please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
tube posts that this pub is closed!
two years after the fact was posted here...odd...
|
closed down over a year ago. Wasn't a bad place.
|
All very well but closed now folks - not my generation but I'm told it's the end of an era for Young Croydonites (the minority who prefer to conduct themselves with at least a little decorum and avoid conducting debates through the medium of weaponry).
|
Brilliant! Best night is now Sunday. DjTony X plays a rock/indie/alt set that is better than anything else around London. Really gets the place bouncing. This night will be huge soon.
|
I used to quite like the Black Sheep Bar and it's still (I understand) one of the most diverse venues in Croydon. However, the fact that in order to be allowed to enter and buy a beer you have to submit to your fingerprint being recorded lends an unpleasant Orwellian air to a place that is supposed to be for recreation. I understand security being important but this is disturbing. I didn't give my fingerprint and would not return while this policy is still enforced. From what I remember though, good music, a lively crowd and a pretty breathtaking array of unusual liqueurs and spirits, good for shooters.
|
Went there once about a year back. Aggressive place full of little kids who think there bad. The staff are rude too you can tell they just want to go home and stop dealing with the rabble which I can almost understand lol!
|
Anywhere that had an ID scanner on the door is a definite no-go area,
|
One of the worst places I've ever been to. Horrible music, horrible clientele who couldn't care less if they were barging into you as long as they could jump around to an incredibly commercialised Nirvana song and the most OTT ID system I've ever known. Truly horrible in every sense of the word.
|
I hate to write this, as I've enjoyed many late evenings out with friends in the Sheep. It has, however, become somewhat of a misdenomer recently, escallating in an inexplicable incident. I was accused, after cueing for approximatley an hour, that I had jumped the cue. I obviously wouldn't feel moved to write this comment if I'd been caught out, but I had legitimatley been waiting from the back, was hadn't had one drink and waited patiently. I was with one other friend, whom they didn't talk to. I informed them calmly that they were mistaken and asked them to consider if it might have been anyone else, to which I was faced with a torrent of shouting and swearing from the head bouncer. It appears that the place is to be haunted by over-zealous and aggressive doors people. Why I was singled out or treated this way, I've no idea, but a huge disappointment and not sure I'll ever return again having been a member for 7 years.
|
I find it hard to be objective. Yes, the draft beer can be bad. Yes, it's grimy. No, it can't touch the good old days. However, it's still the Black Sheep and it's still pretty much the only venue in an eight mile radius that consistently caters to the alternative crowd. It's the only option for an indie club.
|
"And its a neat little fingerprint system to get in :)" - why, because people will blag and lie their way just to get into this kind of place when they're barred?
It's not most peoples' fault that Croydon is a violent shithole, so why do most people have to pay via this kind of system? Why don't the police do something properly OR - AS PER LICENSING REGULATIONS - the bouncers, barstaff and managers DO NOT SERVE ALREADY-INTOXICATED PEOPLE! Oh yeah, they'd lose money from people going home early, boo hoo.
|
i cant praise this marvelous "battle cruiser" highly enough,have been a regular for five years now and feel at home. the owners stan and beryl never mind me bringing my dog in,the regulars go out of their way to be friendly (have even joined the crib and darts teams) the choice of ales is more than generous and the food is to die for.all in all a venue croydon truely deserves!
|
My chums go to this place.
It's shit.
|
usaully the place to go as a follow on from a night in The Green Dragon. Garanteed hangover the next day....good variety of music but it does seem to have attracted a chavvy crowd of late.
|
Thursday Nights Are Te Best!!
Esspecially when they do their Slaughterhouse Fetish Ball!
I used to go here every thursday before i moved away to uni, but whenever i'm back i try to go! This place has produced some wicked memories for me.
Yeah, it is a members club, but if i remember right it is free membership, but you pay to get in anyway. And its a neat little fingerprint system to get in :)
|
wouldn't know, couldn't get in. Were told at the door it is 'members only' bar
anonymous - 4 Nov 2007 18:18 |
very good music on the tuesday and friday nights, cheap booze.
|
"Thursdays are for the brave, as it's metal night, and only get involved if you're used to it!"
no, a Death Metal gig is a place for the brave. This place, everyone's 16 years of age or younger. That's the scary bit. I got carded on the door even though it was obvious I'm over 21 - go figure... The bar maid who was reasonable looking had "don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me" written on herself in pen. Uh, no, I wish she was modest like you ain't and she is! A place for kids, hence. Check out The Ship across the road if you like grown-ups.
anonymous - 11 Jul 2007 14:44 |
terrible typical croydon tat!
|
Great music, lack of seating which is dissappointing.
|
For me, it's THE place to go on a Friday night. If you like your rock and Indie, it's the place to go.
Good-humoured people mostly, bar staff are always on form. The beer isn't the best, as mentioned below, but still good times to be had. Thursdays are for the brave, as it's metal night, and only get involved if you're used to it! It's almost like being at a gig, some nights. Other nights vary. Saturday is a bit of a mixture, with music ranging from rock to indie, to R n B to such stuff. Not all bad.
|
Good bar a few months ago but i think it may have become a bit over crowded. Haven't been in since so that may not be the case. Shame that they don't sell anynmore snake bites as they were a different class back in the day.
|
Good venue with some tasty staff, shame about the bands tho, same tired acts repeating the same crap every few weeks. some exceptions but few and far between.
long queues and loud lack of talent.
attract the local "alternative" kids and oldies who are still 14 at heart.
depends on the night, take your chances.
|
Hardly awesome but they do run it imaginatively with all the different theme and interest nights, gigs, etc. And that is what Croydon needs, especially for those over the hill. I've always found the service pretty good, the beer bulk standard, the bouncers okay, the punters fine, the music so-so, and the late opening hours convenient. More power to their elbow.
|
Without exception it has the worst beer on tap I have ever tasted. Watered-down, dirty pipes or both? Who knows, it just tastes of piss and has done for years.
But... (and it's a big but) they do put on a wide range of stuff. They support local bands but also book name bands and DJs fairly regularly. They run mini-festivals and different-themed nights. The service is prompt and friendly and the bouncers are friendly and polite too.
This is one of the very few good places in Croydon to go at night. Just stick to bottled drinks.
|
Chanced upon this place last night. It was "Club Camp", which is a new gay night every Wednesday. The drag act was absolutely dire, although people seemed to be having a good time. Venue wasn't that bad, staff were attentive... but you didn't come out of there over-awed.
|
I went there a couple of weeks ago as well and i was with those idiots in aviators but i didn't get to dance (even though i wanted to) because i've got gay fingers.
awesome bar though. awesome.
|
I went to this bar a few weeks ago and it was full of morons wearing cheap aviators, which they'd bought in Refle-fle-fle-fle-flex, dancing like utter idiots to rubbish music, thinking they were so damn cool. And the bar shut at 4. What's that all about?
|
Excellent bar, great music. Friendly staff and people!
|
The bar is most excellent. The week is packed out with a good range of music.
Mondays being film night = great idea
Tuesdays = Cheap drinks and Hip hop and RnB
Wednesdays = Live night
Thursdays = Mixture of rock, metal punk etc
Friday = Indie, rnb, and loads of good stuff *great night*
Saturdays = Random.. but good stuff.
thursdays - saturday always seems totally packed out. Just get there before 9 and you dont gotta pay. So.. dont whinge when you gotta pay, i mean a couple quid for a good night. Its not alot really!
Well, has been a kinda *local* to me for a few years, good people, good laughs. :)
|
Definatly feels like its not making the most of its potential. Massive yet often empty, Loud yet vibeless. Here's a hint- DONT CHARGE PEOPLE TO GET IN.
I have seen some great bands here though.
Somehow makes thirty somethings who arent "alternative" feel unwelcome despite we're the ones with all the money. You heard it-ALL the money. Cator for us dammit. Jazz and crosswords. Thats all we want.
|
I have been a regular of this establishment for the past year or so. I would go every Friday night and during the summer up to 4 nights a week. This place would be packed out by 10:30 when I first started coming, nowadays its still a handful of people at 12. I believe that this is purely down to the bar staff. They are often rude, slow and arrogant. They all seem to have this attitude problem and believe they are better than you. Being a barman myself, I focus on putting the customer first; in here this is not the case. People come here as an alternative to the other venues in Croydon. The reason for this is that there is a better atmosphere and, in general, the clientele are friendlier. The irony is that the bar staff contradicts the entire ethos of the venue. Having said all this, I will still be there every week- as there is no where better to go. I recommend Black Sheep Bar for all your purposes.
anonymous - 10 Dec 2005 14:36 |
Well went here for the first time on Sat night - and was please to say i actually enjoyed myself. They even played a garage tune. All up to date tunes and not one goth tune. Anyone know if it is still dnb night on thurs?
|
I like The Black Sheep Bar. Only in this place and Walkabout i can have real fun and feel free.
People are interesting and bar stuff very friendly:)
The Black Sheep Bar=FREEDOM
|
This pub is great not full of chavs like the rest of them plays a different genre of music each night, even has a movie night on Mondays. Great atmosphere on a night out. In my opinion the best bar in Croydon by a country mile!!
|
Went once and that was when they had a drum n bass night. Full of goths now
anonymous - 19 Aug 2005 14:37 |
I love this place. Interesting people, great music and on tuesday breakdancers< that's coooool. You can feel free and have fun! Bar stuff is very friendly :-)
That's the best place in Croydon(WalkAbout is O.K.as well)!!!
anonymous - 5 Aug 2005 00:11 |
My favorite place to go in Croydon.
I have been going there for almost 7 years.
I love it, but i try to avid the kids rock night on Thursdays.
Not really for over 21's or people who hate loud metal.
Fridays and Saturdays are so much fun, and most of the staff are really friendly. and the bouncers are the nicest in town.
Just keep out if you are a chav...stick to red Square over the road or Escapades
anonymous - 19 May 2005 11:11 |
Unlike most places in Croydon, don't need to dress up to get in. Hence it's one of the only non-pub venues in Croydon that I've got time for. Fair selection of music, depending on what day it is. Quite expensive, but bearable. Quite cool decor inside.
|
This bar is definately worth a look in. There's a good atmosphere, sound people & a wide variety of music. The only place I would venture in crodon!
anonymous - 17 Sep 2004 15:48 |
this bar is okay... for croydon. it is however full of middle class teenagers from weird places like purley, kenley, coulsdon etc. which is better i suppose than the other croydonites in other bars!
anonymous - 29 Jun 2004 01:01 |
This place is full of people trying to look different, but they all end up looking the same, but theres no attitude in this place unlike many other places in croydon which is a good thing, also plays a good selection of music.
Adam - 13 May 2004 15:06 |
A pretty cool bar/club. The beer is a bit costly, but not as bad as some places. Also entrance fee includes a free drink.
Has a pretty laid back attitude towards clothes, unlike some places that wont let you in if they don't like the colour of your shoelaces.
May not be to everyones taste in music, but you get the feeling they do try to play a range.
Mr. - 4 Mar 2004 18:01 |
One of my fav pubs in Croydon. I don't go in for the shoes and shirt attitude so its one of the only ones I can get into. One of the only decent live venues in town as well. I've made a load of good friends going to this pub, which doesn't happen often in a town like Croydon. The drinks are pretty good too, but I always end up spending too much money when I go there.
James Hawkins - 4 Mar 2004 17:44 |
The bar has a good mix of people and the place seems to take its music quite seriously - they have good quality varied gigs.
Its great to have a bar which isn't full of shirts and handbags.
Toby - 9 Jan 2004 12:55 |
Saturdays are great.
Fridays may as well be called "Bring your own indie compilation cd" Same songs all the time.
Sam the barman has gone now, you'll be pleased to know.
regular - 9 Jan 2004 12:49 |
I've been going there for about 6 years. The music has changed a lot over those years too. Hardly any idiots now wearing shiny shoes and sherman shirts. Now just too many idiots wearing hoodies and too many piercings. They need to keep the BSB to what its good at...that means keeping a variety of mucis and not going too far along the line of trying to be "metal" Great pub to mmet people though. Its nice to be able to go in there and find someone to drink with.
H - 9 Jan 2004 12:46 |
The black sheep bar is the only late night bar in croydon to offer something different. my friends and i have been going there for years. its has a night to suit everyone and since it has been refurbed the music policy has got better. The thing i like best about the bar is that you can just be. The people are friendly and non-judgemental, its like a mini-community, i always meet interesting people when i'm down there. croydon needed a kick up the a**e and the black sheep bar was born....keep up the good work!
boomer - 27 Oct 2003 14:33 |
All I can say is that the jazz on Sunday lunch time was a complete rip off when we went as the leader of the group, the Peter Long Quintet, could not play his saxaphone and was, incredibly, completely arrogant and patronising to those of us who had coughed-up �2.50 and then had to drink overpriced, poorly kept, beer.
anonymous - 14 Sep 2003 12:40 |
Croydon is about 5 years behind most cities up north in its evolution. When will it realise that it is turning paying punters away with this ridiculous dress code policy. Croydon is trying to imitate London clubs, but it doesn't have the quality or style to imitate them. They should allow trainer wearing and then the atmosphere would become more relaxed in places. The BSB has got better since they introduced indie nights on friday. shell suit wearers and buckle shoe people now look the freaks they are.
nick - 4 Sep 2003 11:06 |
at last, the bsb is finally attracting nice people! Thank god they got rid of hip hop night. It was attracting townies and ben sherman wearing idiots! Finally they get the mix right and play indie on a friday., Surprise surprise no aggro and finally a semblance of a ratio of boys to girls!! Now all they need to do is get rid of the chinese looking barman who's completely up his own a*se. No, you aren't a superstar mate!
smiffy - 4 Sep 2003 10:54 |
liked BSB before, still like it now. Shame the hip hop and Drum n bass nights went but Saturdays and pound a pint Tuesdays are still excellent. Going tonight in fact.
francesca - 1 Jul 2003 17:05 |
havent been there for a while since going to uni, but was my favourite place in croydon when at college. hip hop night no more? that's terrible
kel - 27 Jun 2003 20:17 |
live break dancers on a wednsday night. genius.
regular - 7 May 2003 15:12 |
One thing that annoys me about Croydon is the fact that 99.9% of the bars there have this pathetic Ben Sherman Shirt and Base Shoes compulsary dress code!!!
The Black Sheep Bar is a refreshing change from this unfortunate norm. If your not into the commercial chart and dance, or the cheesefests that dominate everywhere else in Croydon, then the BSB will have at least one night a week that's up your street. Its lively whilst being nicely chilled at the same time. You just feel comfortable there, no attitude. Recently had a refit to accommodate live bands, haven't been there since so can't comment at the moment, sorry!
Matt - 20 Mar 2003 08:52 |
