I happened upon the Hideout quite by accident one summer night two and a half years ago. As I hurtled down Queen Street at my usual breakneck speed, I was literally halted by music. I looked up to see "THE HIDEOUT" scrawled across the top of the window of this bar. I then saw the sign outside which proclaimed "THE MAHONE'S TONIGHT!! I can not recall what my original destination had been, but I think this was a diversion of the fateful kind. I was immediately immersed in sound as I stepped inside. The crowd was keeping perfect time along with the kick drum. I made my way through and found a spot where I could see. My smile grew as Finny and the band broke into "Star of the county Down." My Mother is from there and so, I hooted, hollered and yes, even sang for all I was worth! Other favourites like "Whiskey in the Jar", and "Dirty Ol' Town" soon followed and I was delighted!
I kept seeing this bandanna wearing mad man running back and forth between the stage, the sound board and the bar. Originally, I was sure he was a roadie or something. That assumption was only fueled by the fact that he kept appearing with Jameson bottle in hand! I myself hadn't even made it to the bar yet but I already knew there was much about this place to like. As I pushed through, smiling faces yielded and made a path for me. I soon found myself face to face with that same bandanna clad character. He asked If I wanted a drink, his face broke out in a grin. The moment I heard him speak I knew I'd be well looked after here. Soon he reappeared from behind the bar, introductions were made and the "roadie" became Jimmy Good, part owner of the bar. With a clink of our a beers, a nod, and the exclaimation of "Slainte" (Irish for cheers, good health, etc.) a friendship was born!
I returned to my spot in the crowd to enjoy the show.

However fate it seemed, was not done endearing this new place "THE HIDEOUT" to me. In a matter of minutes I ran into people I literally had not seen in years! It was all surrealy random and yet...perfect! I sat there thinking how great a change this place was from the clubs I'd been used to. Jimmy was ever mindful of me and never let my drink run dry for long. I appreciated this since I know his attention was pulled in many directions.
The band played on and my long lost friends, and some new found one's surrounded me! Again I thought, "THIS IS A BAR!" No pretentions, no ego just good people great music, and a great vibe to the whole place! As I turned to step outside for a moment, there in front of me again was Jimmy. He then introduced me to his brother Dan and again, a friendship begun. Jimmy then asked the question you can't escape at The Hideout....."Shall we do a shot?! In my head I knew this would not be some smooth "girly" shot. The Jameson bottle loomed large in my mind. Despite being of Irish Maternity, whiskey was something I'd kept a respectful distance from. Danny returned with a tray of what they called "liquid gold". We readied and raised our glasses. I took a discrete deep breath and with a toss of the head, and yes a slight cringe, it was down!
The night raged on from there but, even before leaving I knew I'd be back. When Dan took to the stage and asked the crowd if they wanted more using the term "fuckers" as endearment for the crowd (as only the Irish can) I knew this was the place for me.
If you've been, you've likely come back for more. If you are reading this and haven't yet visited....GET DOWN HERE! I guarantee you'll find great music, the greatest people and so much more! Oh and if you see a handsome bastard in a wheelchair, that'd be me!