Let’s go down the pub deluxe: The Bar at Da Vinci’s Hotel signals the rise of the posh pub
The latest iteration of the traditional pub – let’s call it the ‘pub deluxe’ – takes off from where ‘90’s gastropubs and hipster craft beers left offer, and is edging its way into the luxury sector.
Leading the charge is The Garvan O’Doherty Group, with the refit of the bar at Da Vinci’s Hotel which reopened last month. The iconic bar at Da Vinci’s Hotel closed for 4 weeks for £100,000 investment works. The makeover has changed the space from traditional Irish pub to a more contemporary and luxury pub.
Tyrone Fitzgerald, General Manager of Da Vinci’s Hotel says ‘The bar at Da Vinci’s Hotel is the heart of the hotel, it is essentially where it all started for the hotel complex. We were conscious when making over this space that the core focus had to be our iconic horseshoe bar counter. We wanted the bar counter to act as the centre stage and all other elements of the project to work on enhancing this element of the space. We changed all the furniture, soft furnishings, flooring, wall coverings and restrooms. The bar is still recognisable because why would you ever completely change such an impressive bar.’
The rise of the pub deluxe is down to many factors, not least of which is the pervading foodie culture. After cafes, bistros and wine bars, it’s now the pub’s turn for an upgrade. ‘People expect high quality food and drink everywhere they go now. They’re also eating out often and at any number of different informal concepts. The bar can go back to being a bar again. The changing demographic has given bars a reason to be successful again.’
For Da Vinci’s Bar, it goes beyond great food and great drink. ‘When people go out today, they want an experience. We want them to walk through our bar door and just say ‘Oh, I’m going to have a bit of craic in here. We now serve food all day and have live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening’
As Da Vinci’s Bar switches up its offering to embrace fine wines, cocktails and even table service, the luxury pub makes a clean break from down-to-earth gastropub aesthetic. The new look is indulgent and opulent but modern.
Before you panic the, rest assured that while the look is ‘luxe’, the pub deluxe experience itself is anything but elitist. It’s possible to leave Da Vinci’s Bar, enjoying a stunning cocktail and pint of beer for just over £10.00. Bar food prices are really reasonable ranging from £5 – £16.95 and the menu is served daily until 9pm.
The bar refurbishment is the first phase of the development of the Da Vinci’s Hotel complex to be completed. Phase two will start in October with the redevelopment of the Spirit Bar space. In addition to the new bar, restaurant, kitchen developments, attention will also be given to the exterior of the building and there will be a big focus on training and development for staff.
Da Vinci’s Hotel Complex is the flagship venue for The Garvan O’Doherty Group and is clearly repositioning itself now to re-establish its position as a market leader.
Mr Fitzgerald concluded ‘We are so excited to reopen and show our loyal customer our brand-new look. This refurb will help us cement us yet again as the venue for a great night out. The refit of the bar at the hotel is up market but still maintains the warm hospitality that Da Vinci’s bar is renowned for. The bar is stunning, and offers great food and excellent service in a relaxing atmosphere. We’ve already had lots of positive feedback. I’m delighted we can offer this level of service and dining to our customers, and I’m excited to see all the future developments unfold in the coming 12 months for our hotel complex.’
Great beer & cocktails, great food, beautiful design, exceptional service: the pub deluxe is a concept we already love, only better. We’re not to call time on that! So call into Da Vinci’s Bar to see the final result for yourself.
Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council with support from Tourism NI and a range of local sponsors, it is one of the most anticipated annual events across the Causeway Coast and Glens region.
In addition to the world-class vocal ensemble Tenebrae, announced earlier this year, the festival will open its doors with Swedish a cappella sensation The Real Group on Wednesday 25 October in St. Columb’s Hall. Known world-wide for their vocal exploration of jazz, pop and folk music, the group has become one of the cornerstones of the modern a cappella genre and has toured internationally for more than 30 years with the voice as their sole instrument.
This is the finale to eight weeks of super summer Sundays so come down and spend your bank holiday Sunday in the beautiful setting of Ward Park, soaking up the sounds of American Bluegrass.
Locals acts including; Shonagh Forbes, Paul O’Doherty, Juno Hassan, Glen Harkin, Dean Maywood, Jay Jane Kens, Jimmy Tinney, Amy O’Neill, Ruairi McCafferty and The Elliott Duo Band, will take to the stage and showcase their amazing talents to an open audience.
Perfect for and families and Alice in Wonderland fans, the performance by Quantam Theatre depicts the adventures of Alice through her mirror into a strange, unknown world. Children can follow Alice’s fantastical trail as she travels across a chess board until she is finally crowned as the queen.