Clover Group plans £500k revamp after purchasing Eglantine Inn

Hospitality firm Clover Group NI, which already operates eight leading Belfast bars has bought the Eglantine Inn for an undisclosed sum.

A long-standing Belfast institution on the Malone Road, the ‘Eg’, as it was known to generations of students at the nearby Queen’s University, has has been a mainstay of the Belfast bar scene and was first designed back in 1898 by the same architects as the iconic Crown Bar.

Clover Group director Mark Beirne said: “This is a very important acquisition for Clover which further builds on our offering, breathing new life into one of Belfast’s longest established bars in a wonderful part of the city.

“This area of the city has a strong tradition of providing a great bar experience for customers and we are really looking forward to bringing vibrancy and excitement for students, local people and international visitors alike.”

The purchase put to bed rumours that Tim Martin’s JD Wetherspoon chain were set to add The ‘Eg’ to its huge portfolio. Just days ago, Mr Martin put 32 of his pubs up for sale with the business having lost £30 million as a result of rising staff wages and repairs.

Clover Group is now planning a £500k refurbishment of The Eglantine in 2023 creating 30 new jobs when construction is complete.

The announcement  builds on the company’s growing footprint in Belfast having recently lodged planning applications for a new hotel in the Cathedral Quarter and an extension to the popular city centre bar, Margot’s.  Other venues within the Group include White’s Tavern and Beer Hall, White’s Garden, Henry’s and the Jailhouse, Fountain Lane, Pug Ugly’s and the Bone Yard.

The bar’s focus will be on showing a range of sporting events blended with a great food offering.

Clover Group also plans to open White’s Beer Hall in the coming weeks