alcohol – Licensed & Catering News (LCN) – News Coverage from the Local Trade

Pub up for sale following owner’s death

Joe Kearney — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 11:10:59 +0000

A pub and restaurant in Co Armagh has been put up for sale after the death of its owner

The Portmor in Blackwatertown outside Dungannon has been listed for sale for an undisclosed sum through estate agents Osborne King but will continue trading as normal for the time being until a buyer is found.

The business was owned by Nigel Reah and his two daughters Marie-Claire and Marysia.

But Mr Reah died suddenly in March and his daughters are now seeking to “pursue new opportunities”.

According to the sales brochure, the two-storey detached property is being sold as a freehold, with a restaurant area “fitted to a very high contemporary standard” and a fully fitted kitchen with “ample preparation and store areas”. No price has been given.

It adds: “This is a well-established and profitable trading licensed restaurant with the current owners having built up a loyal and extensive client base.

“The vendors are seeking to pursue new opportunities and will continue to operate the business as normal until a sale occurs.

“The restaurant offers the new owners the opportunity to expand the outside catering and function business.”

The building features a single storey extension at the back, with a service yard with access onto both Main Street and Blackwatertown Road. There is also an outdoor section.

The front ground floor includes a spacious bar and lounge areas which have been fitted with a timber bar servery and seating areas.

The back features an extensive restaurant area with the kitchen and ancillary areas located to the side.

According to the brochure, the restaurant areas have been fitted to a “very high contemporary standard” with seating provided by free-standing chairs and tables with booth style seating.

The first floor measures approximately 1,820 sq ft, and was previously living accommodation. According to Osborne King, the space is currently used for staff, storage and service area, but could be refurbished back into residential units.

The listing stipulates that the buyer will be required to comply with TUPE legislation, which requires the jobs of employees to be preserved when a business is sold to a new owner.

The post Pub up for sale following owner’s death appeared first on Licensed & Catering News (LCN) - News Coverage from the Local Trade.

Ministers hail rebirth as McConnell’s visitor experience opens

Joe Kearney — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:55:40 +0000

Distilling has re-emerged as one of the north’s most innovative, dynamic, and export-driven industries, the economy minister has said.

Conor Murphy was speaking at the opening of the McConnell’s Distillery and visitor experience by five executive ministers in the former A-wing of Crumlin Road Gaol.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and US Special Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy, were all at the event.

Financed by private investment, with backing from Invest NI and Santander, the redevelopment project is part of a £30m investment in Belfast Distillery Company’s revival of the 250-year-old McConnell’s Irish Whisky brand.

Alongside the new tourism experience, three new pot stills have been installed inside the former prison, capable of producing 500,000 litres of pure alcohol (LPA) per year, making north Belfast distillery one of the biggest spirit operations in Northern Ireland.

Mr Murphy, who acknowledged he had been a former resident of the prison, which officially closed in 1996, said in many ways its transformation into a £12m working whiskey distillery and tourist attraction epitomised the transformation of society here.

“McConnell’s has identified the opportunity the north presents as an exciting investment opportunity,” he said.

“They have created this beautiful new distillery and visitor experience as an innovative export focused business, producing a quality product at a venue that will attract and entertain tourists, along with creating a range of jobs in an area that has suffered from under-investment.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the new distillery as “a remarkable story of imagination, innovation and determination”.

“I want to ensure this is a place where entrepreneurs can thrive and where people can come and work in first class facilities such as we see here today,” she said.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “It’s a great example of government departments working together with the private sector to deliver.”

The post Ministers hail rebirth as McConnell’s visitor experience opens appeared first on Licensed & Catering News (LCN) - News Coverage from the Local Trade.

Lisburn bar set for comeback after closure

Joe Kearney — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:24:23 +0000

A popular Lisburn bar is to reopen more than a vear after its owners announced they would be “retiring” the location.

The Speckled Hen, on the Derriaghy Road, closed in January 2023 after eight years and thanked its loyal customers for the patronage. However in a surprise post earlier this year, it hinted at a comeback – which has now been confirmed.

In a new post on social media, the eatery’s owner Martin said the bar will reopen from next month and will be considering third-party applications for its catering service.

“Hi, just to confirm the Speckled Hen will re open for drinks during May and food from mid June,” the post reads.

“The world of hospitality has changed dramatically in the last three years. The Speckled Hen going forward will reflect the changes while retaining a welcoming, comfortable and save environment for all.

“We are considering letting the food element of the business out to a third party. The terms will be very reasonable.”

Shortly before closing its doors last year, the pub’s management would frequently post on social media about the high bills it was experiencing, including over £9,000 a month in electricity.

In 2022, The Speckled Hen was named as one of the winners at the National Pub & Bar Awards.

The bar is now on the lookout for local musicians to entertain punters upon reopening.

“Going forward we are looking for local musicians in particular traditional music. We are also looking for a talented local pianist,” its post added.

“If you know anyone please share this message. Regards to all and we look forward to seeing you in the not to distant future. Martin”

The Lisburn spot, with origins dating back to the 1600s, became popular for its classic bar style and menu showcasing local produce.

The post Lisburn bar set for comeback after closure appeared first on Licensed & Catering News (LCN) - News Coverage from the Local Trade.

Warning after diners’ bank transfer scam

Joe Kearney — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:47:53 +0000

Hospitality Ulster has warned restaurants to be vigilant of a bank transfer scam after one venue was scammed out of £300.

In a post on social media, the trade group said it had been contacted by an unnamed business that shared an encounter where three men ran up a large bill and later claimed they didn’t have cash or cards to settle the bill, instead asking if they could pay via bank transfer.

“One of the party showed the staff a text message allegedly from his bank, confirming that the funds had been transferred to the restaurant. He said that it could take an hour or more for the transfer to show in the recipient’s account, so the party would wait and have more drinks,” read the post from Hospitality Ulster.

“The restaurant owners grew suspicious and informed the party that they had contacted the PSNI, at which point they left the establishment. Police attended the restaurant and informed ownership that they were aware of this scam.

“Please remain vigilant to situations like this, or similar, where you are unable to confirm that payment has been made.”

The warning of the scam comes at a particularly difficult time for hospitality venues. In February, it was revealed a quarter of hospitality businesses have no cash reserves and a further 29% have less than three month’s worth, according to a survey covering the whole of the UK.

The joint survey by the British Beer and Pub Association, British Institute of Innkeeping, UKHospitality alongside Hospitality Ulster showed the overwhelming majority of businesses have seen costs rise across the board, and are struggling with additional pressures.

The post Warning after diners’ bank transfer scam appeared first on Licensed & Catering News (LCN) - News Coverage from the Local Trade.

United Wines trio celebrate 60 combined years with firm

Joe Kearney — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 08:34:10 +0000

Three employees at Craigavon-based drinks firm United Wines have been recognised for their long service, having worked for the company for a combined total of 60 years.

Company Accountant Rory Hill from Banbridge, Co Down, and brothers Conor McStravick (Stock Controller) and John McStravick (Goods In Manager) from Aghagallon in Co Antrim, were each presented with a commemorative plaque and a gift voucher from Managing Director Martin McAuley to mark 20 years’ service at the company’s County Armagh base.

United Wines Managing Director Martin McAuley said: “I’d like to personally congratulate Conor, Rory and John on 20 years’ loyal service and thank them for all their hard work during this time.

“In business, it’s so important that you have good people around you and that’s certainly the case at United Wines. We are lucky to have such a dedicated workforce and a team that will go the extra mile.

“Only last year, we recognised another three members of staff for passing the same 20 year milestone, so in terms of being a good company to work for, we must be doing something right,” he added.

“The passion, loyalty, hard work, and unwavering commitment of all our staff have been instrumental in positioning United Wines as the respected industry leader it is today. We are truly grateful for their contributions and look forward to many more years of collaboration and success together.”

On receiving his award, Rory Hill said: “The past twenty years have literally flown by and it’s been a privilege to work for such a great company with so many outstanding colleagues, who are, of course, now good friends. Thanks to United Wines I‘ve been able develop my career with a company that values its employees and it was an honour to receive my long service award from Martin today.”

Founded in 1985, United Wines, a subsidiary of Heineken Ireland, is one of the biggest drinks distributors on the island of Ireland.

Operating from an 80,000 square foot warehouse in Craigavon, with 55 staff on its books, the company distributes an extensive portfolio of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks from all around the world to more than 1,000 bars, restaurants, hotels, off licenses, cash & carries, regional wholesalers and national multiples throughout the country.

The post United Wines trio celebrate 60 combined years with firm appeared first on Licensed & Catering News (LCN) - News Coverage from the Local Trade.