Paisley's Crowning Glory

Details The Crown Bar  37 Broomlands Street  Paisley  Renfrewshire  PA1 2NG      0141 889 9244 What's the atmosphere like? It's a great old pub that is as friendly as it gets with a real community spirit and big-hearted regulars who raise money for local causes. At weekends, music fills the air and there is a good singalong that everyone can enjoy. There is a popular quiz night on Thursdays. What's the decor like? The public bar is a mainly male domain with a no-nonsense attitude but terrific banter from both sides of the bar. There's a Tinker's Row sign on the wall above the bench where you'll find a bunch of characters most nights of the week. The lounge, is a little more sophisticated with tartan touches, brass plaques and pictures of old Paisley. Who drinks here? Arguably the busiest pub in the west end of the town, it has a mixed clientele of people who live nearby. But it's well known further afield and at weekends folk from far and wide drop in for a blether or to enjoy the fun. Local charities have benefitted from various fund- raising efforts. including auctions of unwanted household items or unopened gifts donated by regulars. Two domino teams (male and female) have both won trophies in league events. There are folks from all walks of life who call this their local, including a former Royal Guardsman who did sentry duty at Buckingham Palace. Peter The Poet's work, which is on display on the walls, is another of the talents present. What about the staff? Husband and wife Tony and Jo Ward and daughter Jo jun keep things ticking over nicely. The couple have held the licence for 16 years and have a good team of part-timers roped in to ensure high standards are maintained. What about the food? The only time sit-down meals are enjoyed is when a regular is treated to a surprise birthday party or at Christmas when 40 pensioners get a slap-up dinner. Otherwise it's crisps, nuts, pickled eggs and jars of mussels.