So there I was, making my way up to Vidal of Portobello for the annual ear lowering gig. I was heading up South Great George’s Street and had stopped at the pedestrian crossing which leads into Aungier Street. I looked across and viewed the pub that is now known as the Thomas Moore Inn, formerly JJ Smyths. The premises changed hands a few seasons back and all of a sad suddenness the iconic jazz and blues venue that once was JJ Smyths was now no more. Money talks and so the JJ’s regulars found themselves walking elsewhere.

Judging from the outside, the new owners seem to have done a nice job on the renovation. There is an attractive, modern look to the new kid on the block and the music venue above the pub is now apartments.

My Good Self and my friends had many great nights in JJ’s. Those nights now live on in the memory.

JJ’s was the biz..