After we left Vine St. Pub we were in search of hearty food and televisions. My friend was hungry and I needed to get away from hippies, protesters and bearded people with North Face jackets on, if only for a short while. We chose Three Lions Pub, because, well, it was down the street and we were being lazy.
We walked in not knowing that it was a European Football and rugby bar even though it was on the sign. One match, in particular, was blaring loud through the speakers and people were yelling, so, we decided to stay. Three Lions Pub place wasn’t overly crowded it just sounded busy by the enthusiasm from the fans. Neither sport is in my wheelhouse of interests, but drinking is drinking and yelling usually makes things far more interesting when drunk.
The staff wasn’t unpleasant, necessarily, but I tried to joke with the waitress that sat us down and her personality went from warm to who the fuck is this guy in about two seconds. I can’t remember my exact words but it wasn’t flirting or anything. It was just some corny Dad-type-joke that leaped from the back of my brain. And she immediately switched our server. A lack of personality in the help always taints the experience. The waitress she chose was basically indifferent to the scenario and mildly pleasant.
The original waitress kept giving me an evil eye anytime our glances met. It was odd. And gale of hatred began to swelter up inside of me. I had done nothing but try to be friendly. I did my best to ignore it.
My friend enjoyed his food and a few other buddies showed up. The chatter began to compete with the extremely loud soccer match and we talked about politics and sports and music and whatever men talk about when left to their own devices.
On the bathroom wall…
We still didn’t have any interest in the sporting events they had on but we enjoyed our conversations. Maybe that’s it – their normal clientele is there to watch the soccer and rugby matches – not to socialize and catch up. Perhaps she saw my utter indifference toward the bar and soccer and her. It was just another place to have a beer. They want loyal soccer and rugby fans, not casual Americans.
We had one more beer and stuck around a little longer. They have a good selection of brews – plenty of European beers and a few drafts from Colorado. But really, the draw of the Three Lions Pub was that authentic “pub feel” with its large mirror behind the bar, banners hanging everywhere, and all natural lighting. If you were there to watch a match of soccer or rugby I am sure it feels like home.
Bad photography for a bad experience. That’s my best excuse for the picture below.
I left feeling like we stuck out like a black eye at the Three Lions Pub’s and ruined their spotless soccer fandom. I don’t know why and I don’t particularly care. Maybe the girl who sat us was just having a bad day. These things happen. I probably won’t go back unless I am with folks that have a stake in the match on the TVs. I don’t see the point. But I am not one to completely rule out another trip. I will always give a place a second chance. And I hope to be proven wrong. And that this was a one-time thing. Hell, I imagine the World Cup is a fucking hoot there! And isn’t that like every four years? Sounds good to me! Cheers!
Three Lions Pub
Website: threelionsdenver.com
Address: 2239 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206