Cheers – pubs reopen

Cheers – pubs reopen

5 May 2021

LOCAL beer gardens and restaurants welcomed a return to business as Covid restrictions were eased last Friday.

Downpatrick-based Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant, Denvir’s Coaching Inn, Turley’s Bar and the Mirabelle Bar and Killough based Anchor Bar were among the public houses that reopened their doors to eager members of the public.

Despite some guidelines still being in place such as track and trace and limiting the amount of households at one table together, that didn’t dampen the spirits of the members of the public who made full use of their favourite locals serving again.

Mark Murphy, co-owner of Murphy’s, said he was delighted at being able to welcome back familiar faces to his premises whilst sharing a laugh or two with them throughout the day.

“It’s great. Finally after a long layoff we can resume a bit of normality in our outdoor beer garden,” Mr Murphy said. “We have installed a new bar outside to coincide with the rules that are still in place and we have enjoyed creating a new look premises for the locals to enjoy,” he continued.

“We have missed many things but none more so than our loyal customers.”

Whilst soaking in the busy atmosphere, customer Sarah Taggart said: “It’s been a long five months, I have missed the craic and seeing the different people around the bar. It is great to be back”.

Denvir’s also enjoyed greeting their customers, who enjoyed a meal and drinks in the beer garden.

Co-owner Chris Dagens said: “After a long time away, we can finally see our customers again. It’s fantastic to see so many familiar people who we have greatly missed and long may it continue”.

The establishment has also been using the ‘B express’ mobile app in the beer garden so customers can order from their table and reduce further contact.

“The app is great, it’s convenient for customers and makes it so much easier to get their orders to their tables at the fastest time. We have had great feedback on it so far and we will continue to use it,” he added.

Turley’s have recently installed an outdoor beer garden right on time for reopening. Using the duration away from regular opening hours to his advantage, owner Kieran Turley has expanded his premises.

“To reopen the doors again has been a relief. We started to expand when things were going downhill for the hospitality business and have really made use of the layoff,” he said.

“I love seeing customers back at the bar, even if it is outdoors. The main thing is that my customers will be able to safely enjoy a return to the bar,” he added.

Customer Siobhan Botsford said: “Kieran is a great host. He has taken care of us all throughout lockdown and really cares for his customers. My friends and I are regulars here because of how he treats us all”.

At the Mirabelle Bar in Market Street, owner Ann Blackwood was optimistic as she expressed her happiness at being allowed to invite members of the public back to their local.

“It’s so good to be back, we haven’t opened since October,” she said. 

 “It’s great to see the town busy again, the shops are back open but most importantly so are the bars and hairdressers.”

Customer Roberta Marie McCoubrey said: “I’m glad to be back at the bar with all my friends. It’s great seeing everyone out enjoying themselves, we all deserve it”.

Meanwhile in Killough, the Anchor Bar have began serving the locals their favourite selection of beers, all whilst supplying sports entertainment on their outdoor television.

Owner John Fitzsimmons said: “It feels absolutely brilliant to be back in action. I have missed all of the regulars so much throughout lockdown. Thankfully, it looks as though there’s light at the end of the tunnel and we are doing everything we can to ensure a safe return to all the customers.”

Among those enjoying the reopening was Cora Kelly, who said: “It’s great to finally get back to a sense of normality. John has been so great throughout lockdown supplying an off-sales for the village and he always make an effort to make everyone feel as comfortable as he can when we are all here.”