Hop, Step & Jump

Not a very friendly bar at all. The steps in there are dangerous. No accessible toilets for the disabled. The lager is lifeless. Regulars get to pick what they want on the TV.
Not a friendly place at all. Not cheap either for a tacky back street bar. Give it a miss!

I’ve lived next to this place for over a year, but never entered it until recently. From the outside it looks like a typical locals bar — the same people in it the whole time, and not much reason to go in otherwise for fear of the unfriendly welcome.
I couldn’t have been any more surprised. I went in a group of 4 one Friday night while showing someone around the city. Friday is their standing karaōke night, and not being a karaōke fan I didn’t expect much. The place was quite crowded and all tables were filled, so we made our way to the bar, and made ourselves at home.
The drinks choice wasn’t great. There was the standard of a few beers on tap, and a few spirits, but not much else. Obviously just enough to keep the regulars happy. Personally, I’m a Southern Comfort kinda guy, but there was none of that, so I went for my stout backup and got a round with 2 Guinness, and a pint and a half of cider. The round came to about £8.00, which was a great price compared to the majority of places I’ve gone to. The bartender was very good at his job; the Guinness was poured perfectly, and served Extra Cold. I personally prefer Regular, but that’s what they had, so I can’t complain.
The music on the karaōke was actually quite good. It was a live band playing the music as opposed to a Sunfly karaōke machine or the like. They were very good, and I’d hazard do it frequently for the bar. The singers on the other hand were a rag-​tag bunch varying from quite good to so bad I was ready to leave, but then what more can be expected for karaōke.
As far as it goes, I would definitely recommend the place to others. It may not be the best place for a big night out, but for a social thing is a great place. The locals are friendly, and the service is great. The choice may not be the best, but if you’re not looking for cocktails then I’m sure it’s more than adequate for all but the most stubborn drinkers.