Arthur’s on Thomas St: A gem

I was torn about whether to write about and recommend Arthur’s on Thomas St.  It’s a thoroughly lovely pub and you all deserve to know about it. But there is a part of me that selfishly wants to keep it a secret, so that it’s always peaceful and I can always get the seat by the big open fire.

Arthur’s is at the corner of Thomas St and Bridgefoot St in Christchurch, just two blocks down from Vicar St which makes it a very good spot for a post-gig pint.  It has an unusually spacious, tasteful and uncluttered interior for a Dublin pub. There is an open fireplace, friendly staff and delicious pints of Guinness.

They serve basic, simple comfort food at lunchtime and until about 8pm in the evening, with all mains costing €10.  A friend and I went there one evening for ‘one pint’ and a bite to eat.  We had the cottage pies, which came with lovely creamy mash on top, and with a side of salad or good quality home fries.  Not fancy or fine dining, but basic food done well and at a good price.  It was so peaceful and comfortable there, with the aforementioned open fire, and they were playing such nice music (Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, The Beatles) that we ended up staying till closing and running up the shameful tab pictured to the right.  I was back again last weekend and had another lovely evening. It”s a new favourite spot.