Category Archives: Events

Paisley Beer Festival 2013

It’s been delayed but not cancelled! The Paisley Beer Festival is finally coming back in September 2013 … from Wednesday 11th till Saturday 14th to be exact. It will be returning with its usual great selection of ales and ciders from across Scotland and England (this year the English bar will be sourced from the Yorkshire area), as well as offering foreign bottled beers and draughts from across Europe.

We’d encourage anyone interested in ales, or anyone who has never been to previous years Paisley Beer Festivals, to attend and sample the wide variety of real ales available, particularly since only a handful of pubs across Renfrewshire currently sell real ale.

Many of the ales, ciders and beers on offer won’t be available in local stores either, so it’s quite literally a real ale experience that’s not to missed.

When and where?

The 2013 Paisley Beer Festival will be held in Paisley town hall as before, with opening dates / times this year being:

Wednesday 11th – 5pm till 11pm
Thursday 12th – 12pm till 11 pm
Friday 13th – 12pm till 12 am
Saturday 14th – 12pm till 9pm

What does it cost to attend?

As with previous years, entry will cost £5 (for which you normally also get a free pint glass, and free entry on other days as long as you turn up with your glass!). For CAMRA members the entry cost is £3.

Volunteer to help at the Beer Festival

Like any reasonable sized event, the Paisley Beer Festival could always do with some helping hands. If you’d be interested in volunteering some of your time to help, let the organisers know!

Find out more on festival website, on their volunteers page.

New Events, a New Pub and a Fantasy Football Competition!

It’s been a while since our last blog post on the popular Renfrewshire Pubs website, but here it is, at long last. As you know the site is run voluntarily and we rely a lot on having the free time to keep it up date. We also rely a lot on the feedback of pub goers, pub owners and Renfrewshire residents to keep us up to date on events they know of, so that we can spread the word. Fortunately there has been a lot of that in recent weeks, so thank you all!

A new pub

We’ve just added a new pub to the website: Bar 5 @ Five on 5 in Paisley. You can find out more on their dedicated Bar 5 page on our site. Having attended a charity night there in recent weeks ourselves, we can personally recommend it is a pub worth a visit.

Events updates

We list hundreds of events on the site, a mixture of recurring weekly events and one off events. Some of those seem to be out of date, while we’ve also heard of others. With that in mind, we’ve trawled through the database and started updating. This has included updates / additions to events for pubs across Renfrewshire including The Anchor Bar, The Brown Bull, The Bankhouse, The Glenleven Inn, Hamishes Hoose, Howwood Inn and more.

More updates will follow. If we’ve not got your event listed, contact us with the details and we’ll add it

Fantasy Football anyone?

As you know, we don’t promote football very often. It’s not that we’re against it, but the volume of it on TV would mean all other events are quickly diluted on our site. However, we did run a Fantasy Football League last year, and we’ve re-opened it for this year!

It’s absolutely free to join and run via the popular http://fantasy.premierleague.com, based on the English Premier League. We don’t offer prizes, but the competition itself does offer some. We simply offer the opportunity to gain bragging rights over your friends!

Everyone is welcome, though it’s best if you’ve a connection to a Renfrewshire Pub or Renfrewshire itself. It help keeps it local.

Head over to the site (http://fantasy.premierleague.com) and create your team. Then visit the leagues section and request to join a private league. The code you’ll need to join our “Renfrewshire Pubs” league is: 846281-210240

Paisley Beer Festival 2012

It’s almost that time of year again when Brewers and their ales from across the UK descend on Paisley Town Hall. Last years festival appeared to be a huge success, so it should be expected that the Paisley Beer Festival 2012 will be bigger and better – particularly as it’s celebrating its 25th Anniversary!

As part of the celebration, the organisers are hoping to feature as many as possible of the beers that appeared at the very first Paisley Beer Festival back in 1986.

Last year saw the biggest turnout yet for the festival, with over 6000 visitors indulging in the tasting of beers from around Scotland, England and beyond. It’s expected that this year will bring with it over 160 different ales.

As with last year, entry costs £5 per person … or £3 if you’re a CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) member, and the festival will run from Wednesday 25th April until Saturday 28th April. Exact times (taken from the official website):

Wed 25th: 5pm – 11pm
Thu 26th: noon – 11pm
Fri 27th: noon – 12am
Sat 28th: noon – 9pm

Renfrewshire Pubs will be heading along to mingle at the Paisley Beer Festival 2012, so we look forward to seeing you there! If you see us, say hi!

For more information, keep up with the official Paisley Beer Festival website: www.paisleybeerfestival.org.uk

RBS 6 Nations 2012 starts this weekend!

It’s that time of year again for some fantastic RBS 6 Nations rugby action. We’ve not heard from many pubs that are showing it yet, but we’ll post updates as and when they let us know. We assume several will be showing the games, so watch this space.

What a fixture list to get us started though, with Scotland v England, followed on Sunday by Ireland v Wales. Certainly worth re-organising the weekend for!

Pubs in Renfrewshire showing the games:

The Cellar Bar, Paisley
The Craig Dhu, Paisley
Gabriels, Paisley
The Viscount, Renfrew

RBS 6 Nations 2012 Fixtures / Results:

For those who don’t already know, or can’t find, the full list of fixtures, here it is (and we’ll try and keep the scores up to date throughout:

Sat 4th Feb  —  14:30  —  France 30 v 23 Italy
Sat 4th Feb  —  17:00  —  SCOTLAND 6 v 13 England
Sun 5th Feb  —  15:00  —  Ireland 21 v 23 Wales
Sat 11th Feb  —  16:00  —  Italy 15 v 19 England
Sun 12th Feb  —  15:00  —  Wales 27 v 13 SCOTLAND
Sat 25th Feb  —  13:30  —  Ireland 42 v 10 Italy
Sat 25th Feb  —  16:00  —  England 12 v 19 Wales
Sun 26th Feb  —  15:00  —  SCOTLAND v France
Sat 10th Mar  —  14:30  —  Wales v Italy
Sat 10th Mar  —  17:00  —  Ireland v SCOTLAND
Sun 11th Mar  —  15:00  —  France v England
Sat 17th Mar  —  12:30  —  Italy v SCOTLAND
Sat 17th Mar  —  14:45  —  Wales v France
Sat 17th Mar  —  17:00  —  England v Ireland

Is your pub showing any of the games?

If so, contact us and let us know and we’ll let everyone else know!

Halloween Parties set to make Renfrewshire a Spooky place!

It’s almost that time of year again to dust down the costumes, get the monkey nuts out and ready the apples for dooking. Yep, Halloween is coming and it looks like the pubs in Renfrewshire are making sure there is no shortage of parties and entertainment to celebrate the occasion.

With prizes for the best dressed, games and more on offer, we thought we’d round up where the Halloween parties are taking place this year. If your pub isn’t listed, let us know and we’ll add.

So, what Halloween parties do we know of so far? Click each of the

Friday 28th October

– The Wee Howff, Paisley at 8pm. View event page >
– The Viscount, Renfrew. View event page >

Saturday 29th October

– Paddy Malarkys, Paisley at 7:30pm. View event page >
– Gabriels, Paisley. View event page >
– The Cellar Bar, Paisley. View event page >
– The Bankhouse, Paisley. View event page >
– Lorimers, Bishopton. View event page >

Sunday 30th October

– Kids Halloween at The Viscount, Renfrew. View event page >
– Kids Halloween at The Old Swan, Paisley. View event page >

If yours isn’t listed, get in touch and we’ll get you added!

Lots to choose from this September Weekend!

OK, so many of you might be disappearing for a short break over this upcoming September weekend, but for those of you staying in Renfrewshire, there are quite a few events happening to keep you busy!

Here are some that we know of …

Live Music at The Weir from Risky Business

The Weir Bar and Bistro have had some of the widest range of live acts on of all the pubs we’ve covered in our short history, and this weekend is yet another new name for us – Risky Business!
Music kicks off at 9:30 on Saturday 24th.

Find out more >

Live Music at Callums Bar from Adriaan Blom

A seemingly popular and up & coming musician, we’ve noticed Adriaans name popping up in a few places across Renfrewshire in recent times. For those who’ve not yet had a chance to see or hear him, head along to Callums Bar in Johnstone on Saturday 24th.

Find out more >

Live Music at Gabriels from Gwen Dillon

Not a pub that we get to much info on in terms of what’s happening, but we have it on good info that Gwen Dillon is playing there this Sunday night (25th) at 9pm. So, any of you lucky enough to have Monday off now have an excuse to enjoy your Sunday.

Find out more >

Live Music at The Viscount from Casper & CO

Another regular for events is the Viscount, and equally regular on our mentions is the fantastic Casper & Co that will be playing there this Sunday (25th) at 8:30pm.

Find out more >

All the usual Pub Quizzes, Karaokes and poker nights still seem to be on – or we’ve at least not been told otherwise.

As always, please feel free to send in pictures if you go to any of the above and we’ll post them on our Facebook page!

Charity Auction in aid of The Mary Russel School

Feeling generous? Then get yourself along to the Crown Bar in Paisley either this Sunday from 4pm, or next Sunday (28th) at the same time, to take part in their annual charity auction. Their auction has been running for 15 years or so now, during which time thousands of pounds have been raised for local charities.

This years auction is in aid of The Mary Russell School and everyone is welcome to go along and grab a bargain.

Hundreds of items will be going up for sale, from household items and electrical goods through to other items donated by locals from the pub and local businesses.

There will also be some pretty special items going up for auction including:

  • A handbag donated by June Brown of Eastenders (Dot Cotton!), used in literally hundreds of Eastenders Episodes!
  • June Browns own personal copy of the script for the last episode that her on screen husband, Jim, took part in!
  • A number of items from the cast of River City
  • Signed Footballs and other Sports Memorabilia

There will be something for everyone, so please don’t be put off by assuming the auction consists only of high priced collectors items. Get along and see for yourself.

Anyone with any questions should contact either the Crown Bar directly, or get in touch with Paul Thomson (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626299568).

A great event by a Renfrewshire pub for a Renfrewshire service, so please support it.

Feel free to send in pictures of you with your new item if you buy anything – email contactus@renfrewshirepubs.co.uk

Fox and Hounds Beer Festival in Houston this weekend!

We’re sure (or hope!) many of our followers are aware of the upcoming Houston Beer Festival, hosted by the popular Fox and Hounds, and taking place on Sunday 21st August in Houston Village. If not, then here is some more information on what you can expect on the day. If you did already know, here is a reminder!

Either way, we suggest you head along and help them celebrate! And remember to let us know how you enjoyed it. Better yet, send in some pictures!

Why celebrate, you ask? Well, the Fox and Hounds has just one Pub of the Year 2011 for Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the brewery has just won Champion Best Bitter 2011 for their Peter’s Well!

So there is a lot to celebrate!

On the day there will be a BBQ, Sphere Kids Ride, Marquee, Live music and restaurant – families all welcome.

For anyone who might hold a CAMRA card, make sure you look out for Head Brewer Carl in the Maruqee … when you show your card Carl will buy you a free pint of Peter’s Well to thank you for your support.

Getting Unplugged with the Swan, a Fantasy Football Challenge and more!

It’s all about the winning this week on Renfrewshire Pubs! Not deliberate of course, but the 3 main topics on this weeks post see us mentioning events where prizes are up for grabs. So whether it’s a bragging rights, a £75 cash prize, or even a bottle of wine with dinner that you’re after, it’s time to get your competitive hat on!

Getting Unplugged at The Old Swan

OK, so the bands are already booked for this, but you can head down and influence the winner of week 2 of The Old Swann Inn Unplugged Competition. Week 1 saw Stephen Henry win, after stuff competition from John Rush and Absent-Friends.

The competition lasts for 6 weeks (now in week 2) and 3 bands or solo artists will battle it out each Friday night for the first 4 weeks for a place in the semis, with only 2 acts getting through to the final where a cash prize of £500 is up for grabs!!

Get the dates in your diary via our Renfrewshire Pubs Events page.

A game of Fantasy Football anyone?

We’re not going to let the Renfrewshire Pubs site become over run with Football talk, but since Football is such a big part of our lives, we’ve decided to setup a Fantasy Football League for folks in Renfrewshire to join. It’s completely free, is based on the English Premier and it’s easy to signup for.

The prize on this one? Bragging Rights! And the announcement on Renfrewshire Pubs that you were the winner, along with the title of Renfrewshire Pubs League Champion 2011 / 2012.

Find out more about signing up: http://www.facebook.com/RenfrewshirePubs/posts/116932175071273 (and tell your friends to join)

A bottle of wine with dinner?

Indeed! That’s what you’ll get if you’re the winner of our August Competition. Hamishes Hoose have kindly offered a free bottle of wine to the competition winners if they go have a meal for 2. Entries are already flooding in, so make sure your name is in the hat! Just answer 3 simple questions. Head over to our competition page to take part …

Whuppity Scourie Quiz Rollover

Need some extra cash? Then get yourself over to the Whuppity Scourie in Erskine this Sunday. Their pub quiz has moved from Wednesday nights to Sunday nights, and this week there is a rollover cash prize, meaning you could walk away with £75!

Remember, follow us on Facebook to keep up with more news and events across Renfrewshire Pubs!

Live Music and the Start of the SPL Season across Renfrewshire this Weekend

Sometimes you get weeks where there just doesn’t seem to be much on in the area, and then you get those weeks where it is quite literally all happening. This would appear to be one of those weeks, so if you were moaning about having nothing to do, then now you have no excuse!

Live music in Paisley, Renfrew, Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan

A range of music to choose from this weekend, whatever your taste – and some new bands we’ve not mentioned on the website before.

On Friday evening the ever popular Groovefellas are rocking the Trust Inn, Kilbarchan. We’ve listed these guys a few times and we always hear good reviews, so if you’re in the area, head along.

Then, on Saturday night, you’ve got yourself a choice of 4 bands in 4 places. At 4pm, Absent Friends will be playing at the Old Swan Inn, Paisley, one of the most recent pubs to start sending us information about what’s on. Other options include Vicki Gold at the Viscount Bar in Renfrew, Snow Brigade at The Weir Bar and Bistro in Bridge of Weir and Thunder Road at the Glenleven Inn, Kilbarchan.

SPL Kicks off – We’ll be supporting the Buddies!

As you know, we try and promote all good reasons to get down and support your local pub and bar. We’re not football fanatics, it has to be said, but we’ll definitely be lending our support to St Mirrens efforts this season, by letting you know how they are getting on and, more importantly, what pubs in the area will be showing St Mirren games when they are live on TV.

We can start by telling you that The Craig Dhu, The Cellar Bar, The Old Swan Inn and The Club Bar have all let it be known they’ll be showing St Mirrens first SPL game live on Monday 25th July. Got luck the Saints!

What else?

If none of that gets you interested, then 2 of the best karaoke nights in the area will be taking place at Hamishes Hoose and the Bankhouse on Friday, so go sing your wee hearts out!

Some other updates include the addition of Kennedys bar to the website, the updating of a few pub profiles to include new Facebook profiles (including Lorimers, Bishopton, The Glenleven Inn, Kilbarchan and The Old Swann Inn, Paisley).

As always, if you know of events coming up in future, let us know and we’ll let everyone else know. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook (and tell your friends to!), to keep up to date with news: http://www.facebook.com/RenfrewshirePubs – over 300 others already do!