Corks to pop on new city bars

Cork city’s bar and restaurant scene steps up a gear this month with the soft opening of the large-scale, 8,400 sq ft Tequila Jack’s at City Quarter, facing One Albert Quay, and the recreated Oyster Tavern also aims for a soft opening by the weekend, at the redeveloped Capitol complex off St Patrick’s St.

And, just west of Cork city, another venture with long pedigree, the Anglers Rest at Carrigrohane, is in the final throes of a c €700,000 sale via Keane Mahony Smith, with a deal expected to complete legally within days, to a buyer with two other recent Cork suburban bar acquisitions.

The clear evidence of economic buoyancy and resurgence in consumer spending and dining out comes after openings earlier in spring, and packed tables since, of Cask on MacCurtain St, and Rachel’s on Washington St; now, the Piano Bar at Rachel’s is also set to extend into an al fresco, outdoor terrace dining on Little Cross St, already part-colonised by Reardens.