Heading into Olli's Bar, my expectations were set high. After all, stepping into Ireland for the first time with a stomach screaming for a hearty Irish breakfast, where better to turn than a local pub that screams "Irish charm"? And Olli's did not disappoint – at least in providing that quintessential European Irish pub ambiance we tourists often daydream about.
Upon arrival, it seemed we were the early birds catching the proverbial worm, or in this case, hoping to snag some traditional breakfast. The pub was just waking up, much like the city around it, with a serene quietness that whispered promises of bustling evenings. The waiter, though juggling the morning's myriad tasks, greeted us with a friendly if somewhat distracted air.
Now, patience is a virtue, especially in Olli's Bar. As the staff fluttered around, prepping for the day, our anticipation for the famed large Irish breakfast grew. When it finally arrived, it was a mixed bag of emotions. The beans, though lacking the homemade touch (suspicion points towards a can), were hearty. The black and white pudding, on the other hand, were a delightful surprise. Lighter than expected, they danced on the palate, accompanied by the standout performance of the mushrooms from the vegetarian option.
Admittedly, while the food's arrival was more of a slow waltz than a quickstep, it allowed us to soak in the pub's atmosphere. The not-so-attentive service could be chalked up to the morning's slow start, a small hiccup in what was an otherwise charming experience.
In summary, Olli's Bar served as a wonderful introduction to Ireland's pub culture. It was exactly the kind of place we'd envisioned – embodying the Irish pub charm with all its quirks. While there's room for improvement (a tad more attention to the culinary execution wouldn't go amiss), the overall experience was positive. For those venturing into this area, Olli's offers a slice of Ireland worth experiencing. Just maybe allow a little extra time for the food, and perhaps bring your own beans if you're...
Read moreI am a local living in Wedgewood and have repeatedly been subject to extremely poor and rude service by any standards. Despite never being disappointed by the chefs and the food, and despite always leaving a tip I frequently experience strange treatment. I walked in today at 22:55 on a Sunday after my shift and was rudely denied a pint even though the closing time is advertised as 23:00, that prompted me to write this review. I can appreciate that staff are tired and would like to end their shift, but there were people drinking and hanging around and my 1 pint would not have broken anybody's back. In the past a man who seems to be the manager made a habit of rudely calling me names, his favourite being "pal" and oddly once "sweety", I am a grown man in my 20s, sir will do fine. I have also seen waitresses being given out to in front of me while I was in the middle of eating. I tried being polite and make of this what you will but the vast majority of my experiences here have been memorably bad. So unfortunately from now on I will be going a few miles down the road for a pub instead of the one I live close to. Learn how to treat your...
Read moreWe had a very disappointing experience at Ollie's Bar. We went with our baby, who started crying at one point—as any small child naturally might. Instead of showing any understanding or empathy, the staff asked us to leave, as if having a baby was inappropriate or unwelcome by default.
We understand that bars may not always be family-oriented spaces, but the way we were treated was unprofessional and completely insensitive. We felt judged and rejected for something entirely normal. It wasn’t just about being asked to leave—it was the total lack of basic humanity and compassion toward parents simply trying to enjoy a social moment responsibly.
We absolutely do not recommend this place to anyone with children or anyone expecting to be treated with...
Read more