Classic Cork city pub gets €1m makeover

The new owners of a Cork City pub are set to hire at least 50 people after its €1m revamp.

The former Classic bar and its overhead nightclub on South Main Street, which has been closed for over a year, is due to open under a new name within weeks.

Its new owners, Phil Ryan, 32, and Eamon Walsh, 30, said once the renovations are complete and the new bar reopens in mid-May, they will need to fill at least 50 positions, from managers and security to bar and kitchen staff.

They hope to open the rebranded former Roxy nightclub upstairs before the end of the year.

Mr Ryan, a former manager of the Voodoo Rooms, Sober Lane, An Bróg and Barbarossa, said they could have opened the bar as it is, but wanted to put their own stamp on it.

And he said they have big plans for the venue which is just a few hundred yards from the city’s proposed €54m events centre.

“We believe there is a gap in the market, especially for the over 23-year-old demographic, so our goal and efforts are to bring something new and exciting to the city.

“We are investing heavily in this venture such is our belief that through our experience and knowledge we can bring something very special to Cork’s social scene,” he said.

“We will be putting a huge emphasis on food served until late, followed by live music and DJs, ideal for big group nights out.”

Mr Walsh, a well-known event manager in the city, said although they have years of experience managing venues, this is their first venture on their own.

“It represents a hugely significant investment of over €1m which is why the extent of the renovations will take some months to complete,” he said.

The new bar, which has yet to be named, will serve food seven days a week until 10pm and will include a separate brunch menu at weekends.

If you’d like to apply for a job in the venue, email your CV to [e-mail].

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