An awarding visit to Andy's

Author: Sunday World, Pub Spy

PubSpy has been for some time been following the progress of Andy's Bar, prominently located in the centre of the busy border town of Monaghan.

This joint's name has been consistently appearing in awards lists for food and more importantly drink.

When PubSpy and the commandos arrived in the centre of the northern town they soon zoned in on the object of their latest mission. The eye catching facade certainly picked the place out, a kind of Mediterranean / Alpine mix done up in a fresh coat of white paint. Inside the door the accolades were soon impressed upon the upon the thirsty commandos and their leader.

Andy's Bar has won the County Monaghan Pub of the Year award a stunning dozen times and has eight times picked up the honours in the Ulster Pub of the Year in Black & White Scotch Whisky's Competitions. PubSpy also counted four National Hygiene Awards on those stout walls, all won by the restaurant upstairs.

A good pint of stout or lager is to discerning drinkers like PubSpy, a right and not a privilege. The stout PubSpy sipped was well poured and had been well stored too by the taste of it.

Service was prompt and cheerful. The lager, commented the commandos however was a little more slipshod. PubSpy had a sip: flat and tasteless, by the half way mark on the glass it looked dead. PubSpy figured the pump pipes could be at fault or worse, perhaps the beer was poured into warm glasses straight out of the dishwasher.

PubSpy switched to whiskey for the next round, prompted by the very comprehensive range of spirits behind the bar. PubSpy reckons the experience was a blip in standards at Andy's, because no boozer can get this reputation by serving slop.

He drank in his surrounds now. The bar has been done up in a Victorian style, with an ornate high ceiling, tiled and carved fireplaces. The seating was very comfortable, PubSpy and company having moved from the bar to suss the fitted upholstery seats separated into booths by mahogany and stained-glass dividers. It was comfortable yes and the open fire had us well relaxed pretty soon. But it was the eve of a long day and the commandos were rubbing their stomachs.

No chipper for these hard workers: after a chat with a barman we persuaded him to take the hungry crew something from the restaurant on the first floor. A goodly helping of sea food chowder soup and spicy potato wedges were soon sitting on the table. The grub tasted good and the chat was flowing again.

As well as the food, Andy's Bar impressed plenty. For once that old real estate guff applies. Yes the design of the establishment is a well achieved blending of traditional elegance and modern luxury. It's the kind of place that is friendly to all age groups and impressive to all tastes. Sophisticated without being snobby, attention to detail, cleanliness and quality are obvious here.

The Pint: A bit thin on the top for PubSpy's liking but the price is okay and the booze was as cool on the tongue as mountain spring water.

Service: Friendly, dedicated.

Cleanliness: As you'd expect from a boozer with such a lot of awards for hygiene under its belt, the place is spotless.

Clientele: Monaghan town comes out to play here. A sprinkling of tourists but many travelling salesmen types, workers relaxing after the day etc.

Toilets: Awarding a golden star here.

Staff: Hard working, conscientious, efficient but friendly too.

Comment: Andy's Bar deserves its awards. Other pubs should take a lesson here.