Is the westie open?

[~smack]

Heard it is shut to get turned into a 'trendy bar' is this true?

Even if it is true, has it reopened yet?

[kj]

That's the first I've heard of it. It prides itself on being Dundee's 'best live music venue' so I don't know how much sense it would make to change direction all of a sudden.

[SabuNation]

Originally Posted by ~smack

Heard it is shut to get turned into a 'trendy bar' is this true?

Even if it is true, has it reopened yet?

They are currently revamping down stairs, the place has been gutted out and they're starting to work on the interior design. I'm thinking it will be the usual modern trendy clinical decor and material usage like every other crappy pub in Dundee, possibly in a bid to attract more of the Fat Sam’s crew. They claim that upstairs is going to stay the same, but I think this is the first step towards catering primarily to the new indie libertine/view lot that are creping up in Dundee. Eventually they'll sell on to the Fat Sam’s franchise and no more venue.

[kj]

That would indeed suck. Can you imagine the real/original Westie taking that direction?

[SabuNation]

The original, probably not, its was too small. But its possible for this one. In the wake of The View becoming big and putting Dundee "on the map" loads of pubs and bars (ie: Yuppies, The Waterfront, Dexter’s) are trying to capitalise on the indie guitar rock genre now that all of a sudden public in Dundee give a toss about live music. And I think the new Westie are wanting to jump on the bandwagon and cash in, giving its location next to Fat Sams its a prime place to bring in the punters. In time they might move away from the "alternative" genres to put 100% focus on popular forms of music to compete with the Doghouse, Yuppies etc. And if they do up downstairs so it looks all lovely, bright and shiny the last thing they want is some "dirty manky moshers" lounging in their pub chasing off the indie lot

[kj]

When rap music was dominating the charts the same thing happened. Everywhere was hosting 'hip hop' nights and when people realised how much of it was just generic shit it fell off. If they played real hip hop music then no one would have turned up. It's the same with the current Indie phenomenon... either way it all goes round in circles.

Also why is it half the guys in Dundee all look the same? Same hair styles, same t-shirt, tight jeans. Makes me laugh.

Sorry, i just went off in a complete tangent.

[jonny_spaceman]

haha you did well to not say "same jeans" though

[kj]

After my last effort a few weeks ago i thought i'd give it a miss this time hehe.

[Tommy Sports]

Originally Posted by kj

Also why is it half the guys in Dundee all look the same? Same hair styles, same t-shirt, tight jeans. Makes me laugh.

Because they're weak and think that by dressing the same as everyone else they'll be part of some bigger scene which doesn't actually exist except to line the pockets of the power elite. Girls are no better. The current look seems to be centred around an orange pus, shapeless dress or tshirt and tight trousers, regardless of arse size.
When are people gonna realise that they're more likely to get laid (which seems to be most people's motivation for any sort of behaviour) if they step away from the crowd and show evidence of independent thought?

Also... I've never really liked the new westie, it doesn't have the same atmosphere as the old one, and is synonomous with beat generator, who in my personal opinion (as in MINE'S, so if you take offence to it don't make childish snidey comments to my band mates) put on mostly shit bands, with, mostly, poorly chosen local support. If it's getting refurbished because it wants to lure in the bad taste, weekender, date rapist market like everywhere else in Dundee then it can fuck off.
More importantly, what happened to Drouthies this week?

[Dashingmajor]

Droothies is also being refurbished. Hence why Stripped and wired is being held in the Balcony this week.
I didn't think there was anything wrong with Droothies.
But the westie has always been a bit of a pile. But that's what it made it special. It never tried to be something other than a place to go and watch bands.

[ubermensch]

I have mixed feelings about the new Westie. It's a shame that they're refurbishing the downstairs part; I like the dingy character in pubs, mostly because it makes drinking feel like a dirty, frivolous pursuit. I was pretty gutted when they renovated the Dundee Union. It made me feel old, purely because I was starting to spout lines like "ahhh, back in my day".

It's one of Dundee's best venues though, as it stands. Stu is an excellent sound engineer and a thoroughly nice bloke. It's really not that expensive to hire either, considering the amount of people you can cram in there.

[~smack]

Headed down last night, the upstairs is still open for gigs and should be staying the same regardless of what they do downstairs.

[SabuNation]

I managed to have a gander at the new Westie yesterday, deary me what a sad sorry state it is, aligning itself with the countless number of undistinguishable bars and pubs in this city, not to mention it was full of utter wankers. But alas, money talks. r.i.p THE Westport Bar

[Tommy Sports]

Originally Posted by SabuNation

I managed to have a gander at the new Westie yesterday, deary me what a sad sorry state it is, aligning itself with the countless number of undistinguishable bars and pubs in this city, not to mention it was full of utter wankers. But alas, money talks. r.i.p THE Westport Bar

Word.
The new westie's always been fairly shit but at least before it was tolerable. They're above having optics for their spirits now, like the social and other such twat infested establishments. The bouncers seem to be there purely to hammer home the uncomfortable vibe and i have no idea who decided the mirror in the gents was a good idea, i don't want to see a full frontal view of myself pissing, not to mention the guy standing next to me.