I have visited this venue a couple of times and most recently the other night. The Crane Lane Theatre is one of Cork City’s most popular night spots. It is located on Phoenix street and was formerly club one. There are bouncers at the door and when you walk in you first enter the smoking area. There have been a few occasions that i have went in to this bar and came out again because it was too packed. Last Friday night we headed in and it was quite busy but not full. We went in a around 9pm and went into the back bar. There were no seats available when we went in but some people left and we had some where for our group to sit. I have to say that the music that was played for the whole night was varied and very enjoyable. I was drinking Murphy’s for the night and all pints were generally good. On one occasion i was waiting at the bar for about 5 minutes before one of the bar staff came out from the front section. The bar staff i encountered were generally friendly and efficient. I really like the decor in this pub. You really have to go in there and see it for yourself. It is certainly the only bar of its kind in Cork.
The toilets that i used were ok. The gents is small and on occasions during the night there were queues to use the facilities but they were well kept that night. I am sure that there are other toilet facilities available but i didn’t see them. There are often gigs and other events taking place in this venue and i will most certainly be back again. This is a place that you must visit at least once if you live in Cork.
Toilet rating: 6.5/10
Pint rating: 7.5/10
Overall rating: 8/10
Final comment: There was a great atmosphere in this bar the other night. It got really busy later in the night. It’s near the GPO, check it out.
The Crane Lane is a good place but it’s not my favourite, probably because I am younger than most of the people going there. However, I have to admit that the staff is efficient and as far as I’m concerned, when it comes to the ladies toilets, they are quite nice and rather big. The design of the pub is also what makes it attractive. But I wish the smoking area was a bit larger/opened on the outside.