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P.J. O'Brien's Irish Pub

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Perfect for those after a late-evening destination and full of people ready to party, PJ O'Briens on Southbank is a very strange beast, but one that is surprisingly enjoyable. During the daylight hours it caters to the masses of people wandering through the business/tourist precinct of Southbank, while at night it transforms into first a dinner spot, then a stronghold party full of people who seemingly love a drink.

Amongst the dancing throng, it's easy to see that it's a favourite with tourists and backpackers out to let their hair down to either the cover bands mashing their way through a set of contemporary hits favoured by the commercial FM lovers among us, or enjoying an act belting out traditional Irish songs. Often, it's a mixture of the two - Van Morrison just can't be escaped no matter how hard we try.

PJ's strengths lie in the fact that during the day it's a great place to indulge in their senses with the opening of the Side Bar which specialises in providing an upmarket bar, lounge and dining area, perfect for a lazy afternoon. The Side Bar shies away from the ubiquitous vaguely Irish theme of PJ's itself, providing a sleek and modern alternative to the traditional Irish pub vibe of PJ's. The menu is exactly as you'd expect from an Irish pub, all the old favourites are there, with the added bonus of the Oyster Bar, which means seafood and salads are a bigger priority here than at other Irish-themed venues.

Good for partying without too much thought, PJ's is inoffensive and easy making for a popular Southbank destination, hidden as it may be.
Jaymz Clements, January 2008