We here at Lovin are still not over the news that The Bernard Shaw will be closing at the end of October. It’s a regular after-work haunt for many office members, and I think it’s fair to say we’ll all feel the loss.
It’s been the home of countless nights out, weekend pints and pre-session pizzas. It’s seen people from all walks of life come in and out of its doors and has undoubtedly witnessed the start of many a romance. South Richmond Street is about to lose an absolute gem. (Read more here.)
Dublin has already gone into mourning with #bernardshawmemories popping up on Twitter to help us work through our grief.
So, in light of that, join me on a trip down memory lane as I remember five of the most iconic events to have happened there over the years.
Tinder Party 2015
This one spoke to the city’s singletons. Attendees were treated to a free glass of prosecco upon showing their Tinder app at the bar and well the rest is history as they say. A night of mingling and romance, the aim was to include the unlucky in love, so they didn’t feel left out on the dreaded Valentine’s Day. I’d swipe right on The Bernard Shaw.
World Coffee Throwing Championships 2016
I’d imagine this was just as fun as it sounds. Contestants in three different weight classes competed to see just how far they could throw their coffee kilos. Combine that with a completely arbitrary set of rules and you’ve got some high-quality entertainment right there.
We held the Irish Coffee Throwing Championships (??♂️) and then the World Coffee Championships @TheBernardShaw and had competitors from 20 countries around the world #bernardshawmemories pic.twitter.com/kPLnSUUTxA
— Colin Harmon (@dublinbarista) September 10, 2019
The ‘Random Disqualification Klaxon’, possibly my favourite rule of all, could see “the incumbent thrower” disqualified for no particular reason at any given time. Amazing.
Tim Burton Halloween Party 2017
Maybe it’s just me, but I find that there’s never anything good on to celebrate Halloween. Well, The Bernard Shaw certainly filled that gap in the market with their unreal Tim Burton themed party.
We’ve not one but TWO Halloween Parties this year and for the 2nd we’re goin all Tim Burton on yo a$$… https://t.co/JU9YqGvv9J pic.twitter.com/BoDMgUhxd5
— The Bernard Shaw (@TheBernardShaw) October 6, 2017
The usual clientele turned up donning costumes from one of Burton’s many hit flicks. Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, the Corpse Bride…you name it, they probably made an appearance there that night.
Father Ted Day 2018
“That’s mad, Ted”.
Father Ted Day was a Shaw tradition and an annual event dedicated to paying tribute to an absolutely ICONIC piece of Irish television. So funny. So quotable. So Irish. There was a Lovely Girls competition judged by an “expert priest panel”, a Tea Tasting competition and even a Father’s Karaoke Caravan. All they were missing was perhaps another mass.
World Buckfast Day 2019
As self-dubbed ‘Buckfast Connoisseurs’, such an event could only be held at The Bernard Shaw. There was Buckfast Bottomless Brunch with pizza and ‘bucky’ cocktails, Buckfast 99 ice-creams and even a Buckfast inspired quiz.
View this post on Instagram
A day of epic proportions in honour of the nations’ favourite tonic wine.
Feature image courtesy of The Bernard Shaw Instagram.
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