139) The Bank on College Green, D2

Describes itself thusly: ‘elegant bar with live piano music and chandeliers hanging from an intricately decorated ceiling.’ This would usually trigger the bells of bullshit, however in this case, it’s an accurate description. The building was a former Victorian Bank as various details throughout the bar will show. The exterior is impressive; it’s in the Frano-Scottish style and a rare example of Scottish sandstone in Dublin. The bar is in the former main banking hall. It’s very spacious and includes a small restaurant on the second floor.

The bar staff are the epitome of professionalism. They can muster any auld shitty cocktail one could care to cry, and muster they do, with gusto! The price of the pint is high but so too is the quality of surroundings. Their seafood chowder is served with stout bread and is a tasty treat. Live music is indeed a pianist at a grand piano playing a mix of songs new and old. There’s an impressive private room to the front of the bar that can be reserved which has a single dining table and a bust of Michael Collins at the window sill. In fact, in the greater bar lies a bounty of busts found dotted throughout, including the usual 1916 heads and the Countess Markievicz.

At least two large open fires will roar in winter. A blossom tree and a couple of palm trees add colour. A replica of the Book of Kells is encased and on display by the entrance and the hallway showcases a larger than life-sized statue of Irish sportswriter Con Houlihan with inscription: ‘writer, journalist, gentleman.’ Downstairs one can see the old bank vaults and safes along with period photographs and various memorabilia. This is an extraordinary building to host a bar and is easily unique to Dublin pubs, but it comes at a price, so tread softly.

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