Just don’t expect a quiet chat in the bar when there’s a crooner in the lounge. It’s as if you’re sitting under the Marshall Amp. Otherwise the bar’s fairly welcoming with a mix of clientele supping the usual Tennents and Stella.

This is a new bar in Shawlands right across from the entrance to the park at Goals. It is very nicely decorated with a warm and cosy vibe. The drinks are very reasonably priced and there is a wide range of choice. Most importantly it has live music most nights, with a bit of an irish twist. It is not a massive venue unfortunately and does get very busy. Its so friendly though and I recommend anyone who is a fan of Shawlands nightlife to try out this wee jewel, as I was bored from the rest of the bars and this makes a pleasant change.