Not "Brown Eyed Girl" AGAIN?! lol (John Moores Student Union (Liverpool))

Member Name: Steve McNamee

Product:	John Moores Student Union (Liverpool)
Date:	21/05/03 (257 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: see review

Disadvantages: none, apart from the lost tree!

Having worked in this place for 2 years (98-00) I cannot recommend this place too highly. Something for everyone, from cheap drinks to top entertainment, I miss it loads, especially now I can't go back for all-day sessions!

Put quite simply, the place must be coining it in. Hardly ever quiet (and, whisper it, great never-ending lock-ins for the staff that have been known to drag through days) I would place a bet that it's one of the main things that both ex-students and current students would remember (or not as the case may be, depending on how good the night).

My only complaint is the 'new' Sanctuary. Ok, so the old area was only ever used 3 months out of 12, most students not being in town during the summer when it was best, but it added some much-needed al fresco to the place. I worry that the union is turning into something akin to a rather large bistro (with the exception of the always pubbish Scholars of course). I mean, I remember the days of The Wine Bar with its sticky carpet and unusual stains - most of which I'm sure were put in there as a conversation piece for the science fraternity, who would have no doubt discovered some new species had they analysed it. Anyway, I digress. The 'outdoor' area was great, from the poster sale they always had for freshers, right through to that tremendous tree which must have seen some sights! In fact, me and my friends were planning a "Swampy"-style protest, but unfortunately got a bit too drunk and sort of forgot in a Fosters haze. Never mind. It's nice enough now, but not what you might expect in a Union. It just doesn't quite fit.

Still, for me the Union was always as good as the people in there, a rule I suppose you could lend to anywhere, but particularly the Union for me. The staff were always a riot to get on with (heavy Irish contingent being a good thing in my book largely) and the bosses (Niall the token alcoholic - the likes
of whom I am unlikely to meet an equal of on a session EVER again, Rob - the man who constantly mumbled but sang Irish songs on helium on Paddys Day, and Sharon - the, erm, other token Geordie alcoholic).

To sum up the ethos of the place, I'll just quote one story. St Paddys Day behind the bar was terrible for the English, as for years, there had been an unwritten law that the Irish bar staff (accounting for 60-70% of the staff) didn't have to work it. Despite a small struggle, this was once again enforced. The best bit about the story is that the English staff had their revenge by all refusing to work St George's Day, negotiated a £1 a pint offer on Carling, and subsequently stayed in the Union all day, painting faces with the St George's cross, and generally, ripping the Irish to shreds. Superb. There are many more stories and tales, but my recommendation to anyone thinking of going to JMU is to go and visit the Union if you are having any doubts. Arguably one of the best places in Liverpool to go and drink yourself silly on a tenner.

Incidentally, for you people reading this for actual information purposes and not entertainment, there are also excellent facilities for disabled people, including a lift, there is a fine travel shop, and general newsagents (run by a slightly surly Asian gentleman). I stand to be corrected on these however, as it is 18 months since my last visit (unfortunately). And the title of this shouldn't need explaining, as it was always on the jukey every 20 minutes.

Too sum up, I think I'll steal from the Beatles (sorry) "All these places have their moments, of lovers and friends, I still can recall... in my life, I loved them all" Heady days, which I miss loads.

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