Muddy Murphy's

So, looks like it will be moi getting the fish-ball rolling with the reviews... sorry Binty! Guess I'm just a bit more organised than you! Either that or just boh liao...


Muddy Murphy's is one of those bars that simply screams 'ex-pat'. Whether that is a bad or good thing is purely down to your own tastes! As is standard in the global phenomenon of Irish theme bars (or Plastic Paddy Pubs, as Binty calls them) expect the decor to have that deliberately worn look, complete with old books on the shelves, old pictures on the walls, and old men propping up the bar. I have never been to Ireland and have absolutely no idea if this is an accurate reconstruction but judging by the number of Aussies, Americans and Brits (all with dubious family connections to 'the Emerald Isle') drinking Guinness like their survival depends on it MM's is obviously onto a winner. And I'm obviously the only one who doesn't get it.

I'm not saying MM's is a bad bar, but I've been to better. I suppose I've also been to far worse, but the one thing that strikes me about MM's is it's average-ness. The drinks are standard, the food (aside from a couple of Irish-themed novelties) nourishing enough but not stimulating, and the atmosphere, aiming for that legendary Irish 'craic' (good-times, so I'm told), instead swings between vaguely enjoyable and downright uncomfortable. Although maybe that's just down to being an Asian girl in a bar predominantly filled with white men... especially so close to the vice den that is Orchard Towers!

Live music could be the saving grace here and on those few times I have been obliged to meet people at MM's I have generally been impressed... it's just a shame that it cannot rid me of the impression that I am paying too much for too little. Or, for that matter, that slight feeling of being 'dirty' that I get when I spend too long there.


Drinks: Standard fare, a little pricey. 5/10
Food: Largely bland and uninspiring. 4/10
Music: Some good live bands. 7/10
Atmosphere: Not entirely comfortable. 5/10
Service: Friendly floor staff, if a little slow at times. 7/10

Overall: Not far enough off the hook to not get snagged by it again. 56%


Muddy Murphy's is located at 442 Orchard Road, #B1-01, telephone 67350400, open from 11am until: midnight on Sundays; 1am Monday - Thursday; 2am Friday & Saturday