Developer swoops on landmark city bar in €7m deal

THE Bodega Bar in Cork city has been bought by developer Owen O’Callaghan, in a €7 million swoop, and is set to be redeveloped as a shop.

The landmark Bodega was developed 10 years ago by businessman Jay Bourke, who presents the TV programme The Mentor, with Eoin Foyle, and had been quietly on the market for sale throughout 2006.

However, its likely redevelopment as yet another retail play by O’Callaghan Properties will take many by surprise, given its award-winning status and acclaim as a bar, restaurant and entertainment venue.