Stonegate unveils Irish theme bar chain
The Stonegate Pub Company - which was formed with the purchase of 333 Mitchells & Butlers pubs last year - has revealed that its first brand concept will be a chain of Irish theme bars.
Molloy's has been billed as offering a "truly authentic Irish offering on the high street that will include a value food and drink offer".
A £350,000 investment programme at nine former O'Neill sites gets underway on February 4. The Molloy's brand will launch in Blackpool, Bury, Blackburn, Bridgend, Bristol, Bath, Colchester, Sutton Coldfield and Watford. The sites are expected to be open for business by the middle of February.
Ian Payne, chairman of Stonegate Pub Company, said: "As the newest hospitality group, we're committed to offering the very best in customer service and there's nothing better than the legendary welcome and entertainment that's become synonymous with the Emerald Isle.
"We're bringing the next generation of Irish bars to the high street by taking the best of O'Neills and adding our own magic," he added.
Deals on offer include seven meals on the menu for just £2.99 or £3.49. Live music and sports will also feature as part of the offer.
Payne added: "The next few weeks will be an absolute extravaganza at Molloy's - our managers are going all out to make sure their business is the talk of the town."
The Stonegate Pub Company, backed by private investment firm TDR Capital, bought the sites from M&B in the summer for £373m. As well as some O'Neills outlets the deal also included the Scream bars, high street venues and community pubs.
