Its a shame about the Tavern, it used to be fine in there, the kind of place you could go out to and there would be no bother, take mates or family...it appears that its nobhead central now.
I guess it depends on who you are out with and what the occasion is.
When me and Firemarshall go out for a curry after a few pints we usually end up in what was the Empire of India on Stanley St...I think its the Shah Balti House now. Thats always OK, the staff are friendly, the prices are acceptable and the scran isn't bad.
The places we always avoid are the all image and no substance types like The Olive Press....4 quid a pint, the food is shit, the service shit and the prices are a joke.
The Mexican gaff on Hope Street used to be OK for a good scran.