You go into O'Neill's and the atmosphere hits you. It oozes out of the dark old woodwork, the tobacco stained walls and ceiling, and grabs you by the throat. It's only a shame they've stopped selling hand-pulled beers...

If you happen to be there when the place is fairly empty and the sunlight is streaming through the windows, and you are sober enough to look closely, you begin to realise that the atmosphere has been carefully contrived. The tobacco staining extends to the hi-tech speakers high up on the walls. The furniture that is so effective at ground level seems on closer inspection rather more like a film set contained within a large sound stage, for O'Neills appears to be contained inside what once might have been a large bank, complete with vaulted ceilings.

It has been very, very well done. Inside it is fully fitted out with carefully "aged" dark wood furniture, liberally assisted by genuine old tables and shelves; part of an old library; and what looks like the complete fixtures and fittings of a very old chemist shop. It even has an old metal bedstead converted into a table. And not many people will get to look so closely in such good light. Most will get the atmosphere and enjoy it for what it's meant to be.

And while you're enjoying the scenery, this is as good a place as any - and better than most - to sort out your hunger. Their food is good value, tasty, and very filling: and the service is excellent.

Users' Views: In July 1998, Jerald Boddy wrote "O'Neills is a reincarnation of Durty Nellies, of which I attended the pre-opening night (just to test the "system" with free Guinness for most of the night). The building used to be a meeting hall, hence the high ceilings and Doric style columns. Children are no longer allowed into the pub for any occasion and the food is now more mainstream (they do a good burger and chips) and has recently undergone a change of management."