Patrick Beary
24/11/2025
I honestly didn't think it was possible to walk into an Irish pub and feel actively unwelcome, but Molly Malone's in Surry Hills managed to redefine the concept. For a culture globally known for warmth, humour, and hospitality, this place somehow delivers the exact opposite. Quite an achievement, really.
The standout performance of the evening was the bouncer, who carried himself with the charm and subtlety of someone determined to make sure no one actually enjoys their night. You'd think the door staff at an Irish establishment would embody a bit of céad míle fáilte ??" instead, the reception felt more like céad míle "turn around and get out." It takes a certain level of commitment to hostility to make a paying customer feel like an inconvenience for merely existing, and I must applaud the sheer dedication to the bit.
To be clear: I wasn't expecting violins, step-dancing and a Guinness poured with poetry. I was expecting, at minimum, basic courtesy. What I got was a masterclass in how to take a venue with potential and make it feel cold, joyless, and utterly devoid of the friendliness Irish pubs are supposed to be known for.
If you're looking for a night out where you're treated with respect, or even the most baseline level of human decency, there are about a hundred better options within a five-minute walk. Molly Malone's is, without question, off my list ??" and off the list of anyone I care about sending somewhere remotely welcoming.