20/08/2026
THE SHELBOURNE WAY #3 ✨
This large sign hung outside over the pub.
Customers thought “The Man at Ease” meant “An Síol Broin” in Irish, but it doesn’t.
An Síol Broin means “The Seed of Life” or “The Seed of the Womb.”
We don’t know why it was called An Síol Broin.
An old photo featuring An Síol Broin and Amber Cabs.
You can see The Man at Ease sign over the front of the pub.
The An Síol Broin sign was done in gold leaf and has since been cut up and framed. The pieces now hang on the walls upstairs.
Amber Cabs was a great Hackney service. Customers would go in, put their name down for a spin home, and come back into the pub to finish their pint.
When a taxi became available, the driver would call into the pub for the customer.
Philip behind the bar, reaching up to the two stacked CD players.
There were six CDs in each player, so the team kept changing the songs to match the vibe on the night. You had to have the CD cover beside you to know which track to play next.
Multitasking at its best.
When regulars walked in—or when you spotted them getting off the bus across the road—you would have their favourite song playing as they came through the door.
Simple times.
Philip behind the bar, reaching up to the two stacked CD players.
There were six CDs in each player, so the team kept changing the songs to match the vibe on the night. You had to have the CD cover beside you to know which track to play next.
Multitasking at its best.
When regulars walked in—or when you spotted them getting off the bus across the road—you would have their favourite song playing as they came through the door.
Simple times.
THE SHELBOURNE WAY #3 ✨
