Last APG visit: 17/05/2012
Background: Ahhh, ‘Bummers’ as it’s disparagingly known by the Pier Pressure types, is a rustic-themed wine bar; all candles, low lights and latterly sawdust on the slate floor with a few nooks and crannies inside to lose yourself in.
Student factor: Mainly frequented by the close-knit community of lecturers, postgraduates and their groupies along with a smattering of middle-aged well-to-do locals. Occasional appearances from Aber characters like Julian Shelley are not uncommon.
Atmosphere: Bustling and amiable with plenty of high-brow chat. Gets packed on weekends and becomes very hot and stuffy – not good for asthma sufferers although now the smoking ban’s come in things are a bit more tolerable. There’s a nice outside drinking terrace which is great if the weather’s not too cold.
Drinks range: Good - lots of wine, a few ales on (though the southern ones are stupidly sparklerised - and the staff wonder why it takes 10 minutes to pour it?!?) usually Burtons, Tetley's and an unadventurous guest (London Pride last visit). Of all Aber's pubs, they really should make more effort on the ale front as it's the obvious 'venue' to drink it in town. Along with some more unusual lager and spirit choices it's very expensive (happy hour excepted -where vodka, gin and whisky are all just 60p a shot, occurs all night Tuesdays, and from 7:00-9:30pm on all other days), you’re paying for the venue. Incredibly small bar, can take an eternity to get served after 10pm.
TV/Music: Live music a few nights a week from various local bands, ranging from Folk to Jazz to Blues to Rock and most of what lies in-between. Though on our Thursday night visit in May 2012 the piped music was terrible - on a par with the Glen circa 2001.
Other stuff: Has a selection of board games with one piece missing, along with a nice patio outside the front. Used to have super views of the River Rheidol in the downstairs bar until some muppets from the local council put a load of ugly concrete pillars all the way down the riverside. Very good pizzas are offered; well-worth getting dinner in there early on in the evening. Opens late at weekends.
Quinno’s verdict: If you’re feeling bohemian this is the best place for a lively drink and high-brow chat in good company and with quality live music. Or (if you're being more practical) to try and sponge some knowledge for that essay that’s due in at the end of the week from the lecturers and PhD's hanging around. Rummers won't necessarily appeal to everyone but it gets my vote.
