The Happy End Rocks Bansko

The Happy End Bar in Bansko rocked with the sounds of awake on Friday. Click play above to hear their rendition of "Paint It Black" from the Stones.

The Happy End Bar could be an obvious place to avoid - being situated opposite the gondola. But as reported here before, it may just be the best music night out you'll have in Bansko.

If you like rock in the form of Led Zep, Stones, Hendrix. And grunge, like Nirvana then you won't be disappointed. Awake not only performed the well known standards, but also play their own music - which was rather good. I can see why they received the BG Radio Award (www.pacific-studio.net for all the the band's history) and are busy touring not just Bulgaria but Europe as well.

As for the Happy End - It's best on a Friday and Saturday night to see a live band. There are usually a number of different live acts during the ski season. So do comment if you have seen other bands that impressed.

Expect mediocre food at inflated prices. The Happy End "sache" (mixed grill) is okay and be sure to look at the weight in grammes of the food. Often one dish will serve three people.

Service can be of the non smiling variety - but our waitress was rather good this time. More reports please.

With a DJ who keeps the atmosphere and dancing going during the break, and dancers to add that extra "something" be prepared to enjoy a great night.

Happy End Bar

With all this doom and gloom in the news today I thought it would be more in keeping to focus on the Happy End Bar.

This review conducted during my many visits last ski season.

The Happy End is the largest apres ski bar in Bansko. Its unmissable being situated virtually facing the gondola across the car park entrance road. A bizarre man in a chair lift dangles from a pole by the entrance.

Situated just 100 metres from Mountain Residence 3, and close to Bansko Royal Towers, Grand Montana and others its convenient for many staying near the gondola end of town.

Why The Happy End?

The good points start with its convenience, and nice wooden tables with lights on a weight and pulley counterbalance system that's sure to keep the kid in us amused for a minute or two as you play moving them up and down. Overall, a nice alpine and rustic vibe greets you.

Go there for apres ski drink but, unless you are not too fussed about food, probably best not to eat here. Although of course standard may improve in 08/09 season. The sache (mixed grill) is just ok but much better for less can be found.

Live Music

Best of all, however, are the Friday and Saturday night live bands. I have not been here when the band has not managed to get the placing rockin'. Mainly covers and a tendency to rock / popular. think Amy Winehouse, Rolling Stones, Guns and Roses, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Robbie Williams classics.

There are usually two or three bands that cover the whole ski season. The standard of musicianship was commented upon as being very high by my friend John, a professional guitarist friend.

Before the band, interval and after the sets, there is a DJ to keep things going.

Prices

Drinks prices can vary here. Be warned, I have witnessed a group get overcharged. Just best to have your wits about you but I've always been OK.

Needless to say prices are high for Bulgaria here - around 5 Lev (£2) for a large beer - but I cant now remember for sure. Bad points, well service can be average or worse, food is poor

You'll see both female and male cage dancers add to the visual treat, as well as a huge screen showing some stunning snowboard, skiing, speed paragliding and general extreme sports videos.


The male toilets always provoke comment with the interesting photographic murals above the urinals.

I have messed with the picture here, so as not to cause offence!

Overall Rating

Overall rating of the Happy End... on a Friday and Saturday night: 9/10. Other times 5/10.

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