The Mæn Fiddler Review

The Mæn Fiddler on Bridge St in Nelson is one of the few bars on the strip that you don’t want to avoid. It is a traditional Irish pub with plenty of beers on tap and few premium spirits, but that isn’t a draw back. It knows what it is and isn’t trying to be anything else. It enjoys the privilege of not being tied to any brewery, so many of its bottled beers are boutique, brewed by local breweries in and around Nelson.

The staff are easy going types who obviously enjoy the odd conversation with a punter and the owners Jo and Coln can often be found drinking with a group of friends in the courtyard themselves.

There is obviously a passion for music here with the back bar covered in an impressive collection of classic records. It’s the kind of environment where any kind of music could work. When we turned up ‘The Story of the Clash’ was on the turntable. Live music is a regular here and perhaps one of the best places in Nelson to see it. Just like many Irish pubs around the country Irish rock is what is seen here most regularly, but don’t let that deter you as a pub that reflects such a passion for music incorporates almost any genre.

TheBarFly has a problem suggesting an optimum time to drink at The Mæn Fiddler as it enjoys so many different scenes throughout the night. Maybe drop in just before the band kicks off, get a few pints into you and enjoy pig-on-the-spit while meeting a few people. Part of the winning formula of this place is that people want to talk. Enjoy the opening set of the band then inflict yourself on Nelson’s strip “Bridge Street” – undoubtedly you’ll end up back here. No matter what, you can’t avoid The Mæn Fiddler in Nelson.

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