The Weavers Pub at 83 West Street enters a new chapter next week with Rory McNulty, a man with vast experience in the catering and pub business at the helm.
Rory is probably best known locally as the former manager of the D Hotel which he ran very successfully until it was sold to its current owners. He has big ambitions for the Weavers which is currently being given a total makeover.
When I called in to see Rory this afternoon to talk about his plans he was busy, very busy. There were over a dozen men working with saws and drills, paint brushes and hammers to get the place ready for next Friday, April 12th , when the Weavers reopens.
All of them needed to talk to Rory about this and that and there were people calling to the door with deliveries and on top of all that he was dealing with calls on his mobile which never stopped ringing.
Rory’s managerial experience, he co-owns a pub in Torremolinos, has been doing the catering at County Louth Golf Club since July, has certainly stood to him and he dealt with all of this pressure without exploding.
He seemed calm, on the outside at least, but Rory is a man of passion and he is driving everything forward for completion in time to meet next Friday’s deadline when the doors will open to the public at 5.00 pm.
Rory brought me on a guided tour of the large premises and almost every square inch of it, from the front doors way through to the back wall, is to be changed.
I got a running commentary from Rory, and I mean literally, running. “There’s going to be two snugs there and there, either side of the front doors” he said pointing. “Then over there in the Bar and Bistro there’s going to be a raised area opposite there and in that corner there’s more seating in what will be a quiet area.”
“That floor is being tiled tomorrow, mind that wet paint, that wall is going to be green tiles, all of those tables and stools are going to be changed, those men over there are building the live music and DJ area ….” the list was long and detailed but Rory has it all under control.
Towards the back of the premises is a large space which he’s called Bounce which will be a café and sports bar with a covered outdoor area called the Loom Bar which will be equipped with ping pong tables, air hockey and pool.
Loom Bar will also boast a giant six metre TV screen, a pool table and foosball. Altogether there will be twelve TV screens in the premises to allow patrons to enjoy all of the major sporting events in comfort.
Rory is bringing eight staff that he worked with in the D Hotel along with him on this journey. “They’re eight of the best” he said, “I know and respect them all very well and I know they can all work under pressure and in a start-up situation like this that will be essential.”
Rory is joined in this venture by his long standing friend, work colleague and business partner Navin Sookun (Nav) and together their aim is to return The Weavers Bar and Venue to its former glory as the premier bistro food, music and sports venue in Drogheda.
