The new Connolly’s Irish pub in Southport town centre enjoyed a packed weekend as it welcomed its first customers.
The new venture has opened on the ground floor of the former The Coronation pub on King Street, with the creation of 15 new jobs.
Connolly’s was packed out with people as it opened in glorious sunshine on Saturday afternoon (11th May 2024).
Inside is a large mural celebrating some of Ireland’s most legendary sporting heroes including boxer and mixed martial artist Conor McGregor, footballer George Best, snooker player Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins and golfer Rory McIlroy.
Stylish new rooms will then open in Catherine’s luxury rooms along with spa facilities in the floors above in phase two.
The final phase will see Catherine’s Wine Bar open on the ground floor adjacent to Connolly’s.
Connolly’s Irish pub has opened on King Street in Southport town centre. Photo by Stand Up For Southport
The scheme is being led by Julie Goodwin, who has recently reopened the historic Cheshire Lines Inn pub on nearby King Street.
It is a further boost for Southport Market Quarter, which is thriving after the transformation of Southport Market by Sefton Council into a stylish food, drink and events venue in a £1.4 million scheme in 2021.
Quicksilver Music recently moved into bigger new premises, while other new local independent businesses to open in recent months include Season Coffee, Bar and Kitchen; The Plant room; Eva’s Sewing Room; Southport Market Blinds; The Cake Box; Crystals and Crowns; and more.
Owner Julie Goodwin said: “Thank you to everybody that came out and supported our opening on Saturday, thank you to all the entertainment, The Mollys, Elle on Electric Fiddle, Forged Irish dancer and Dan Ambrose DJ!
“Thank you to all the staff who did a superb job but mostly to all the lovely customers who kept us all very very busy.”
Connolly’s Irish pub has opened on King Street in Southport town centre. Photo by Stand Up For Southport
Speaking on the Connolly’s Irish pub Facebook page, Angela Cortman said: “Great night at Connolly’s well done Julie and all the staff . The music was amazing. Thank you so much.”
Jacqueline Cannon said: “Stellar night Julie, congratulations all, it’s going to be incredible!”
John McCabe said: “Well done Julie and staff and all the entertainers….. a memorable day. Long may it continue.”
Connolly’s Irish pub has opened on King Street in Southport town centre. Photo by Stand Up For Southport
Julie Goodwin said: “We are really excited about breathing new life into one of Southport’s most iconic buildings.
“The Coronation has very happy memories for so many people in Southport – myself included.
“We wondered whether to keep the old name or to start with a new name, for new generations to enjoy.
“I love the name Catherine which is my Mum’s name, which is why we have gone for that one for phase 2 and 3 and Connolly’s is a family surname.
Connolly’s Irish pub has opened on King Street in Southport town centre. Photo by Connolly’s
“We are delighted to be open in time for the start of the Euros in June.
“We have eight big HD TVs and a giant screen so our customers can enjoy the Euros from wherever they’re seated in Connolly’s plus a pool table and we’ve kept the original Coronation darts board.
“We want it to be an authentic, traditional Irish themed pub with a sports theme and great food with an Irish infusion. Connolly’s is a freehouse so we are also able to keep costs down so there’s some great drinks offers too.
“In all, we are looking at a 12 to 18 month project to get everything complete.”
- See latest updates on the Connollys Pub page on Facebook here.
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