Status : Closed
54 Kerr Street
Portrush
BT56 8DQ
Formerly the Central Bar, a no-nonsense working man’s pub, Rascals has just been opened as a revamped, new look and attractively decorated saloon type bar, long and wide and likely to have broadened its clientele appreciably. The decor is predominantly black and red, which in this instance is a very effective combination, especially in the black, white and red upholstery of the four attractive open style snugs and their red curtains, and in the red ceiling which casts a warm glow over the setting. The keg store at the far end of the bar features a number of tables specially made from actual Bushmills Whiskey kegs by a cooper who works at the famous distillery. It’s an excellent theme area of the bar and certain to be popular with the younger customers who are appearing in greater numbers since the refurbishment. A novel idea is the use of small kegs as plant pots, almost in the manner of hanging baskets. Plans are in hand for extensive development upstairs and night club facilities are to be provided, and there will be a Western style steak house with its own branded steaks in the best open prairie tradition.
The companion bar, Rogues, is actually the older of the two and both belong to the same owner. This was the old Imperial Bar which was totally gutted and redesigned into a quaint, cosy and distinctive little pub. The plasterboard was removed so that the original stone walls were uncovered and, once sandblasted, these presented a fine face. The rough timbers and huge barrel table restate the impression of a brewer’s yard type pub. Go through to the Lifeboat Lounge and you’re in a seaside town setting and no mistake. Surrounding the Royal Naval Lifeboat Institution lifebelt are pictures of the Portrush lifeboat, the Lady Scott, which ended her period of service in the mid 1970’s. You’ll find photos of this boat and her crew on the walls. The bar itself parades some unusual bits and pieces, a shark’s jaws with razor sharp teeth; a desiccated starfish; a puffer fish skeleton; a number of minature creels made by the oldest lifeboat member, Spud Fleming, a mere eighty six years young; a flare pistol; the telegraph controls off a ship’s bridge; a ship’s propellors. If you want to see the lifeboat leave on a mission of mercy you’d see it best from the upstairs Bistro bar and restaurant, but let’s hope you’re disappointed and it’s not called out. The little bar itself upstairs, with it’s claret, turquoise, pink and lavender colour scheme, will compensate you as you enjoy a meal from the very good menu.
With Rogues and Rascals flourishing it’s only a matter of time before Ruffians appears on the Portrush pub scene.