Bar talk: Cork's Hi-B reopens but mobile ban remains

The tiny Cork pub is welcoming back customers with some new-fangled innovations such as a credit card reader — but the idiosyncratic spirit of the late great Brian O'Donnell lives on

Mother and daughter Nancy O'Donnell and Rachel O'Donnell-Barry have reopened with several innovations at Cork's Hi-B bar — but it's also honouring the spirit of the late Brian O'Donnell. So switch off that phone please. Picture: Dan Linehan

Cork’s famous Hi-B bar has finally reopened after a 705-day Covid closure and the 19th-century pub now offers a few modern touches for changing consumer habits.

While the cherished city centre institution now boasts a credit card machine and a coffee machine, it’s still true to its late, great landlord, the charismatic and cantankerous Brian O’Donnell, his daughter, Rachel said, confirming his legendary mobile phone ban remains in force.