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City's longest family-run pub taken over

ONE of Belfast's most iconic pubs has been taken over and is to be refurbished in a move that could create a "21st century Soho" for the city.

McElhatton's bar on Donegall Street, one of the longest family-run bars in the city, was taken over by new company Broadsword House Ltd, it was revealed yesterday.

The move also includes the Fox's Den, which was formerly the Front Page bar and music venue, above McElhatton's pub.

Broadsword House plans to spend £200,000 on refurbishing the premises to create a two-floor venue in the city's cathedral quarter.

Mark Hassan, director of Broad-sword House Ltd, said the move will create 40 new jobs.

"For a traditional bar with such history it will be exciting to see the next chapter in its story emerge in a few months' time," he said.

McElhatton's pub has been in the McElhatton family since the 1970s and has often been used as a backdrop for films including Mickybo and Me.

Owner John McElhatton, whose father John snr bought the business, said a pub has existed on the site since 1872.

He said the pub scene in Belfast is changing.

"Mark can see the area in and around Gresham, Union and Donegall Streets continue to develop over the next few years, helping to build a unique, diverse and colourful new entertainment district," he said.

"I can see this area becoming the 21st century Soho for Belfast.

"The new venue will champion this ethos as we intend to deliver cool avant-garde London-style to Belfast's city centre.

"I feel we will be in good company in our location with the hip Hudson bar nearby and Belfast's matriach The Kremlin next door.

"Belfast is undergoing a bit of a hospitality renaissance at the moment with younger, more creative operators getting the chance to develop newer, more exciting concepts, which is really good for the city and should help refresh and rejuvenate the city's night time economy."

n hiStory: John McIlhatton snr behind the bar