PUBS group Clover has put its name above the door of Belfast's oldest tavern after adding White's in Winecellar Entry to its growing portfolio.
Clover was formed earlier this year by four of Belfast’s most successful hospitality and leisure entrepreneurs, who've already opened Margot’s in Donegall Square East and next week relaunch Fountain Lane following a £1m refurbishment.
But White's, dating back to the early 1600s, is their biggest coup so far, and it will undergo a major revamp - sympathetic to its historic fixtures - and then will be relaunched in a move which will create 30 jobs.
Clover says White’s will maintain all its historic authenticity, and it will be refurbished in a way which maintains the integrity of the original tavern, complete with an original bar counter from the 17th century enabling traditional beer pouring techniques.
Former head chef at Deane’s Simon Toye will lead the food offering with an Irish-inspired menu in a new first-floor bar restaurant called the Oyster Room.
Other plans for the venue include the revitalisation of the outdoor area, including Winecellar Entry, with the intention of creating a venue for local and international musicians.
Clover Group's Mark Beirne said: “White’s is one of Belfast’s most important bars, not only in terms of its rich history but in the opportunity it presents to shine a new light on the venue and ensure it is cherished by future generations.
“We are maintaining and enhancing the integrity of its interior with the highest quality food and traditional music offering in a way that recognises our past and will celebrate our future."
Graham O’Donnell of O’Donnell O’Neill Design, who will refurbish the interior and exterior facade, added: “The new design will enhance the tavern's authentic traditional interior and story.
“The ground floor bar counter has been extended slightly and lowered to a height in keeping with a bygone era and to create less of a barrier between the bar tender and the customer, with under counter Guinness casks having been cleverly designed into the counter to ensure that White’ has the shortest possible beer line runs in the city."
Besides Beirne, the Clover Group includes Andrew Maxwell, Paul Langsford and Jim Conlon, who've been behind leading Belfast venues including Henry’s, The Jailhouse, Pug Ugly’s, Filthy McNasty’s, Rita’s, Sweet Afton and The Perch.
