I've been going to Meze Lounge since 2006 and as time has gone on, Meze has got progressively worse. When I first started going, the music policy was rock and metal music. It was an awesome alternative bar and it was nice going to a bar where I could listen to some kick ass rock/metal music and meet people who were into the same thing. The place had a great atmosphere and everyone was lovely and friendly. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the owner during that time but when he left, Meze started going downhill.
I would say this started to happen in 2008. The music policy went a bit strange. They were still playing rock and metal music but not as much and started playing D'n'B and music similar to that. The atmosphere changed. Silly wannabe scene kids who think they're better than everyone else started getting in and making the place uncomfortable. Also, chavs were able to get into Meze because there's a club called Mojo that's next door which made things worse because they would be blind drunk and start trouble. In 2008, there were a couple of incidents where a few people got stabbed and I was in the firing line duringone of them but was taken out of it in time.
Now, there is a new owner called Mista Ifsta (commonly known as Iffy). He has completely changed everything about Meze. They still play rock and metal music but they were playing bands like La Roux which was weird. The atmosphere is far worse now that underage children have started getting in, getting blind drunk and causing drama. The bouncers are arseholes. The bar staff are ridiculous. I paid £1.50 for a pint in there by one girl and her other colleague charged me £2 for the same pint and she said that prices vary from one bar staff to another. What a retard! She should be thankful I didn't hit her!
However, us veterans are taking a stand and we are doing everything we can to make Meze back to the way it used to be. The only good thing about Meze at the moment is the smoking area upstairs which is always packed and has a great atmosphere.
If you want to go to a rock bar, you're better off going elsewhere. Six Feet Under isn't too bad as with Le Pub but Newport has gone downhill recently. If Newport in general doesn't take your fancy, go to Metros or Fuel in Cardiff. Both awesome rock bars. read more