Pub/Bar/Nightclub

Co. Fermanagh Gastropub Purchased By Longtime Leasers

By Dave Simpson
Co. Fermanagh Gastropub Purchased By Longtime Leasers

Molly’s Bar of Irvinestown in Co. Fermanagh has been purchased by husband and wife duo Damian and Nicola Hanna with support from Ulster Bank.

Explaining why the couple decided the time was right to purchase the gastropub, Damian said, “We’ve leased the business for over a decade. In that time, we’ve strategically positioned and marketed it for the area and invested in its facilities to bring additional employment opportunities to the local community. We believe the time is right for us to take ownership of the bar we’ve poured so much into.”

Investing In Renovation

Meanwhile, Nicola commented, “Dining accounts for around 60% of our total turnover. In the past 18 months we’ve completed a full kitchen fit-out and, over the coming months into 2019, we will be investing in the renovation of a new 60-seater dining area to the rear of the premises. This follows recent investment in our newly reopened beer garden.

“There are around half a dozen caravan parks within a 10-mile radius of the bar, driving significant footfall during the holiday season, but only a limited number of venues offering a quality, affordable dining experience. This is our primary focus for building upon the success of Molly’s Bar.

Supporting A Vision

Nicola added, “We approached a number of different banks with plans for the business. Peter [O’Hara, business development manager at Ulster Bank] and Ulster Bank were incredibly supportive of our vision and carefully guided us through the process of buying the business and advising us about our future investment plans.”

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© 2018 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.