by Richard Buckley, Editor, Business Eye

A leading hospitality entrepreneur who has developed a number of Belfast’s cutting-edge venues has launched an exciting new bar brand in the heart of the City.  Mark Beirne is developing Pug Ugly’s in Belfast’s rapidly evolving Bedford Street on the former site of Morrison’s Bar, close to the newly opened Grand Central and Maldron Hotels.


 

The new bar, which is set to create 40 new jobs, will cater for the growing tourism trade, young professionals and the night time economy.  Dublin based O’Donnell O’Neill Design is developing the interior which is fusing the vibrancy of a thriving city centre bar with the traditional warmth of a welcoming and confident Belfast.

 

Along with his partner Colin Dalley, Mark Beirne is also working with Paddy Brennan, Director and Head of Commercial Markets, Lambert Smith Hampton to secure suitable locations to position the registered Pug Ugly brand in prime sites in Derry, Dublin, Galway and Cork.

 

The new Pug Ugly’s bar in Belfast is located close to a number of popular city centre venues first created by Mark Beirne, including Filthy McNastys, Rita’s, the Perch and the Sweet Afton.  His ability to revitalise failing licensed premises and establish innovative new opportunities set him apart in the early 2000’s, with his projects including the Potthouse in Waring Street and the conversion of a bonded warehouse in Tomb Street which became Belfast’s most popular nightclub, Milk.   

 

Colin Dalley, chef and, partner in Pug Ugly’s has worked with Beirne across a number of ventures and he has developed a bespoke food offering that reflects the diversity of the new Pug Ugly’s brand.

Commenting on the project, Mark Beirne, said, “Pug Ugly’s is a brand that our team has been planning for some time following research on consumer demands and expectations within city centre bars.  However, location would always be key and when the opportunity came up to develop a building of the calibre of the former Morrison’s bar in the heart of the City, we knew we had the missing link.

 

“Belfast is changing and with growing tourism, a thriving night time economy and the expectation of quality food offerings throughout the day Pug Ugly’s will resonate with a diverse demographic.  We are very confident in the concept and design and are excited by the opportunity of replicating the brand in other city locations”.

 

Pug Ugly’s will open in August 2018.

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Mark Beirne & Colin Dalley

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