The Pubs of Cork: 'We felt it was worth re-investing in because it is so popular'

Boasting the perfect cocktail of sea views, atmosphere, and a homely feel, the newly-revamped Lighthouse Bar & Bistro has the ideal mix.

It is contained within the Garryvoe Hotel in East Cork, and hotel Managing Director Stephen Belton knows all about the homely atmosphere.

“I am in the hospitality business for 40 years and living in Ladysbridge now for 30 years. I am one of the locals!” he says.

As I mixed with the locals at the unveiling of the revamped bar on a beautiful, bright March evening, I thought how that homely feel had been present ever since the O’Brien family purchased the premises in 1963, turning it into a renowned hospitality business and later expanding in the 1980s and the 2000s.

Stephen, who worked with Francis Brennan in the Park Hotel Kenmare, says he wants the Lighthouse to continue to be a neighbourhood bar.

“We’ve had members of nearly every local family come to work here at some time or another,” says Stephen, whose own three daughters are former employees. “We have a tradition of holding onto staff!”

The family-owned hotel beside the sea likes to keep it country. “The local families through generations, have always enjoyed making memories here for those special occasions,” says Stephen.

“I want the bar to be a neighbourhood bar where everyone is welcome, where everyone is comfortable and where they feel at home.”

Former employee Mary Walsh always felt at home when she worked here from 1976 to 2002.

“They were the best days of my life,” she says.

Garryvoe was Mary’s piece of heaven.

“Then I moved across the road to the shop!” she says.

In its early days, this venue overlooking Ballycotton Lighthouse and five miles of beach was home to tea-rooms and then a boarding house. The Lighthouse has moved with the tides.

But some things never change.

“We still have scampi and chips on the menu and the favourite chocolate log! That goes without saying!” laughs Stephen.

And the iconic lighthouse still stands proudly, commanding the centre stage in the Lighthouse Bar.

“That is always a staple. It’s set in stone.”

Longevity of staff is a trait here.

“Our chef Kevin O’Sullivan is with us 20 years. He is very proud of the new surroundings here in the bar and the beautiful restaurant setting.”

The bar is popular with locals, day-trippers, walkers, seafarers, fishermen, holidaymakers and sea-swimmers. Why the revamp?

“We are always re-developing and moving with the times,” says Stephen.

Michael O’Brien, the owner of the hotel, and Stephen, felt the same way.

“We were itchy!” says Stephen. “One evening in January we sat down and had a chat about further investment in the Lighthouse Bar. We felt it was worth re-investing in because it is so popular. Local support has always been phenomenal. We wouldn’t be here without it. Everyone knows us and that’s what makes it special.

“The guys and gals working here make it special.”

One gal came all the way from New York to manage the Lighthouse Bar.

“I worked in New York as a bistro/bar manager,” says Farrah Burke. “I am in my third year working here now. I love it!”

Is she bringing a taste of the Big Apple to Garryvoe?

“Yes! We are bringing cocktails to the seaside!” says Farrah.

Is the famous Manhattan cocktail on the menu?

“Of course it is!” says Farrah. “You can sample one of our amazing cocktails later on!”

Sounds good.

People are beginning to arrive to view the new-look Lighthouse Bar and to sample the delights it has on offer. They are very impressed with the décor and plush seating.

“We wanted to say ‘thank you’ for all the support over the years,” says Stephen at the launch.

The bar area is not as large as before.

“Drinking trends have changed and we felt a big bar area wasn’t necessary,” says Stephen.

“And we have the Cave Bar out the back.

“Our bar menu relies on consistency and quality. Maintaining those two things is the hardest. That’s what we are always after. We are not after Michelin stars.”

He’s after the custom of the young people.

“They like to hang out, enjoy a bite of food and a few drinks at the weekend,” says Stephen. “They won’t have to travel far or worry about taxis staying local to have a great night out in the comfort of these surroundings. I think the Lighthouse Bar will appeal to them.”

From my home nearby, I saw lights on late into the night in recent months when the tradesmen were at work, beavering away to get the Lighthouse Bar picture perfect.

The tradesmen are all local,” says Stephen. “They worked very hard and very late over the last few months to get us over the line.

“Nothing went wrong, thank goodness. We had a great team behind us.”

Jude Buckley, from Ballymacoda, is waiting patiently with his tray of welcome drinks for the delighted patrons coming here this evening. What does he like about working here?

“I saw the bar develop, coming a long way,” says Jude, a student at SETU Waterford.

“My co-workers are mostly around my own age and from the same area. So, we are all part of the same gang and we relate to one another.”

Does he mind being on his feet a lot in the hospitality business?

“I come to work early and I leave work early. So, I am happy.”

Michael O’Brien is another happy man.

“After working very hard to get the Lighthouse Bar open before his holiday in Switzerland, Michael says that he is extremely happy,” says Stephen.

“I was talking to him yesterday and he is delighted with the positive feedback. I know his late dad, John O’Brien, would be very proud of him and of his achievements.”

Mingling among the smiling faces who are thrilled with their neighbourhood bar, Stephen is on the crest of a wave.

“Hard work and staying power. That’s what we have,” he says.