2010? Bloody hell. At least I've *started* a new review, and am down into double figures on alerts :...
2010? Bloody hell. At least I've *started* a new review, and am down into double figures on alerts :-)
Member since:01.04.2005
Reviews:63
Members who trust:99
****I'm at an advantage here since for a college project I have been reviewing pubs, and this is one of them. I have been reviewing establishments on the basis of Atmosphere, Barstaff and Doormen, Music, Prices, Toilets, and proximity to Clubs. Hopefully any bad ratings won't reflect on my finished college project lol!****
Atmosphere Upon entry into The Ark, in Frederick Street to the east of the city centre, it becomes evident that the Scream pub chain stick to the same decoration and furnishing scheme. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though - this is not the pub which holds title of 'The McDonald's of pubs'. A title which is neither flattering nor exaggerated. It has a friendly atmosphere and the clientele appear to be a mix of the 18-30 crowd, students and full time workers alike. It should be noted that the pub operates a strict 'no football colours' policy, which the researchers felt may contribute to the relaxed environment since it seems to eliminate any yob or football casual types. As well as an outdoor beer garden, The Ark boasts an upstairs and downstairs, deep leather sofas you could fall asleep on, and also a projection system for football and rugby matches, and other sports.
Barstaff and Doormen The barstaff, like the customers, are friendly and cheerful (unlike some staff which have been encountered). The doormen, like many others, also seem to fit the stereotype and the level of professionalism actually makes them seem all the more intimidating! Still, they are good at what they do and are friendly to those entering and exiting.
Music The Ark (and the whole Scream chain for that matter) is one of the few establishments that boasts a regularly updated and widely varied jukebox. It's reasonably priced (£1 for 3 songs, £2 for 7 I think), and proves popular with the customers. Once you've chosen your selection from Alice Cooper to Eminem to Franz Ferdinand to Girls Aloud, you can then return to your seat and watch the current music videos being played on any one of several TVs positioned around the pub. On some nights though, the jukebox is disabled and a live DJ puts on a set.
Prices As well as selling alcohol, The Ark also serves reasonable selection of food. The menu prices are average, admittedly; but if you carry a Yellow Card (which can be used in any Scream pub) then you can sometimes get a small discount. The same applies for certain drinks too. Vodka mixer - £1.60 Alcopop - £2.60 average Pint - £2 average
Toilets Even the toilets in the Scream chain are all the same. Reasonably clean, with a fairly generic decorum. As well as plentiful toilet roll (during the day AND night) there are some safety awareness posters, one such poster alerting female customers to be careful who they're walking home with. This pleased the researchers, who feel that a lot of pubs don't care about customers once they've left the premises.
Clubs The Ark is pretty much a stone's throw away from the Strathclyde Union. Same procedure as always, if you have a student card you'll get in. If you don't have a student card, then you'll need a student from Strathclyde University to sign you in as their guest. The Ark is also barely 5 minutes walk from the Polo Lounge in Wilson Street, Delmonica's in Virginia Street, Mas in Royal ExchangeSquare, and Edge in Cochrane Street. As for transport (exit the pub, turn left and you're pretty much at George Square), a bus stop is right across the road, a taxi rank isn't too far away, and it's right beside both Queen Street Station and Buchanan Bus Station.
In the years I've been going to the Scream chains (even the years I shouldn't have been :P) I've never found fault with the service, staff, or any clientele. And although I am giving it 5 stars, that in no way suggests that The Ark is better or just as good as Nice N Sleazys!
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Pictures of The Ark
The Ark sign
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With Alice Cooper on the jukebox, you truly have sold me. ;-)
ilusvm 17.05.2005 23:19
sounds good but again - too far away!! only about a 20 hour car journey lol!
Pmshack99 09.05.2005 11:55
I LOVE the ark - although last time i went the barguy id'd me, which was embarrassing! i love it mainly because of the video jukebox, cos its so much fun! good op, michelle! paula x
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Advantages: Lots to do, large animals, great for kids, indoor and outdoor activities Disadvantages: No credit card facility, uneven terrain, badly signposted, pricey
piggypine 29.08.2007 (29.08.2007)
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Review of Noah“s Ark
Advantages: A great day out for all the family loads of animal and a great play area Disadvantages: Expensive not great in wet weather and there is a lot of walking!
jenjade 22.02.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Noah“s Ark
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May 5th, 2005
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