Lisa E.
Yelp
Yes I kept waffling as to wether or not this should be 3 or 4 stars, but I decided on three because I have to a have a few beers in me before I ever voluntarily come to the conclusion that I actually want to come here. That being said, I have had some pretty ridiculous, fun days/nights that have ended at the Oran Mor (OM). Notice how I said 'ended', this is one of the few late-night bars/clubs in the West End, so the wee hours of the morning are fascinating to say the least. It is usually some interesting mix of posh West Enders, students, and drunk asshats.
Other reasons it gets 3 stars is the lack of music in the main floor pub. I know they want to instigate conversation or whatever, but even a little back ground music would set the atmosphere a bit better. The food, well I have eaten here once and would never do it again. I am definitely a drunk muncher and after the pretty horrible sandwich I had the one time, I would rather eat a Guinness. It can be a bit intimidating walking up to the door with the goon security. They give you a hard stare and say, "Have you had anything to drink?" I think wether I have been 1 beer or 9 gins in, I have said "oh, a few" every time with no issue...just make sure to concentrate walking up those stone stairs!
Oh I forgot to mention, you are basically drinking in a huge, renovated, quite impressive church that has a club in the basement, a concert/theater hall, a pub, and an exclusive room. There is lots of pretty stained glass and cool ceilings etc. I guess at least if there is no music there is stained glass to gaze at.
Another good thing to note, the blues on Sundays, from around 5-8, or so, is very good. Bottom line to do the Oran Mor right, have a few drinks and then pop by, or show up after the pubs close on the weekend for late night people-watching, or go on Sunday Funday to enjoy the live tunes.