B-Side the Leeside: Magic Nights In The Lobby Bar and its place among Cork's greatest records

As part of Cork's tenure as European Capital of Culture in 2005,  a compilation album from one of the city's best venues featured more than 50 tracks recorded by an eclectic mix of acts 

Pat Conway and John Spillane at The Lobby in Cork. Picture: Billy MacGill

Pat Conway is clear about who provided the push for Magic Nights In The Lobby Bar. “If it wasn’t for Philip King getting onto me to start it and the City’s deadline to release it, the album might never have been made.” 

Conway had opened The Lobby Bar near Union Quay in 1988, and gradually grew it into a respected live music venue until its eventual closure in 2005.